A great party consists of setting a warm, festive mood, great music, and trying lots of new, eclectic food and drink - so let everyone - all of your friends and family be a part of the menu design team and get into the spirit of the season by bringing something.
"My favorite at home parties this season have been where each guest brings a favorite bottle of wine and a food pairing. I have tasted Thai, Australian, Jamaican, German, Southern, not to mention so many great wines I had never even heard of before. In five easy, no cost or low cost steps we are going to share our secrets for a party on a $100 budget.
New Year's Eve Party on a Budget
"First - let's set the mood. Really look around your home, and use items that you already have to create dramatic decor and set the table.
"Try to create a focal point in each room - on a coffee table, a fireplace mantle, a dining table with colorful fabric and vases turned candles. A designer trick is to use sheets as runners, folding under the seams just for a few hours. This is an instant, no cost tablecloth. Cost - zero dollars.
"Another design secret is to always use odd numbers - like a trio of glass vases creating a triangle on the table. These glass vases can instantly become the perfect candlestick with white beans used as an anchor. Total Cost - $15.
"Second - let's set the bar. Using a drinking jar or a collection of glass pitchers on a tray creates an instant centerpiece and focal point at the bar, and something new for all of your guests to taste and enjoy. Plus - a catering secret is to have these premade, prepoured and easy to self serve allows you to focus on guests - not bartending, and for guests to help themselves quickly and easily - so no bartender is needed.
New Year's Eve Party on a Budget
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