8 Inexpensive Ways to Throw a Great Party

8 Inexpensive Ways to Throw a Great Party

1. Know your max.

Decide how much you'll spend and stick to your budget. Add up the cost of drinks, food, and decorations. Over budget? Whittle your guest list, or recruit a good friend to co-host with you to split the cost.

2. Have it at home.

Bars usually charge an event fee and drink minimum (no thanks). Fancy up the vibe at home by hiring a bartender. Pay one of your friends $15 an hour.

3. Time it wisely.

 Happy-hour drinks and appetizers are cheaper than hosting a meal. Plan on three bites per person after all you don't want to overfeed your friends and make them fat. Get one thing that cooks in the oven, like flat bread, a charcuterie plate, and maybe hummus, crudités, and olives. That is it.  Do not go overboard. Party should be about conversation and not stuffing the face!

4. Edit your invites.

Paperless Post has free, classy digital invitations that make it a cinch to manage responses, so you don't overspend on guests who can't make it.  Do not make your RSVPs public since this will only increase the number of yeses.  Furthermore, sspecify when the party ends to minimize lingerers. And saying "Significant others welcome!" on the invite politely implies that random friends are not invited.

5. Don't do cocktails.

Stocking a full bar is pricey. You'll save by having one signature drink, although you'll have to buy the extras some guests will request, like lemons, limes, and club soda. Cheapest option: Only serve beer and wine. Either way, plan on one to two drinks per person per hour, and set out sodas, juice, and water so guests can pace themselves.

6. Save on booze.

A number of grocery stores have decent wine for under $10 a bottle. Buy inexpensive beer. NO one will know the difference.

7. Deck your halls.

Good music and drinks get you 90 percent there. But if you feel like making your place look special then use items you may already have at home, such as a string of light and candles.  Perhaps, you could splurge a little on fresh flowers to set a celebratory mood and make your place look more inviting.

8. Let them help.

When your friends ask what they can bring, the wrong answer is "Just bring yourself!" The right answer is alcohol. And be specific, as in "Please bring a bottle of wine you love."  If you have expensive rugs then make sure red wine is prohibited.