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.

Fall Parties Are Fabulous!

I love fall - it just may be my favorite time of the year. The weather is outstanding, the leaves are changing into fantastically rich colors and the air (yes, even in the valley) smells "fallish". I love parties, but perhaps even more so in the fall; they tend to feel a little more cozy.

A few tips to help you on the way to making your fall fest all that it can be:

1. Introduce fall vegetables into your party recipes. The fresh harvest really lends itself to delicious dishes with pumpkin, squash, and even broccoli.
2. Plan your autumn parties outside on the deck or patio when you can. Enjoy the lovely weather that is neither too hot nor too cold whenever possible.
3. Save yourself the trouble of cooking and running around. Contact your favorite local restaurant and find out about any catering offerings.
4. Decorate with fall elegance in mind. Consider colors for your linens like rich burgundy, chocolate brown, and spiced pumpkin.
5. Freshen up the scene with fall flowers. Make a statement with bold sunflowers or place potted mums around the party scene.
6. Carry the fall theme into your dessert spread. Offer guests a taste of apple cider, pumpkin pie, and other fall favorites. 

If you would like to throw an autumn party this year - be it a birthday party, anniversary party, retirement party, baby shower, bridal shower, or even a corporate event - you can have a lot of fun planning with the fall season in mind. The fall can taper into your menu choices, decorations, party location (inside or out), and so much more.