Affordable Centerpieces

Designing your own wedding or paty centerpieces can not only save you money, but they are a great way to express your creativity. Worried because you aren’t creative? Do not fear! Most centerpieces start out with the same ideas and if you want to stick to the basics – no problem. Read on!

 

Glass vases are your friend. Whether you’re using your vases to hold candles, sea shells, or flowers you can come by them cheaply at any craft store. There really is no limit to how you can fill vases, which makes them functional even after the wedding reception. This is an easy project which you can do yourself without hiring a florist or decorator. Once you have your vase (or bowl, votive or anything made from glass), you can purchase a bundle of small candles (make sure you have the right size before buying) fill it your vase with water, add your candle, and light it. You have a very elegant and easy centerpiece for a very small price. If candles aren’t your thing, you can get some seasonal flowers (cheaper when in season) and fill your vase with them and sprinkle some petals around your centerpiece. Having a Christmas wedding? Get a taller glass vase and fill it with Christmas tree balls for a holiday touch.

 
Kill two projects with one stone. Another way to save money is by making your centerpieces into your table numbers. This will go perfectly with your glass vase (especially if you buy a square one). I would not recommend candles with this idea, but you can carefully print out your table numbers on paper to place in each glass holder. Then fill your vase with flowers or anything that will extend beyond the top of your vase. Be sure not to make your centerpieces too tall. One of the biggest complaints from guests is that the centerpieces interfered with table conversation because of their height.

 
Kits are friendly too. It’s ok if you lack creativity. That’s what craft stores are for! They are here to help you and they have taken care of the creative part. Visit Michael’s for creative and affordable centerpieces. Not only do they have everything you need, but will also give you a difficulty level and how long it should take you to do it.

Keep in mind that your centerpieces do not have to be complicated. The more simplistic they are the better. This will keep them from interfering with guests trying to talk across the table and will still serve their purpose. Think elegant and affordable and if nothing comes to mind, give your local craft store a visit for easy DIY kits!

Party on a (Strict) Budget!

Entertaining on a budget is entirely possible as long as you focus on what's really important for the party to be a success. While it's easy to overspend when it comes to throwing a party, there's no need to break the bank to have a good time. With these budget party planning ideas, your party will be memorable for all the right reasons.

Party Planning
Decide on a theme for the party. Whether it's a child's birthday or an elegant dinner gathering, a theme will allow you to focus on what the most important parts of the party will be. It will also prevent you from purchasing extra and unnecessary items simply because you can't resist. A dinner party can simply have a color theme, where you can focus on using items you may already have or can borrow, and purchase a few high impact items for maximum value.

Entertain with Budget Food
You can serve delicious and filling food if you plan wisely and shop carefully. Plan the menu with foods that have ingredients that are in season and are traditionally affordable. Purchasing strawberries in December isn't economical, but making a pumpkin cheesecake can be. Another party planning idea is to spend less money on fancy appetizers and go for a more expensive entrée. The idea is that guests will fill up on appetizers, rolls and salads and eat less of the more expensive entrée.

For a child's party, entertaining on a budget is not impossible either. It's just fine to serve cake and ice cream, rather than to prepare and serve an entire meal. Work with your child to come up with an amazing birthday cake and he'll remember it for years to come, not the meal.

Don't be afraid to have a potluck party when entertaining on a budget. Asking guests to bring their favorite dessert to share means that you can try different dishes, guests can share recipes and you don't have to pay for dessert.

Decorations on a Budget
Choose a few signature pieces to draw attention to the party theme rather than stuffing every corner with a decoration. If the theme of your dinner party is Christmas holly, come up with an attractive centerpiece and perhaps a wreath or two in prominent locations. Carry the colors of red and green throughout the dining area, such as red napkins, white plates and a red tablecloth. Make holly napkin holders to tie it all together. Less really is more when it comes to budget decorations and party planning.