Manage Your Life

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

7 Ways to Entertain on a Budget

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Just because the economy is suffering doesn’t mean your social life has to as well. Here's your guide to turning those late nights out into late nights in with these tips for stylish soirees.

Lighting
The easiest way to create a feeling of luxury is with candles. Buy a candelabra at Target or Bed, Bath & Beyond for your centerpiece and place smaller candles around the base and along the table. Start collecting candles when you see them on sale, and when the day of your dinner party arrives, place them on the table in varying heights and colors. Candles can be used over and over so they are a great investment. 

Music
Create a festive vibe by downloading a mix to your iPod. 

Table Top Decor
No need to spend on a full set of china. Instead, mix and match dinner plates and glassware — it’s trendy and it adds to the experience. Your guests will think you did it on purpose. 

Drinks
BYOB — why not? Most guests will bring a bottle of wine as a house gift anyway. Don't store the wine; use it the night of your party. I'm a big fan of California sparkling wine — it's less expensive than champagne and tastes delicious. Also, vodka is on the market in every flavor imaginable. Put your mixologist skills to the test and create martinis using pomegranate or blueberry vodka. One bottle of vodka will go a long way, and your guests will enjoy trying your flavored drinks — they won't even miss the expensive vino.

Find out the other 3 money saving tips.


MORE FROM MARIE CLAIRE
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139 Ways to Save Money
How to Travel on a Budget
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Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
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