Pick one thing to splurge on, and keep everything else simple.
That’s the rule.
It works because guests only remember a few key moments, and how they felt. If you give them one “wow” factor, not necessarily an expensive one, such as a fun signature cocktail, a beautiful dessert table, a playlist that keeps everyone dancing, or a hilarious themed game, they’ll be talking about it for weeks.
This one focal point (music, food, theme, etc.) also creates a clear party vibe that you can design the experience around. The focus and clarity protects your wallet, too, because pretty much everything else can be done in an affordable way. You’ll avoid the impulse to buy things that don’t work with the vibe, and focus, of your party.
Just make sure that the one thing you splurge on is something you can afford. Otherwise you’ll end up with a money hangover, on top of the champagne hangover — double trouble.
Here’s how it works.
Start with a theme that’s going to cost less money, period
A lower-cost theme will naturally limit what you need to buy and you’ll cut off overspending before it even begins. Economical themes include games night (charades and trivia), potlucks (where everyone brings a “themed” dish like “Hawaiian flavours” or “sweet and spicy” or “favourite appetizers from your family’s holiday recipe book”), movie night, ‘70s disco, build-a-bar (drinks and tacos), karaoke, costumes you already have.
My personal favourite theme this year, which is all over Instagram, is dressing up in clothing you never get to wear, like a ball gown, wedding dress, outdoor adventure gear, a tuxedo, Santa’s little elf costumes and more.
Avoid budget-buster themes like “Under the Sea” (forcing you to have to buy expensive seafood and mermaid costumes), “Casino Nights” (forcing you to rent tables and bring in a dealer) and high-fantasy concepts like “Lord of the Rings” or “Dungeons & Dragons,” featuring rich fabrics, live entertainment, elaborate costumes and cinematic experiences for guests.
Now, pick your one splurge
I know it’s tempting to pick a few elements to splurge on, but you need to narrow it down to just one.
One crowd-pleasing dish; and make everything else potluck or budget-friendly. One nice lighting element and keep the rest of the decor DIY, or borrowed. You might be surprised how effective cheap dollar store LED candles, paper lanterns and string lights can be in creating a nice ambience. You could splurge on a really good speaker you’ll have for a decade, to keep the party music bumping. You could splurge on small prizes for the top two or three winners of your trivia game. How about a photo backdrop so friends can take great pics, and then post to Instagram. Make one signature cocktail and offer basic self-serve options for everything else, or go BYOB. Make one amazing charcuterie board; fill the rest of the table with inexpensive snacks.
In the fall, my friend and I co-hosted a birthday party for another friend and the focal point was a giant homemade carrot cake. Thankfully my co-host is a great baker, and I was there to help splurge on the ingredients, which cost more than $100. I also set up the main table to display this beautiful cake. Weeks later everyone is still talking about how beautiful the cake was, and how no one got to eat it! That’s right. One of the guests tripped over the co-hosts’ cat and knocked the cake over and onto the wall and floor — lol! It was memorable, and hilarious.
Lighten the load by sharing party contributions
Most guests want to contribute to the party somehow, unless they have no manners. They understand how expensive food and drinks are! So, guide them to bring contributions that will help build the party experiences. For example, suggest specific dishes, snacks, drinks and decorations. This will help reduce duplicate dishes … unless you want that!
These elements will typically drive up your party costs, so watch out!
Venue: Highly themed spaces or transformed venues, even if they’re your own home.
Decor: Custom backdrops, extensive florals, extensive lighting design and paint.
Entertainment: Live bands, professional dancers, themed performers and tarot card readers.
Catering and food: Gourmet food stations, signature cocktails, open bars and anything that uses expensive ingredients.
Costumes: Encouraging detailed, high-quality guest attire and specialty host costumes, even costumes for rented photo booths!
And … fireworks — need I say more?
None of these elements will guarantee that you or your guests will have a good time, but all will drain your wallet.
Good news: an epic party doesn’t have to mean an expensive party. You can host a memorable gathering for New Year’s Eve without blowing your budget by following my one hosting rule; one splurge! Keep the rest simple. Invite good people. Have fun. And don’t underestimate what you already own like blankets, mason jars, candles and decorations from parties past. All of this can add to your stylish vibes for free.
