You don’t have to break the bank to throw a holiday party in style—even in the season of inflation. Prices may be higher on everything, but the creative party thrower knows what to do.

here’s a clue:

• Throw a “Potluck” Party

The key is to tell everyone what specifically they should bring.  You don’t want everyone showing up with desert and no entree. Prudent party planning will go a long way to saving moo-la. And who doesn’t love a good Potluck, especially this year as people are dying to get together.  If you’re really sly you could even get someone else to bring the turkey. 😏

Optional: Hunt for some wild game to throw on the party platter this year, a few hours time in the bush and the cost of some buck shot or arrows to wow your guests with some squirrel or raccoon sausage.  Be mindful if your guests have any food allergies. 😋

Bring out the nice China and save on paper plates, it’s environmentally friendly too.

 

•  Thrift Shop for Fabulous Holiday Pre-Owned Finds

Thrifting is back in vogue, The number of Canadians who shop secondhand has grown.⁵ In fact, one study found that nearly three-quarters of Canadians now buy pre-owned goods of some type. ⁶ Plus, buying used isn’t just a great way to save money, it also helps the environment by keeping reusable items out of landfills.

Seriously, this is not the year to spend lots of money, don’t go broke trying to impress guests.   If you’re expecting company this year and would like to pack the Christmas tree, this is a great way to do it.

• Be a DIY Gift Giver

If you’re handy with a paintbrush or have some basic carpentry skills, you can also make crafts for gifts.  Nothing says I love you like a handmade gift.

Don’t stress yourself out, though, if you don’t have the time or the skills to carve a block of wood into a modern Michael Angelo, get your kids to do it.  They will develop their skills and your guests will think it’s so cute.  You will feel festive and joyful, trust me.

 

• Pre Party To Do’s 

Do the Do! The ‘Honey Do’ List of cleaning up the house.  you have to do this anyway so having a party is the perfect motivator.  Forgo any major renovations in favour of minor repairs and some deep cleaning you’ve had planned for years.  Why add any unnecessary stress to your holidays this year.

• Last Tip: Cancel the Lords of Cancel Culture and Save

I’m not saying cancel Disney+, at least not until you’ve watched the “new” Star Wars Series Andor.  First you binge watch it then cancel the subscription before the next billing cycle.

This is a reflective time of year and I like to reflect on what subscriptions I don’t need, cut the fat for a lean and productive 2023.

 

 

 

Free Expense Tracking to Boost Your Holiday Budget 

Here’s a sample budget worksheet that I borrowed from somebody.

By decreasing your spending and/or increasing your income, you can build room in your budget to justify for your holiday party gathering.

 

HOUSEHOLD BUDGET WORKSHEET
	Typical	Adjusted	Difference (+/-)
HOUSING
Mortgage/taxes/insurance or Rent
Utilities (hydro, water, gas, trash)
Phone, internet, cable
Home maintenance and repairs
FOOD
Groceries
Restaurants
TRANSPORTATION
Car payment/insurance
Gas, maintenance, repairs
OTHER
Health insurance
Clothing and personal care
Childcare
Entertainment
Charitable contributions
Savings, retirement, college fund
INCOME
Salary/wages
Bonus, tips, other
MONTHLY TOTALS
Total Adjusted Income
Total Adjusted Expenses			–
EXTRA SAVINGS FOR YOUR HOLIDAY BUDGET

Feel free to utilize this worksheet as a template that you can customize to your needs, or ask us for a PDF copy that you can print out and use right away.