Here are a few tips to saving money this holiday season:
1. Potluck – Potlucks are classic! It’s a great way to get everyone together and get to taste all different types of foods. Host a potluck at your home and have everyone do the work! All you will need to provide are the drinks, plates, napkins and utensils – or designate that to someone else.
2. Wine & Cheese Tasting Party – Have each person to bring a bottle of wine under $10, you provide cheese, crackers and chocolate.
3. Evites – Save money on invitations. If you are sending out holiday cards, then this is just going to be an additional expense. Go to www.evite.com not only is it free, you will get a quicker response from guests to comment and make suggestions.
4. Veggie Platters – depending on the size these can get expensive if you are buying them pre-made at the grocery store. Save some money and cut the vegetables yourself.
5. Secret Santa – This doesn’t just have to be for the office, Secret Santa’s can be done with a group of your friends, siblings, or the whole family! Why spend money on a gift that they may not like when you can spend more money on a gift for one person that they will remember.
6. Donate – Encourage your friends and family to take the money they would spend on gifts and spend it on food for a family that may be less fortunate that yours.
7. Decorations – See what you can find in your house, a simple clear glass bowl can be festive with an inexpensive holiday floating candle or filled with old ornaments that you don’t use. You can also fill them with candy canes and give them away!
8. Natural Décor - Get some pinecones from outside, if you live in an area where these are not readily available then JoAnn’s sells them by the bag for a few dollars. Bare twigs can be a great rustic decoration placed in a vase with ornaments or ribbons hanging from it.
9. Dollar Store – Check out your local dollar store, you will find year round great and not so great decorations, party supplies and overstock food/household items.
10. Prepare for Next Year – After the Christmas check out the sales! I save 75% off my Christmas cards and store them for next year, with them being $30 a box this is a great way to save money. You can also save on décor, ribbons and more. If you are organized then this will work for you.
11. Craft Party – A group of girlfriends and I will be having a wine/cheese party and will also be making artwork, jewelry and/or accessories. This is great idea if you have a group of crafty people that specialize in different things and you can all teach each other how to make them and give your creations away as gifts!
Its always nice to get lavish gifts. But remember the holidays are to be share with friends and family, and enjoying good company – don’t stress, encourage wise spending, help those in need, and be thankful for the year about to end and the new one around the corner.
Wishing You All the Best
Happy Holidays - Marissa & Naomi!
