We set a budget

We agreed on a certain amount to be spent per family. Since there are six of us, we can do a lot when chipping in the same amount.

We found an inexpensive, yet pleasant location

We’re having Mom’s party at the picnic pavilion at a state park. It’s easy to get to, has a pleasant setting and only costs $55 to rent for the day.

We’re doing as much as we can ourselves

We’re making all the food and some of the beverages. That which we can’t make was already purchased in bulk when it was on sale. We made up games and came up with some great prizes – many things we already had on hand like candles, chocolates and other niceties that can go into a gift bag.

Music is courtesy my iPod. We downloaded lots of fun party tunes and thanks to my Shuffle and my niece’s speakers, we’re ready to rock & roll.

Now I know some people would prefer a catered affair in an elegant location, but we’re not them. My family are simple people who prefer the setting provided by Mother Nature to lots of crystal and linen. There are many different ways to celebrate, not all of them have to cost a fortune.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

• We’re renting the pavilion in a local national park. It will cost $50 to rent for the day. A relaxed country setting is more Mom’s thing and this will do nicely.
• We’re stocking up on beverages and snacks as they come on sale. By buying in bulk ahead of time, we’re saving money. Imagine what we’d have to spend if we bought everything off sale the day before the party!
• We’re making our own favors and centerpieces. We planted my heirloom marigold seeds in small, decorated pots. By the time August rolls around, they’ll be beautiful plants that can be grouped together to form centerpieces and taken home as favors.
• We’re making as much of our own food as possible. Most salads, veggie and fruit trays will be made by us. In the case of sandwiches, it appears to be more cost efficient to buy pre-made trays of finger sandwiches and wraps, than to buy the meat, bread and condiments on our own.
• Instead of using a high end printer, I ordered invitations from Vista Print. They offer some great designs, and printed invitations are very affordable. Because I had a coupon, the cost was comparable to my buying heavy card stock and colored inks, and printing the invites myself.

As you can see, you can throw a large party without having to break the bank. If we decided to do this through a catering hall with all the bells and whistles, it would cost tens of thousands of dollars. Sure Mom’s worth it, but we all have kids and have to worry about things like college and mortgage. With careful planning, and bulk shopping in advance, we’re able to throw Mom a wonderful party that only looks like we spent a fortune.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy