User post: Ho-Ho-Ho-liday party planning on a budget

Lalena

Plan a Fun, Festive... and CHEAP Christmas Party.

It's once again that time of year to

deck the halls and celebrate with a joyous family and friends get-together. However, if the idea of hosting an expensive, impressive party seems great,
but it's not in your budget, you can easily opt for something a little less conventional, but just as festive. With a little planning and a little input from your guests, you surely can come up with some innovative ideas for hosting a home, school or office party, holiday decorating, thoughtful gift giving, and much, much more.

One idea is to turn the age-old potluck party into a fresh new idea for the holidays. Whether it's a tried and true traditional menu or a Christmas smorgasbord, hosting a potluck can be a money saving, stress-free way to go, so you can concentrate on the finer things in life, like surrounding yourself with people you care about the most.

A potluck party helps you share the expense, share the work and share in your friend's family favorites. With a great plan, you can take the "luck" out of potluck and have a well-put-together holiday party, with the terrific variety of food you want, and that your guests expect. You and your friends may be inspired by a new holiday traditions, decorating ideas, and many other ways to instill joy throughout this season.

Whether the holidays find you hosting family dinners, parties for friends and neighbors or maybe even organizing the office potluck, a free online service like http://www.signupgenius.com/christmas or www.evites.com can coordinate your theme, invitations, RSVP's and help you plan the perfect party menu.

Start planning early with these budget-friendly tips and helpful sign-up suggestions that will make organizing your holiday event quick and easy.

Holiday Dinner Potluck
Host an elegant Christmas celebration and organize a sumptuous potluck meal. Timeless holiday traditions are best when they are generously shared among those closest to the heart. A perfect potluck ranging from traditional turkey with all the trimmings, to decadent desserts, creates a wonderful Christmas menu.

Your Holiday Dinner Potluck sign-up list could include:

  • Roast turkey or goose

  • Old fashioned chestnut or sausage stuffing

  • Creamy mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole

  • Roasted asparagus, Brussel sprouts, parsnips or other root vegetables

  • Green bean casserole

  • Candied yams

  • Giblet gravy

  • Cranberry sauce or relish

  • Christmas eggnog

  • Christmas bread or plum pudding, pies or cheesecake


Cookie Decorating Party
Make special memories with a Cookie Decorating Party. This delightful idea will bring laughter and joy to any Christmas celebration. This party lets everyone share in the excitement!

Your Cookie Decorating sign-up sheet could include:

  • Sugar cookie cutouts

  • Gingerbread cookie cutouts

  • Pastry bags and tips

  • Different colors of icing

  • Flaked coconut and sprinkles

  • Gumdrops & chocolate chips

  • Mini-marshmallow & raisins

  • Macadamia or hazelnuts

  • Decorator candies

  • Spatulas, knives & toothpicks

  • Parchment paper or foil

  • Hot chocolate or warm apple cider

  • Decorator containers or Christmas themed bags

  • Photographer and/or video camera operator

Holiday Office Party
Planning an office holiday shindig is a fun way to get everyone in the Christmas spirit, but it takes a well organized team to put on a fantastic holiday show. Coordinating a bunch of volunteers can make an office party simple and stressfree!

Your office volunteer sign-up sheet could include:

  • Decorating the entrance

  • Table and bar decorations

  • Balloon arch

  • Volunteer to play Santa

  • Food & beverage coordinator

  • Games and gift coordinator

  • DJ & photographer coordinator

  • Party favors

  • Breakdown & cleanup crew


School Classroom Holiday Party
Being a classroom mom means organizing and coordinating a fantastic Classroom Christmas party. No more pen and paper signups, or waiting for forms to come back with the kids. Signupgenius sends out your classroom party invitations, decoration and food requests, & parent party volunteer needs all at the same time!

Your Classroom Party sign-up form could include:

  • Classroom decorations

  • Candy canes

  • Cookies

  • Cupcakes

  • Hot chocolate

  • Create goody bags

  • Teacher's gifts

  • Gift exchange coordinator

  • Night before christmas storyteller

  • Party game coordinators

  • Arts & craft helpers

  • Cleanup crew

  • Photographer and/or video camera operator