Birthdays, holidays, graduations and weddings — we all need a good party every once in a while! Whether your next party is large or small, you can host like a pro without hurting your wallet.
Put these five power-players to work at your next get-together to add some style to your celebration for less than $25!
Platters and stands
Food is the highlight of any party, and when served with style you’ll have the icing on the cake! Platters and serving stands can be found in various shapes and sizes, and will elegantly display the items on your menu. To create a catered look, choose serving pieces in similar colors and finishes, such as white ceramic, glass or stainless steel. Place food items neatly onto each tray, and try not to overcrowd. Prep multiple serving trays before your guests arrive to make replacing emptied dishes a snap throughout the evening.
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Beverage dispensers
Rather than 2-liter soda bottles and red plastic cups, how about something with a bit more flare? Fill a beverage dispenser with your favorite party mix to keep your guests’ thirst at bay. Set a few dispensers side-by-side, each holding a different beverage, and then add decorative labels that match your party’s theme. Try strawberry lemonade for spring get-togethers or apple-cider for fall. Drink dispensers are a great way to add a splash of festivity to your next party.
Lanterns
These versatile accent pieces shine light on any celebration. Use them to display candles and other items that fit into your party’s theme. For a beach party, fill a lantern with seashells. For an Easter party, add some dyed Easter eggs — you’ll get a whole new look just by changing out the display. Use lanterns as table centerpieces or to light the walking path up to your front door. Whether your event is held indoors or out, lanterns are a great way to make your party sparkle!
Ice coolers
As temperatures heat up you’ll need a way to keep guests cool. Chilled refreshments are just what you need, but that doesn’t mean you have to break out your ice chest. Instead, use serving bowls, galvanized buckets or even large glass canisters to keep ice readily available for your guests. To add an interesting touch, freeze cubes of the punch you will be serving so drinks won’t water down in the heat.
Mason jars
Even if making jam isn’t on your to-do list, it doesn’t hurt to have a set of mason jars handy for your next party. Use them as drink glasses, party favors or even as decorative centerpieces. Place candles in mason jars to light up the table, or tie them with ribbon and use them to serve candy. You can even attach wooden spoons to mason jars as a creative way for serving cake and ice cream — just pull them out of the freezer when you’re ready to serve.
Entertain with style
To entertain with style while on a budget, start at home. Look for items you already own that can be used in creative ways while you entertain. If you find you’re still in need of a few finishing touches, shop at retailers like HomeGoods for the latest styles at lower prices than department stores.
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