Thread: Financial Party Torture!

Tweet

Arrrgh! I'm trying so desperately to find a way to throw a party this year, but the money just isn't there. I've got the decor and decorations covered, it's the food and drink that's the killer.
I considered throwing a pot-luck costume party, but most people don't seem willing to have to buy a costume AND bring food. Can't say I blame them.
We're known for our fantastic food, so going the cheap route with hot dogs, popcorn, BYOB would seem like a real letdown to the guests, and myself.

Anyone else feeling the financial strain this year? Any suggestions?

I think you can find some cheap dishes to make in bulk, like pasta dishes - cold pasta salad, baked ziti. It's really the alcohol that adds to the cost. You should ask people to bring their own booze.

Get some chips and dip, make stuff from scratch (much cheaper and tastier than storebought - I've done sausage/cheese balls, deviled eggs, and cookies for a few bucks each) and get some bottles of cheap soda and some punch. You could probably get away with spending $25 or so if you do that, and still have a decent spread.

Put on your invites to "bring your own booze."

and let folks know that you wouldn't be hurt if they brought some snacks either.

My husband got laid off in February this year and still hasn't found another job. At first I thought I would cancel our annual Halloween party, but then I decided that I have cut out so many extras recently to make up for the lost income that I really wanted to have the party anyway. I'm not doing many new decorations, just a variation on last years stuff. The food will be chili, hot dogs and nachos. They can either have a bowl of chili, a chili dog, chili nachos, or variations. It may not be as fancy as I've had in past years, but it still gives me something to look forward to! I also put BYOB on my invites. I usually make one signature drink and then if someone wants something besides that or soda they need to bring it.

I understand about money being tight....how big is your yard, you could have picnics, they bring their own, but if not just stick to the cheap finger foods. If you want at least one big dish make a big pot of chili or spaghetti...something that simple but easy and cheap to make in large quantities with the finger foods for the sides, have them bring their own booze if they so desire otherwise provide homemade punch and canned drinks. Get the stuff that can stay around a while ahead of time so you won't be swamped with buying everything at once.

Cupcakes are really cheap to make - just buy a box of the Pillsbury cake mix (the one that says pudding in the mix) and a jar of frosting and you can make 24 cupcakes.

We don't really do too much food at our party, just snacks and stuff. Halloween is one of those parties where everyone understands that the effort is in the decor, not in the food and drinks.

But if you feel like you have to provide something, Pulled pork tacos are my budget go-to and very cheap. Can feed people for less than a dollar each.


We do BYOB for our parties too, and nobody cares. They are just happy to have a night out that is cheaper than going to the bars.

You might consider teaming up with someone like I did. My 2 best friends and I got together 2 years ago for Halloween, and have been doing it ever since. We split the cost of everything, and even though we have an annual budget much higher than most, it makes it a much more affordable party. We started out with a $600 budget the first year, and split between 3 people made it only $200 a piece for food, decor, booze, drinks... Granted our Props were rudimentary at best that year, but we had a ton of fun. We have a set amount of guests that each person can invite, and this is our third year and it's worked out well. Last year we spent $2000 between the 3 of us, and this year we are up to $3500 for our budget, HOWEVER, each person puts in $100 a month all year long for what we do, and this year we will have over 100 guests (we had about 25 the first year). I believe that if you can and want to work with someone else to put out a fantastic party, ask your friends. They may be more willing than you expect. You could do something along the lines of... I'll provide house, decor, etc, and you help me with food/drinks, and in return you can invite some of your other friends, and put your name on the invite.... It also helps you figure out a concrete menu, so instead of doing potluck and ending up with all sweets, you can control what is being served to guests. It's worked for us... just an idea.

Chili is really a good way to go like Hallowskeen said. For not much, you can make a lot! Add cheese, fritos and crackers and it's a meal! If you have the $, throw some wienies and buns in for chili dogs. Very filling and good!

Most def make it BYOB, no one should have a problem with that!

Hope we've helped you some!

I don't see why anyone would have a problem with BYOB. And a lot of people are under financial strain lately, I think most people would be understanding of the food being a little less fancy or what not.