How to Decorate a Party for $50

read on…

one | decorations
First things first, good decorations are a key. You want your space to look a little more special than just your average day. I like to invest in a lots of neutral and versatile serving pieces that will work for any occasion. That way you don’t have to go out and buy a bunch of expensive specially-themed items just for one event. Then I buy smaller inexpensive decor items to pair with it, like fun napkins, straws and paper products. That way you have a festive set-up without spending an arm and a leg. I went with a natural and neutral theme for the decor. It all started with this great garland.

two | food
I like to serve finger food at most of my parties. If it’s a daytime party I go with easy to make sandwiches. Morning? Bagels. Dinner = fancy appetizers and small plates. Silverware is one less thing you have to worry about. And if you use disposable plates, you have barely any clean-up! For this party, I went with easy to make sandwiches, fresh berries, veggies, chips and my favorite dill dip.  I found all the groceries I needed at Target, which really made my day 😉

I used a wood platter that I already had to display the sandwiches. This one would work nicely too!

For the veggies and dip I had to get this great piece. I’ll definitely get a lot of use out of it, since I do veggies and dip at every party!

My local Target has the best price on organic berries too. I’ve price-checked. You should check your’s. Seriously. I bought strawberries and black berries and put them in this ceramic colander.

three | fresh greens
A party isn’t a party at my house without fresh flowers or greenery around. It elevates any setup. period. I also like to have fresh flowers in the bathroom – it really adds to your guests’ impression of your hostess capabilities 😉 *random tip* If you’re having a lot of guests over, opt for paper guest towels in the bathroom – hand towels get grimy and damp.

For today’s party I wanted to add some texture and green, so I used a pot of succulents (you could easily use these faux succulents) and put it in this copper pot. What’s even better? It’s not going to die like cut flowers will. The fun lives on 😉

four | signature drink
Okay this is a fun one. Having a unique drink option makes a party stand out. It’s something to talk about and it’s an easy way to take a little risk. Go all out with a crazy concoction or just take it easy with an old favorite. We decided to bring back an oldie but a goodie, the Moscow Mule. We already had copper mugs, but these ones would work just as well. I also had to get these fun straws to go with them.

five | something sweet
Let’s face it, cakes are messy and cupcakes are expensive, so when I spotted these adorable cheesecake bites in the freezer section at Target, I was sold. They met my criteria: easy with no fork required and I don’t have to bake or pay like each bite is made of gold 😉 They’re fun and unique and look great displayed on a wood and marble cutting board (this one would look great too). Other desserts I’ve used in the past are mini-doughnuts and mini-pies and of course cupcakes (better for the bottom-line when they’re made by a friend!).

So all together I spent around $50 for the all of the party decor (not including pieces I already had). Which is the way I like it 😉 and if you order online you can use the coupon code SHAMROCK for an extra 10% off (valid until 3/21), which definitely helps with that $50 price tag.

What are some of your easy entertaining tips? Any tricks on saving money? We’d love to hear them! Leave us a comment 🙂

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