Six tips to help cut costs when hosting a holiday party

Many Fallbrook residents enjoy hosting family members as well as guests in their homes during the holidays.

Given the large number of clubs in town, friendships abound and many people graciously invite others to join them at their home for a holiday coffee, brunch, lunch, dinner, or dessert event.

Hosting others does not have to break the bank, and these five tips can make entertaining more affordable.

Tip #1

Keep the guest list manageable

Keeping the number of guests to a budgeted number is the wisest way to begin. The more guests invited, the bigger the budget will need to be.

Smaller gatherings can make it easier to visit with others and attention to detail is easier. It also can relieve the stress on the host or hostess if the crowd isn't too large.

An added benefit of hosting smaller parties is that parking arrangements can be easier on the guests. If parking is limited at one's home, thought should be given to inviting guests that can perhaps double up and carpool.

Tip #2

Keep the menu simple

When it comes to cost savings, it is best to design one's menu around which vegetables and fruits are in season. This insures not only the best presentation, but the best price.

It is also important not to plan to serve too many elaborate hot dishes, as that can create a time crunch for the hostess and create high cost factors for too many dishes.

Tip #3link

Encourage guests to contribute

In Fallbrook, many potential party guests enjoy sharing their own special holiday recipe with others. Instead of declining the help, encourage guests to bring their favorite dish to contribute to the festivities. Those who do not have a favorite recipe to bring can be encouraged to bring along some beverages or other helpful items.

Tip #4

Borrow items when necessary

Friends and family members can be wonderful resources for borrowing serving dishes, extra tables or chairs, or other items. The important thing is to return what is borrowed promptly and sparkling clean.

Tip #5link

Repurpose holiday items

It's common to have left-over Christmas tree decorations that aren't in use this year, orphan holiday figurines, small lengths of wrapping ribbon, artificial greenery, or glittery accents. These items can be easily repurposed into attractive decorator items for the party to adorn the dining or buffet table.

Ornaments and sparkling accents can be sprinkled throughout a buffet table for holiday cheer and small lengths of ribbon can be tied to cutlery.

Small amounts or stems of artificial greenery can be tucked amongst other decorations to lend more color and texture to the dining experience.

Tip #6

Use reusable dinnerware

While using paper goods is tempting, it is costly, especially if the sturdy plates and utensils are purchased. While they do have to be washed and dried, using regular dinnerware saves money and benefits the environment by reducing the carbon footprint of a party.

Hosting a party at one's home is a commitment of time and resources, but keeping an eye on cost savings can help immensely. In the end, entertaining is beneficial to friendships and fellowship, especially during the glory of the holiday season.