With rising prices and budgets being stretched, Christmas party hosts will welcome ways to save some cash this year.
Finance specialist Zainab Kwaw-Swanzy shares her tips for hosting festive gatherings on a budget.
1. Have a savings pot for celebrations
“Having your finances under control will help you feel less stressed. There are many useful tools online to help you keep track of savings goals,” she says – why not try the Budget Planner from Money Smart.
Read: Six things to do right now to save money for Christmas
2. Think outside of the box with festive decorations
You don’t have to buy all new ornaments, with Ms Kwaw-Swanzy saying: “For example, empty wine bottles can make great decorative pieces either as candle holders, or decorated with fabric to look like Santa Claus. Pine cones, holly, and mistletoe also make great decorations, so why not bring the outdoors inside this year and head out foraging?”
3. Build up your freezer stock
“Bring down the cost by bulk buying staples with a long shelf life and opting for own-brand products that can be popped in the freezer weeks ahead,” suggests Ms Kwaw-Swanzy.
“It’s also a great way to cut down on the mounting Christmas shopping list, and will make you less likely to buy spontaneous purchases in the festive scramble.”
Read: Christmas leftovers: tasty tips for excess food
4. Visit op shops
“It’s always tempting to treat yourself to new outfits and decorations for festive celebrations every year, but why not look at going second-hand? You’re bound to find some treasures at your local op shops or on apps,” says Ms Kwaw-Swanzy – such as Depop (depop.com). “There’s always something unique and affordable.”
5. Get baking
“When putting on a festive spread, it’s worth making your own mince pies and gingerbread to save some money.”
6. Ask guests to bring a contribution
“Whether that’s a dip, side salad, baked goods, or cocktail kit, in the end it spreads the cost and puts less pressure on the host.”
Read: How to make Christmas gifts from scratch
7. Plan transport ahead
“With fewer office parties being virtual this year, it’s useful to have a think about the best, most cost-effective way to reach a party destination ahead of time,” Ms Kwaw-Swanzy adds.
“If you’re hosting an office party, perhaps arrange a carpool with colleagues who live nearby to help minimise the cost of an otherwise expensive solo taxi ride.”
Are you throwing a festive party this holiday season? How do you save money when hosting people? Share your tips in the comments section below.
– With PA
All well and good, -should have suggested maybe last month? Or get ahead of yourself and buy from Boxing Day?