Save Money on Your Next Holiday Gathering - Go Self Catering!

Article Written By: Stebee

Saving money by catering your holiday celebrations need not be a daunting or stressful event. With some budget-savvy tips and a little know-how, you can pull off a great family holiday celebration worthy of Martha. The first step in creating any successful holiday gathering is planning. By taking the time to plan your menu, decorations, and timetable, you can free yourself from the hundreds of questions running around inside your head. Here are some things to think about when self-catering an event:

1. How many people am I inviting?

While a smaller gathering can mean less expense, a large party doesn't have to blow your budget, if you are creative and organized.

2. How fancy or casual do I want this event to be?

If this is going to be an informal gathering of immediate family, the menu and decorations will be very different from a large gathering of extended family, co-workers, or a mix of both.

3. What is my budget for this party?

Setting down an on-paper, realistic budget will help you avoid shell-shock at the grocery store checkout line.

4. Are there any special needs of any guests?

You should know if anyone has food allergies or special medical needs such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and requires special food.

5. How much time do I have until this event?

If it's October, and you're planning a lavish Christmas party, then you have plenty of time to prepare a fancier menu, more detailed decorations, and you probably have more budget to spend.

If you are short on time, money, and ideas, there's no reason to try and make everything worthy of a magazine cover. Just plan an event that both you and your guests can enjoy, and don?t sweat the small stuff. Now that you have your plan in hand, it's time to look for those time and money-saving ideas. Check the sales flyer for your local grocery stores. This is the first stop to serious food savings. Write down any good deals and compare with coupons if you have any. Try to see what kind of menu you can plan with what you have to hand, and what you can get in the sales. Try a warehouse club for discounts on large quantities. If you're having a large party during the holiday season, try a warehouse club for your alcohol. Places like Costco and Sam's Club will give you more bang for your buck on bulk ingredients, fruit and vegetables, pre-prepared party foods, and, perhaps most importantly, on alcohol. If you're planning on serving drinks at your gathering, be sure to compare prices at both the liquor stores and warehouse clubs. You may just end up better off buying a case of wine rather than several bottles, and you can always give anything spare as a gift at the end of your holiday event.

Unless your party is going to be a formal event, good quality paper or clear plastic plates / cups are acceptable, and much easier on the hostess that will be doing the after-party cleanup. These can also be purchased from warehouse clubs. Think simple and elegant when decorating. Not only will simple, understated decorations look classy and elegant, the andquot;less is moreandquot; approach will save you money.

About the Author

Self catering holidays provide the best value for money. Taking time out to make a little bit of effort for your next family holiday celebration and not only will your bank balance benefit, you will get a feeling of well-being.

You Can Link Directly to "Save Money on Your Next Holiday Gathering - Go Self Catering!" by using the url:
http://www.allbestarticles.com//travel/outdoors/save-money-on-your-next-holiday-gathering-go-self-catering.html

This Article Has Been Published on Fri, 3 Oct 2008 and Read 174 Times

Find All Best Articles at http://www.allbestarticles.com

Rating: Not yet rated

Comments

No comments posted.

Add Comment

You do not have permission to comment. If you log in, you may be able to comment.

Related information on Outdoors

Make sure you get a good night sleep on your perfect portable camp bed.
Picking the ideal picnic spot
To Be A Professional Car Race Driver
4 Advantages of Aluminum Patio Awnings
The great mystery of nature
Why Choose An ACA-Certified Summer Camp For Your Daughter
A Checklist of Camping Equipment
Innovative Games for Outdoor Camping
The Challenges of Self Guided Walking Holidays
Why I Love Summer Camp in Minnesota
Blue Mountains Australia
Family Day Trips In Central Texas
Marketing Your Holiday Cottage to Full Potential
How to Plan a Trip on a Budget
Family Holiday Choice
A perfect Belize Vacation
Save Money on Your Next Holiday Gathering - Go Self Catering!
Planning for Family Holidays
2009 Ski Holiday Vacations - France
The Importance of Planning for a Self Catering Holiday
Last Minute Vacations Are So Last Year
Be a Conscientious Camper
Car insurance may take care of scratches, but it can’t repair embarrassment.
Beaches In France
Frankfurt Attractions