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Our best tips for a budget-friendly holiday party and eye-catching decor

posted on November 21, 2024 in money saving tips

You don't need a big budget to host a great holiday party in your home! Here are our best affordable decor tips and recipes for a holiday season get together done right. From what to feast on to whimsical decor that won’t break the bank, be sure to save these tips for your holiday soiree.

Affordable holiday recipes that feed a crowd

If you’re hosting a holiday lunch or dinner feast, these low-cost recipes will be light on your budget but filling and satisfying for you and your guests.

Side dishes

A holiday feast needs to involve side dishes and lots of them. They make a holiday meal feel decadent as you can fill up your plate with a variety of foods and dishes. If you’re looking for some festive sides, we’re ogling these green beans with parmesan garlic breadcrumbs, these parmesan scalloped potatoes with spinach, this broccoli casserole, these candied yams, these Christmas roasted veggies, and this carrot souffle.  

You’ll probably want to serve some tangy cranberry sauce and creamy vegetarian mushroom gravy, too. 

Main courses

A great way to save on cost this holiday feast is to serve a plant-forward menu. But if poultry is a must for your holiday feast, then this air fried whole chicken is an affordable main course idea.  

If you’re open to meat as more of an accent note, then this festive sausage roll wreath might be a delightful meaty main course to pair with lots of vegetable side dishes. 

If fish is a holiday tradition for your family, this elegant salmon en croute is the perfect holiday meal main.

If pasta sounds like a nice change of pace, this Christmas pasta will be creamy and comforting. 

Serving vegans? This whole roasted cabbage or this whole roasted cauliflower could be the showstopper main course you’re looking for. 

Desserts

These holiday desserts are as sweet and delicious as they are affordable. 

If you love chocolate, you’ll probably love this almond cherry fudge or this chocolate mousse pie. 

If you want small bites for your guests to nibble on, these Mexican wedding cookies and these chocolate mint cream cookies are a treat. 

Looking for an elegant dessert? This cranbery pie is stunning and this triple chocolate trifle is sure to wow your guests.   

Low-budget holiday decor ideas

If you’re ready to deck the halls without emptying your bank account, these DIY holiday decor ideas will come in handy.

Christmas bows

If you have a Christmas tree that needs sprucing up, put leftover wrapping ribbon to good use with this beautiful Christmas bows tutorial. 

Festive mason jar ideas

If you have access to mason jars, you’re half way to adorable holiday decor! Check out this tutorial to learn how you can transform your jars into fun, delicious and whimsical holiday decor pieces. 

Sugared rosemary sprigs

If you love that whimsical, natural and utterly wintery decor look for the holidays, these sugared rosemary sprigs are perfect.  

Reindeer pom pom garland

If you have kids, this reindeer pom pom garland might be perfect for wall or mantle decor. 

Faux snow candle holder jars

If your holiday vibe is winter wonderland, be sure to check out this tutorial for faux snow candle holder jars. They are so sweet and festive.

Dried citrus

If you love winter citrus, it makes beautiful table decor when it’s dried or dehydrated. It also smells incredibly festive. Scatter some around your tablescape or place some on each plate for your guests.

Mood lighting

If you love cosy Christmas lighting, string up some twinkle or fairy lights around your home or place them right on your dining table or along your mantle. You can even add fairy lights to a jar to make a magical illuminated centrepiece.

We hope these decor tips and festive recipes help you host an affordable holiday party.

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