The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and spending quality time with loved ones but hosting a can quickly become stressful and expensive. The good news is that with some careful planning, creative thinking, and smart choices, you can create a festive atmosphere without breaking the bank.

Host at home

To keep costs down, consider hosting the event at your home instead of a rented venue. This will save you money on venue fees and allow you to allocate more of your budget to other aspects of the celebration. Hosting an event in a different city or state? Consider a mixed-use Airbnb that allows for parties.

Skip the top-shelf alcohol

If you’re making cocktails, juices, sodas, and other mixers (like eggnog) will make it harder to distinguish between lower and higher-quality alcohol. Save the good stuff for fancy toasts instead. You can save even more by pre-making your cocktails so that you don’t run through libations sooner than expected.

DIY your decorations

Natural elements such as pine cones, branches, and berries make beautiful centerpieces and garlands. Another budget-friendly option is to make your decorations. Get creative with paper snowflakes, handmade ornaments, and DIY wreaths. This not only saves money but also adds a personal touch to your decor. If you prefer a more minimalist approach, opt for simple string lights and candles to create a cozy ambiance. Remember, it’s the small details that make a big impact.

Budget-friendly menu planning

Food is often one of the biggest expenses when hosting a holiday gathering. Look for seasonal ingredients as these will be extra fresh and the most affordable. Additionally, consider incorporating potluck-style elements into your menu, where guests can contribute a dish of their own.

Nix the party favors

Giving and receiving gifts is a cherished tradition during the holiday season. But instead of spending time and money on little tokens for your guests, plan to send them home with leftovers instead so they’re not leaving empty-handed. You can find disposable holiday-themed takeout containers at many stores for a few dollars.

Buy stuff for next year, this year

If this holiday party is one you host annually, you can buy holiday supplies for cheap by waiting for post-holiday clearance sales. Consider stocking up on things like decorations, themed plates and flatware, or holiday cards and invitations.