by Sandra Harland

Created on: November 25, 2009

FRUGAL AND FUN NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTIES

Christmas is over. You have barely cleaned up the wrapping paper from all the presents opened and are just starting to tally your expenses. Suddenly you are asked to host a New Year's Eve party! How are you going to ring in 2010 with friends and family on a limited budget? Here are a few ideas that will help relieve some pressure on your bank account.

Invitations These don't have to be expensive. Take advantage of the latest technology and help the environment by sending invites electronically. Check out websites like Evite.com or Egreetings.com where you can choose a style that fits the theme of your party and saves you the cost of paper and postage.

Delectable Delights You don't need to provide another five course meal to your guests. They are also still recovering from the turkey and stuffing. One of your resolutions can be to provide a menu that is simple, tasty, healthy and, for you, inexpensive. Try an assortment of cheeses and crackers, cold cuts, fruit, crudits and dip. All of these can be enticingly arranged on decorative plates and platters and need little or no preparation. Frozen cookie dough is available in all supermarkets and you have the freedom to make the cookies in any size or shape you desire.

Affordable Alcohol The expense of trying to accommodate the drink preferences of all your guests could drain your bank account. Try choosing one or two signature drinks a punch (alcoholic and/or non-alcoholic), wine, martini's, etc. This will also make you a responsible host/ess by controlling the amount of alcohol being consumed. This will leave you enough to spend on a couple of bottles of champagne for the midnight toast.

Entertainment Technology again is on your side. With the advent of MP3 players and multiple CD players there is no need to hire a DJ or band. This will give your guests a wide variety of music to listen to and appreciate.

Decor Sparkle, sparkle, sparkle. There is nothing more magical then lights glowing throughout your home. String them in every room. The addition of candles will also add a mystical quality to the ambiance. Leave the Christmas tree up, just remove some of the ornaments to lend a more simple look.

By using some of these simple tips, you will save money, have less stress and be able to enjoy ringing in the New Year with friends and family!

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