The holidays are a time for gathering with loved ones; however, hosting can add unwanted stress to the holiday season. Whether you are cooking for family or entertaining an assortment of guests, you can alleviate the stress with some creativity and strategic planning!
Set your budget
Start by determining how much you can comfortably spend on the event. List out all the essentials, such as food, drinks, decorations and entertainment. Once you have a clear understanding of your budget, prioritize items that are most important to the atmosphere of your gathering, like food or music. Also, you can look for coupons and discount codes online on by searching sites like Groupon, Flipp and Rakuten.
Decorations
You don’t need to buy expensive holiday decorations to set a festive mood. Opt for DIY décor to add a personal touch.
- Natural elements: Use pinecones, evergreen branches and holly from your yard or local park to create beautiful centerpieces or mantel decorations.
- Repurpose old decorations: Get creative by upcycling last year’s decorations or giving them a new look with spray paint or glitter.
- Thrift or coupon: Many local thrift stores are home to vintage holiday décor waiting to be rehomed. Furthermore, craft stores like Hobby Lobby offer a weekly ad with discounts available.
Food
Food often takes up the biggest part of the budget, but there are ways to provide a delicious spread without overspending.
- Keep it simple: Serve a few signature dishes instead of a large variety. Classic, hearty meals like casseroles or slow-cooked meats can feed many guests without requiring gourmet ingredients. Grocery stores like Publix often have meat on sale around the holidays. Check their weekly ads online or in store for updated sale dates.
- Potluck-style: Don’t be afraid to ask guests to contribute! You can create a theme (like international dishes or family recipes) and have everyone bring one dish, reducing your food costs while involving your guests in the event.
- Purchase family meal deals: Skip cooking all together by picking up a pre-made family-sized meal from your favorite restaurants. Restaurants such as Cracker Barrel, Johnny’s Bar-B-Q and Kentucky Fried Chicken offer affordable fixings to feed the whole family!
Entertainment
Keep your guests engaged by providing affordable activities and entertainment!
- Create a playlist: Curate a holiday playlist that suits the vibe of your gathering. You can use streaming platforms like YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music to find free, ready-made playlists or personalize one based on your guests’ preferences.
- Holiday games: Engage guests with simple, fun holiday games like charades, Pictionary or holiday trivia. Look up charades and Pictionary topics or trivia questions online. These activities require little to no cost and are a great way to break the ice.
- Cookie decorating station: Provide basic sugar cookies, icing and sprinkles for guests to decorate their own holiday treats. Many stores such as Walmart, Publix, Hobby Lobby and even Tractor Supply offer pre-made cookie/gingerbread kits as well!
- Photo booth: Set up a DIY photo booth with props (like Santa hats, reindeer antlers or holiday-themed backgrounds). Guests can take fun pictures without the need for a professional photographer.
Gifts
If your holiday party involves gift-giving, consider low-cost gift exchange ideas.
- Secret Santa or White Elephant: Set a small budget limit, such as $10 or $15, for each gift. These games bring an element of fun without pressuring guests to spend a lot. Stores like Five Below, T.J. Maxx and Ross often have affordable gift options. Stores like Belk typically offer special holiday discounts both in store and on the app during the holiday season.
- DIY gifts: Homemade gifts, like baked goods or DIY ornaments, are thoughtful and personal without being expensive.
Add a special touch
Make your holiday party stand out by adding a simple special touch.
- Create digital invitations using online platforms such as Evite or Canva. Not only is this eco-friendly, but it also allows for easy RSVP tracking and event updates.
- Small, thoughtful details like handwritten place cards or a thank-you note for each guest can leave a lasting impression, showing you care without costing much.
By using these budget-friendly strategies, you can host a holiday party that feels special and memorable without the stress. The key is to focus on creativity, community and the simple joys of the season.
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