A Chic Party on Budget

Hosting a party on a budget doesn't have to be instant cause for a headache and tiresome struggle! Here are a few wallet-friendly party tips from food to décor on how to throw a chic celebration without giving yourself grey hairs and tapping into your retirement fund.

1.       Alluring Invitation

Once you know your theme get one interesting image that reflects it (If it’s your birthday use a fun picture of yourself – your friends love you, this should inspire them – heartstring were made for a reason people!). Type out your message with the party details, email it to your guests – the more interesting your image and your theme/concept are the most likely your guest will be interested in attending. Simple. Effective. Practically free.

2.       Welcome Drink

Let’s jump straight to the important parts – the drinks! Sometimes simple Sangrias in a jar with sliced fruit could be the life of your party! You don’t believe me? Next party you throw; put them out neatly at the entrance as welcome drinks, if your guests don’t go “WOW!” or utter other such positive exclamations from just seeing them I’ll buy you a cocktail! Choose a signature drink/s this way you don't have to fully stock the bar.

3.       Flower Power

Okay this part is pretty brief because flowers really speak for themselves; there’s nothing else I can say accept; “visit the flower market, get inspired, and get creative”. Yes, it’s that simple – Honest! Flowers are the universe’s cupcakes and balloons whichever way you put them out they add happiness, smiles and colour to your life!

4.       Austerity, people!!!

My sister always says “Dude, do not suffer from over-decoration!” (Yes, the young ones get all the beauty and the brains). Some of my most favourite things to use to achieve a minimalist look at a dinner party are candles! I love them not only because they are super affordable but also because when placed strategically around a dining area candles can be that intimate touch that makes a big difference – plus you save on electricity and let’s be honest who doesn’t look great under candle light? I’ll wait…

5.       Open your eyes, look within your home!

Borrow stuff from inside your house for an outdoor party! Yes, it’s so simple! The scatter cushions on your couch look vastly different when put on the garden chairs outside. Your house is quite possibly the best shop ever – you know how you can be sure I’m right on this? All the stuff YOU like is in there!

6.       Open the door, look into nature!

Here’s a fact; nature has the most amazing textures, colours and shapes – in fact almost (if not all) design is influenced by nature somehow. So why not use nature to add these textures to your event designs – take an old broken off branch spray paint to your desired colour put it in a clear vase with pebbles/stones you have a free and absolutely bold centerpiece! Pick some flowers; if your garden is as awesome as mineJ, just be sure to pick the correctly so they grow back! Some old trees shed their outer-bark and these make awesome tea light holders. Fallen pine cones not only make pretty centerpieces but they smell really awesome! I’m inspired by nature so I could go on for another blog on this (actually I probably will later). Whatever you do don’t hurt the plants and whatever you take from nature put right back – Mother Earth will love you for it!

7.       Meat is overrated, yeah I said it!

Now we are getting to the flesh of it! Get it “flesh”? … no? Ok moving right along. Hehehehe. I’ve learned some very important lessons from my vegetarian friends one of these being that cooking vegetarian does not only simplify your shopping list and the number of shops you’ll go to but it can drastically save your budget, it’s good for you! Meat-lovers do not RSVP “no” just yet, hear me out. I’m a meat-lover myself so I often get skeptical when the invitation says “vegetarian menu” (Yes, I’m also “new-age” like that so I get those type of invitations hahahaha). So just to make sure that everyone is happy rather reserve a nicer protein for one special dish – I’ve got awesome recipes for some delicious “meaty” entrees which would be an awesome idea if you’re going for a vegetarian starter. Meat-loving skeptics have their eyebrow raised at this point (don’t worry I’ll share these in my next blog – trust me they are DELICIOUS!)

8.       Simply put, simple food.

Ok let’s eat! Don’t have a lot of everything; have the best of one thing. Preparing a multi-course meal is not only exhausting but it’s expensive. Try something unexpected, like an “ice cream parlour” theme or better yet “frozen yoghurt” theme – good for you and guilt free! Get creative with your food and bon appetit!

Those are my tips and tricks on how to throw a budget savvy but chic party. Hope you find them useful – send pics if you use any!