Advice: Holiday Party Overhaul — on a Budget

 Planning and throwing a holiday party can be a lot of pressure — not to mention totally exhausting and super expensive. Which is why, especially when it comes to the holidays, I stick to the philosophy that if you’re thinking of going to all the trouble of hosting a party for the simple joy of bringing your loved ones together, you should not have to spend a ton of money to do it.

This year, instead of throwing a lavish party that leaves you with little money left over for your holiday gift list, host one that really reflects what this so-called season of giving is all about. With a little help from your friends, you can easily throw a potluck with class.

There are several types of this party (and several ways to screw one up!), so here are some of my favorite holiday themes.



The Sweet Eats and BYOB Holiday Drinks Party

This involves inviting your sweetest friends to indulge in a buffet of desserts and treats, which will be paired with several distinctive holiday drink options.

The party should begin later in the evening (after 7 p.m.), to ensure that your guests arrive after they’ve eaten dinner.

Let your guests know that on your end, they can expect a warm home full of friends and holiday cheer, plus plenty of dessert options to satisfy their sweet tooth. In return, you ask that they each bring the recipe for their favorite holiday drink and everything that goes along with making it.

The fun starts as soon as your first guest arrives. Then as each additional guest arrives a new drink is added to the menu, and before you know it, your guests are teaching each other how to make new drinks, talking about what they love about each recipe and where they got the idea for the drink. All of which is way more interactive and entertaining than sitting around drinking standard party booze and mixers.