Use these tips for hosting a New Year’s Eve party on a budget to throw a fun bash without breaking the bank.
The end of the year is almost upon us and you may be wanting to host a New Year’s Eve bash. Let the year go out with a bang while sticking to your budget with these 12 Tips for Hosting a New Year’s Eve Party on a Budget.
12 Tips for Hosting a New Year’s Eve Party on a Budget
Try using a combination of the tips below to celebrate a low-cost New Year’s Eve party.
1. Decide on spirits.
You can have a fun party with no alcohol and this would dramatically cut your expenses. Many people prefer sparkling cider over champagne. Alternatively, you could do some champagne that is not too expensive as well. Wholesale clubs offer great savings on cases of low-price champagne.
2. You don’t need to serve a heavy meal.
Simply doing finger foods and small cocktail treats is usually enough for most parties. If you want to serve dinner, you don’t have to make an expensive meal with many courses. Choose an easy and inexpensive idea such as a Baked Potato Bar, Taco Bar, or Pasta. One of the benefits of having a self-serve dinner on a buffet is you can have it as an option for those who want to eat throughout the evening rather than a sit-down meal.
3. Plan your party to be after a meal.
I often plan parties after meals to save money, energy, and time. This means, start inviting guests over long after dinner has ended for most people so you don’t have to make dinner for a large crowd. You can let your guests know in advance that you will be serving dessert and coffee, so they understand that you will not be serving a meal.
4. Limit the guest list.
Keeping your party small will not only shave your costs but will reduce your stress and allow you to spend more time interacting with each guest.
5. Consider hosting a potluck-style party.
By hosting a Potluck New Year’s Eve party, the only thing you have to provide is the place and the atmosphere. There are so many options for how to handle a potluck dinner. You can provide the meat or main course and ask guests to bring a side dish or dessert. You can coordinate with guests to build a formal meal by bringing different courses. You can also create a theme and ask everyone to bring a dish that fits that theme.
6. Keep it simple with decorations.
New Year’s Eve parties can be kept as simple as just using a few Christmas lights or candles to set the mood. Since December 31 falls within the 12 days of Christmas it is fine to do nothing for decorations beyond leaving your Christmas decorations up.
7. Invite people digitally.
In this day and age, it is completely acceptable to invite your friends via text, but calling is more personal and is also more likely to get a timely response. Facebook has a great way to “create an event” to invite people. You can also use sites such as evite.com to create free, fun invites for your event.
8. Ice Cream Sundae Bar is a fun twist on a party.
An ice cream bar can be incorporated as an easy dessert after a sit-down dinner. Or you can use an ice cream bar for a dessert-only party. All you need for an ice cream bar is ice cream and low-cost toppings that you can buy in bulk. You can also ask your guests to bring their favorite ice cream toppings. One twist on this I like to do that is always a hit is bake brownies and then have my guests build their own brownie ice cream sundaes.
9. Shop right after Christmas for party supplies.
For amazing deals on party food, decorations, and dinnerware that would work for any theme, shop after Christmas sales. Many of those meat and cheese packs from companies like Hillshire Farms are up to 50% off the day after Christmas, so this is the perfect time to get your food for the party.
10. Research free shuttle services available on New Year’s Eve.
If you serve alcohol, you want to ensure your friends have a safe way to get home. My friends usually have already appointed a designated driver, but if your friends have not, you may be able to get some free rides home for your guests if they have imbibed. Check the local shuttle services that are offering free rides on New Year’s Eve. Not only will this save them money on a taxi service, but it is the best way to make sure everyone makes it home safely.
11. Save fireworks from the 4th of July.
If you live in an area where fireworks are allowed, make a plan to save some fireworks from July for your party. Many stands offer huge discounts on fireworks right after the 4th of July, so stock up for New Year’s. If you don’t have any now, ask around. Maybe one of your guests does. Alternatively, you can buy those little party poppers for less online than at local party stores. Or you can go old school and give the kids (and young-at-heart) pots and pans to bang together.
12. Skip buying a new outfit just for the occasion.
There doesn’t need to be a fancy dress code for New Year’s Eve parties, especially if done at home. Let your guests know if the attire is casual. You can even keep it super casual and host your own “grown-up” pajama party!
Printable New Year’s Resolutions and Reflections
Looking to kill some time while waiting for the clock to strike midnight? Print out a copy of this New Year’s Resolutions for each of your guests.
You can find the New Year’s Resolutions Printable here.
More New Year’s Eve Party Ideas
5 New Year’s Eve Activities for Kids
Frugal New Year’s Eve Celebration Ideas
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