Tips for Hosting New Years on a Budget

If you saw my last post on two ways to do New Year’s and you’re picking the option to stay home, skip this post. 

If you’re hosting a New Year’s gathering and would like to keep to a reasonable budget, read on!

Tip #1

Send an evite – there are tons of free invitations to send to your guests’ email address or via text message.  A fun, festive no-cost way to invite your friends and receive RSVPs.

Tip #2

Skip a new outfit – when you send the evite, be sure to tell your friends this is not a dress-up event.  Wear jeans, sweats or jammies.  No need for an evening dress.  Unless that’s how you roll, of course.

Tip #3

Consider a potluck.  I don’t know about you, but all my friends have really good dishes they offer to bring to gatherings.  When you say, “Yes,” to their offers, soon you’ll have more than enough really delicious food without all the stress, work and expense of doing it all yourself.

Tip #4

As an alternative to potluck, make a big batch of soup.  Roasted red pepper soup with crunchy ciabatta rolls would make a really lovely evening meal.  Soup can be made the day before and is even better served the next day.

And can I just tell you about Costco’s giant bag of ciabatta and how good it is?  Or their baguettes?  If you’re off carbs, skip that.  😉

Tip #5

Make a big-batch signature cocktail.  If you don’t want to spend time tethered to the bar or purchase a full array of liquors, make a signature cocktail in a beautiful pitcher garnished with cranberries, raspberries or oranges.

SpruceEats has a ton of delicious looking recipes.  My go-to is champagne with Amarena cherry juice and fruit.  RealMoms has a good-looking version.

Set up a tray with sparkly champagne glasses (nothing wrong with using disposables!) and the drink pitcher and let guests serve themselves.

Be sure to have soft drinks and water available so guests – and you – can pace yourselves.  A bit of mint and a few cranberries really fox up the water jug.

Tip #6

Skip the decorations.  If your house is still decorated for Christmas or winter, your guests will get the festive vibe and no need for Ringing in the New Year décor.

An inexpensive package of cocktail napkins should be enough of the nod to remind your guests why they are there.  Ha!

Tip #7

Play a game.  Charades are super fun with a large group of people.  If you are hosting families with kids, everyone can play.

You’ll  need:

• A timer (everyone has one on their phone, right?)
• Charade cards (make your own ahead of time)
• Score sheet and pencil

For free downloadable charade cards, here is a template and ideas site.

Tip #8

Search out free rides.  If you’re serving alcohol, and if your area has free rides available, search that ahead of time and let your guests know they can get home safely.

Tip #9

Relax and enjoy yourself.  If you aren’t used to staying up late, no sense in exhausting yourself and not enjoying your own party.  Relax and let the night unfold.

Wrap Up

On my easy entertaining tips post, you’ll find more ideas for keeping your party simple. 

No matter what you’re doing this weekend, God bless you and yours and we’ll catch you in the New Year!