10 tips for a festive and frugal holiday party

The holidays can put a big crimp in your budget, yet there are some ways to curb costs without compromising festivity. Try the following suggestions to save money on gifts, decor and entertaining:

You can host fun, memorable holiday parties that won't cost a bundle.

• Spread green branches or boughs in the centre of your table or along your mantle. These don't have to be balsam--cedar, pine, or any branches look great.
• Scatter a few shatterproof plastic baubles among the greens for an effortless, low-cost display.

Instead of trying to buy for everyone in the family, host an adults-only "Secret Santa" gift exchange.

• The premise is simple: draw numbers and take turns picking a gift brought by friends and family members. This is a cost-effective way to handle gift-giving, and begins the tradition of only buying for the kids in the family.

Another great way to address the costs of Christmas is to agree to buy one stocking stuffer for each member of the house.

• This may be in lieu of a gift under the tree, if you wish.
• Every item is given a price limit, such as $10. This approach makes opening stockings quite exciting and fun for all family members!

Another great way to entertain and engage during the season, without the usual expense, is with a cookie swap.

• Everyone bakes a plate of cookies for each participant, and one to share with the group during the event. This is also a great way to have a diverse array of sweets to share later on, baked by all who attended the swap.

The costs of entertaining can take a chunk out of your holiday budget.

• A great way to counter this is with potluck meals. Friends and guests don't mind bringing an item, and this allows you to entertain more often.

The time to pick up holiday decor, paper products and wraps is as soon as the season passes, when they go on sale in the retail stores.

• These items are useless, however, if you can't find them the following year. Fill a sturdy plastic tote with your purchases and label the side of it clearly.

There has been a new trend toward hosting ugly sweater Christmas parties.

• This theme need not be reserved for Christmas. Host an ugly sweater Thanksgiving dinner or New Year's Eve party. Check thrift stores for appropriately themed sweaters at a low price.

Make any event extra-special by giving a door prize.

• This can be a basket of goodies from the local dollar store, or it could be a re-gifted item you received. Wrap it up and draw a guest's name to end the night on an unexpected note.

Give any holiday celebration flair and flavor by changing up the theme.

• Do something unexpected and start a new tradition. For instance, a "Santa in Vegas" casino party might be a great event to host on Christmas Eve. Play cards, light up the disco ball and enjoy the evening with friends and family!

Start a tradition of hosting an office or work party, and instead of feeling obligated to purchase gifts for co-workers and supervisors, arrange for everyone in attendance to bring one small gift that will be donated to some area cause.

• For instance, ask everyone to bring a pet-themed gift that will be donated to a local animal shelter.

Enjoy the holidays without regrets about the costs. Try these tips for fun, fresh ways to celebrate the season!