https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 05 May 2026 10:46:02 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-party-on-the-cheap#post-1204573 Fri, 08 Nov 2013 12:30:36 +0000 GrapeCrush 1204573@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wish one day I can have parties like this...alas my house is too small (IMO lol). I think appetizers is a great idea. Also, if you serve apps, have other bring the wine and desserts. Would help cut back for you guys. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-party-on-the-cheap#post-1204509 Fri, 08 Nov 2013 12:13:05 +0000 regberadaisy 1204509@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: yes, we're huge ad watchers so will definitely do this to stockpile and save.</p> <p>@swurlygurl: fun! We're funny though, if we're hosting a party we want to provide the bulk of things. If people want to bring something that's awesome but we always plan to not expect anything.</p> <p>@Silva: omg, great idea!!! We have a empty lot at the end of the street that has a small hill that is perfect for toddler sledding! And I've always wanted to do a hot chocolate "bar". I can't think of anything more perfect than sledding then hot chocolate in front of a natural wood burning fireplace. &lt;3</p> <p>@looch: yes, we will likely do one or two heavier food items. But not as much as like a sit down entrée.</p> <p>@junebugmama: fun ideas!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-party-on-the-cheap#post-1204086 Fri, 08 Nov 2013 09:37:14 +0000 junebugmama 1204086@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You sound very similar to us. Everyone loves to eat at our house. So we ALWAYS go way overboard. (we just cut down our original plan of 16 sides for thanksgiving) </p> <p>We have done 2 things to help out with budget<br /> 1) We ask everyone to bring 2 bottles of wine 1 for themselves and one for the hosts. It saves us money in the long run because we end up with tons of wine</p> <p>2) We have a dessert contest. Everyone is asked to bring a dessert and then the group picks a winner and we give them a funny gag gift for winning. It's always a hit </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-party-on-the-cheap#post-1204057 Fri, 08 Nov 2013 09:29:20 +0000 looch 1204057@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I want to do something along these lines, like a holiday open house, you can come for a bit or stay the whole time, etc.</p> <p>I usually like to have one "wow" element and build around that, like a nice big slab of cedar planked smoked salmon and all the trimmings. </p> <p>I ALWAYS ask guests to bring dessert when they ask what they can contribute...another idea is to have everyone bring cookies or items of things and let everyone make a box/plate to take home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-party-on-the-cheap#post-1204021 Fri, 08 Nov 2013 09:18:49 +0000 Silva 1204021@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So jealous- I dream of the day I will have a big house for entertaining. I want to host annual holiday parties with sledding!</p> <p>I think doing appetizers- like different dips &amp; spreads, is a good idea, especially if you are doing an afternoon thing. Asking people to contribute something specific always helps. You could ask everyone to bring a nice cheese, and then you provide crackers, fruit, honey, olives, and do a sort of "cheese tasting."</p> <p>Also, doing something like a warm cider drink, or mulled wine, would help cut down on alcohol costs. Most people will have at least a glass of that (and you can make it with less expensive alcohol), and then you can just get some bottles of nicer wine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-party-on-the-cheap#post-1204006 Fri, 08 Nov 2013 09:14:21 +0000 swurlygurl 1204006@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have friends that do a 'Friends Thanksgiving' (usually the weekend before actual Thanksgiving), and they provide the meat (turkey and ham) and tell everyone to bring a side. It ends up being really fun - lots of kids, drinks and fun. It's not *fancy* by any means, but definitely a good time </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-party-on-the-cheap#post-1203993 Fri, 08 Nov 2013 09:11:21 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1203993@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with allowing people to "graze". No need for a meal, especially when kids are involved. </p> <p>I would ask everyone to bring something, potlucks are fun! </p> <p>I have found that not planning a menu ahead of time, but rather trying to shop on sale and then plan the menu around that helps. Sometimes I research and find the best recipe but it will call for an out of season or expensive ingredient. If I just go to the store, I can find whatever brand of crackers that are on sale and then some cheese, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-party-on-the-cheap#post-1203982 Fri, 08 Nov 2013 09:07:45 +0000 regberadaisy 1203982@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a house that's built for entertaining, imo.</p> <p>I would love to start a annual tradition of having a holiday party inviting family and a few close friends.</p> <p>Any tips for hosting a festive party on the cheap? We tend to go overboard on parties so it's hard for me reign the budget in, especially when it pertains to food!<br /> We love to cook and are known amongst family and friends to be good cooks. So buying frozen or ordering party trays aren't on the board. ;)<br /> I wouldn't be opposed to buying small frozen desserts though. ie I love the mini eclairs from BJs. </p> <p>I'm thinking it'll be a late afternoon time frame, must be children friendly. Thinking of serving appetizers (might be hard to convince DH of this) so people can graze and no seating necessary and serving wine. If people ask to bring stuff I'll suggest the same!</p> <p>Any tips from seasoned holiday party hosts? </p>