By now you know I love a good party, I go all out, but I stick to a budget! I spent under $75 on this Neverland Baby Sprinkle Party and I had such a blast doing it!

I’m going to tell you how I did it here:

1. Create your Budget

This might seem OBVIOUS, right? But I am telling you it is so easy to overspend in a party and not even realize. Yes, you had the best intentions, but because you didn’t write it down and plan it out, it is shot from the start.

I have a FREE party planning budget and checklist here. This will help you get started.

2. Plan your Start Time for an Off-Meal Time

If you are scheduling a party at 11:30am, expect to serve lunch! If you are scheduling it at 2:30 pm, people will have already eaten and you can get away with snacks and/or cake only. I’m a foodie so I love going over the top, but lately I’ve scaled back because it was just leaving me with tons of leftovers.

3. Reuse the Basics

Buy basic tablecloths that are white or another neutral color. I love white because I can sun bleach when it gets dirty and it looks good as new.

I use the same basic cake stand and serving dishes for every party because I don’t want to go out and buy disposable ones.

Another thing I reuse is decor! I keep the basics and recycle themes for another date.

4. As the Host you can Forego Gifts

Okay I choose NOT to do this, as I Budget gifts separately, but if you are throwing a party for a friend you are giving your time and energy, and your friend will not expect a gift from you. It’s important to write a heartfelt note in a card though to tell them how much you love them! Believe me, they will be thankful you put in all the hard work.

5. Write a List and Stick to it

With my free party planning checklist and budget, it makes it easy to write out what you need, but have you ever gone to the store and forgot your list? You end up overspending and buying things you don’t need or aren’t budgeted. Take a picture of your list so you have it with you. If you must buy something extra, just make sure it’s worth your while and you can find a way to incorporate it into multiple parties.

6. Skip the Game Prizes

For baby and wedding showers, you have a lot of adults coming to a party, which I know you probably want to entertain with games. I have gone to countless parties where the hostess insists on sending me home with a candle or another prize. That cost can add up for them, but I don’t necessarily need or want it. However, if you must give a prize, I recommend buying a bouquet of flowers and sending them home with a live flower. It can double as decor and a prize.

7. Find Items in your Home

You would be surprised at how much stuff you can use that you already have.

• Take your child’s toys and use as table decorations
• Find decor items around your house that match the color scheme
• Use a sheet as a “selfie station” backdrop
• Use printed photos as part of your decor
• Place gifts around as decor
• Reuse a Letter Board

8. Dress up the Water and Table Food

You don’t have to serve soda and punch! If you have a clear pitcher, decorate the pitcher for your theme or add fruit to give it a beautiful touch.

You can make your food look fancier by adding some parsley or other greenery throughout.

Food labels are cute but not necessary for a great event!

9. Borrow from Friends

Maybe you have a dinosaur theme party coming up. Instead of buying lots of dinosaur decor, post on Facebook you are in search of Dino-related items to take off anyone’s hands. You never know who will have extras lying around.

There are also tons of Facebook local buy sell trade groups you could ask in!

10. Don’t Obsess over Perfection

I have been to several parties where the host is always stressed about perfecting the decor, matching the napkins and the plates, or putting together a perfect schedule. I would advise to not strive for perfection!

You’ve worked hard to create a great party and it sure is going to rock! So don’t worry if it isn’t perfect.

Check out this Spider-Man themed birthday party I threw for my son’s 3rd birthday!!