By Anna McDougall: Money Maven
Struggling to find a way around entertaining this NYE or New Years Day and don’t want to break the bank? If you don’t think you’ll be whipping out the Moet at your next gathering, try these cost effective ways to entertain fabulously on a budget whilst keeping the your desired level of class.
via: Pinterest
1. Dinner Décor
If you’re missing a crystal chandelier or mood lighting at the touch of a button, fear not, there are plenty of ways to up the décor anti and impress your guests.
Tea light candles can be purchased in abundance to create a spectacular ambient setting, we love the 24 Pack Tealight Candles in Crème Brûlée from Target for $10. Kmart even offer cute mosaic solar lights for $5 each.
If you’re not in possession of fine china, mix and match your old chairs and crockery for a different and contemporary feel at the dinner table.
Don’t forget outdoor lights if you’re going alfresco, the Single Solar lights are a steal from Target at $6 each – they’ll also save you energy!
2. Pot Luck
You may not have the budget to go all out on caviar and oysters so you can organize an event where your guests all bring a suitable dish to share. Perfect for a girls night in, you can introduce and share your favourite meals with your pals, that way everyone will have at least one thing they like and you can get ideas on what to serve next time!
3. Drinks
You don’t need the Money Maven to tell you that a little vodka goes a long way. If you’re not splashing out on expensive vino a smooth vodka (in whatever flavor you desire) is the perfect base for summery cocktails (add your favourite mixers and a bit of effort!). There are also plenty of delicious rose’s and sparkling’s that adding a few strawberries to will add a touch of class and difference.
4. Dessert
Dessert doesn’t have to be an extravagant affair, hopefully everyone will be stuffed full from dinner so a small, yet tasty offering will be greatly received. Try serving your guests a few small, but rich chocolates each so their craving will be satisfied. The Lindt Swisse Delights range is full of exotic flavours and a box or two will do the trick. Or for never-fail favourite, chocolate dipped strawberries are an eternal crowd pleaser.
5. Good old fashioned BBQ
If all else fails, call in the grill and strike up the Barbie for a true, blue barbecue. You can’t go wrong with a zesty salad, a well cooked stack of snags, caramelized onion and your favourite meat cuts. Your guests will (hopefully) follow suit and bring their own offerings to this traditional Aussie past time. Don’t have a barbecue? Consider the 4 Burner Mobile BBQ with Steel Trolley from Big W for $77.
You might also like…
