If you think being on a budget means you can’t throw a great holiday party, think again. As long as you plan ahead and think outside the traditional party box, you can host a memorable holiday bash that won’t give your budget a nasty hangover. Take a look at these fun and festive holiday party ideas. 
Plan a Progressive Dinner
If you have your heart set on a holiday dinner party, plan a progressive dinner. This way, everyone who’s invited also takes part in the preparation. You have appetizers at one home, main course at another, dessert at another and so on. Depending on how many people are participating, you can even add a pre-dinner cocktail hour. It’s a fun way to spend an evening and everyone involved is only responsible for their portion of the meal.
Host a Wine Tasting
Providing liquor is often the most costly part of a holiday party. You can solve that by hosting a wine tasting and asking each guest to bring a favorite bottle to share, while you provide plenty of appetizers to go with it.
Have a Cookie Exchange
If a kid-friendly gathering is more your style, invite families over for a cookie exchange. You provide the hot chocolate, coffee and warm cider, and everyone who’s invited brings a plate of homemade cookies or other treats to share.
Send them on a Scavenger Hunt
The party starts and ends at your house, but the majority of the action takes place elsewhere. When guests arrive, form teams and give each time a list of holiday-themed items they need to collect or photograph and send them on their way. Give teams a deadline time to return and have warm drinks and snacks at the ready, along with small prizes for the winners. Afun scavenger hunt is one of our favorite holiday party ideas for families.
E-invites Only
There’s no reason to spend even a penny of your party budget on printed invitations and postage. Get the word out via Evite or Facebook and for those who don’t use either, make a good old-fashioned phone call. Ask guests to RSVP so you can plan food and drinks accordingly.
DIY Décor
Holiday party décor doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to be festive. If you home is already decorated for the holidays, be sure to add plenty of flickering candles to create a warm, inviting glow. If you don’t normally decorate, try grouping some brightly colored ornaments in glass bowls and adding white twinkle lights in strategic areas throughout the house for an elegantly festive feeling.
