TIPS FOR HOSTING FRIENDSGIVING ON A BUDGET
I really should have been a party planner of some sort because I truly love hosting all the things (especially in my own home)! And the holidays are the perfect reason to host some parties, so this year I'm hosting my first Friendsgiving!!! It's going to be SO much fun!
I love all of the little details that go into parties and hosting, but all of those little details can really add up quick, so this year I am trying to be more intentional about where I'm spending the money! Here are some tips I've found along the way to help you guys host Friendsgiving (or really any event) on a budget!
Don't worry about sending paper invites.
Make it casual and don't stress having to send physical invites! Instead, send out an email, make a facebook event, or even just send a text! Focus on creating an inviting message using words instead of worrying about the looks! Your guests will appreciate the invite regardless how they receive it.
Make it a pot-luck!
Who doesn't love getting together with close friends, eating + sharing great food?! Making your party a pot-luck style will take so much pressure off of you and everyone will be excited to share one of their favorite dishes! It also will be the perfect conversation piece throughout the event.
Create the ambiance you want with things you already have.
Initially, when I think about hosting an event like this, my brain goes to how I want it to feel when you come into my home! I want it to feel warm and inviting, which in my opinion involves all of the senses! Smell, sound, and visuals! But I think a lot of the time we focus too much on the visuals, which is also the most expensive piece of the cozy puzzle!
My suggestion to save some $$ is to create an amazing ambiance with smell + sound! Make sure to have some great music playing in the background the entire time and also light some candles or put a diffuser going so as soon as they walk in your house, they feel welcome!
DIY your place settings!
Another tip to host an affordable Friendsgiving is to not worry about having the perfect place settings! Instead, rock the mix-matched dishes, DIY name cards, and use real tree branches or candles for the center of the table. The goal is to create a comfortable welcoming space and you don't need all the perfect things to do it.
Here are a few things you can do to keep things low-budget but still cute:
- DIY name cards
- Use paper napkins that have a cute print on it or use plain ones and fold them fancy, like you would a cloth napkin.
- Use gold or silver plastic silverware to give the look of real or use wooden disposable cutlery.
- Use glasses and dishes you already own and it's okay if they don't match! You will be shocked as to how cute it looks all mixed.
- Use things you already own to put in the center of your table or go outside and use real tree branches for your centerpiece.
Not so much a tip, but end your dinner with some coffee and card or board games!! You can never go wrong with games. I've linked a few of our favorites below!