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You are here: Home / Blog / Holiday Party: Family and Budget Friendly Ideas

Holiday Party: Family and Budget Friendly Ideas

December 13, 2016 By Shann 20 Comments

*This post was not sponsored, however, I did receive free product to facilitate this post. All of the opinions are my own.

Holiday Party Time

The holidays are filled with friends, family, and fun. Sometimes, they also bring some not so fun stuff. Spending extra money, and trying to fit in a bunch of different activities can be stressful. A holiday party shouldn’t be stressful, though. I’m sharing ways that you can still have fun without spending a ton of money. I’m also sharing ways that you can incorporate the entire family, with something for everyone.

Tips to throw an amazing holiday party that is both budget and family-friendly.

With these tips, your holiday party will be something everyone can look forward to…even the party planner!

The Planning

Time is a precious commodity during the holidays. If you’ve read any of my previous party planning posts, you know that I usually spend a ton of time planning out my parties. During the holiday season, this just isn’t possible. Yet, I still want it to be an awesome party, with decorations everyone will remember.

That’s where Oriental Trading Company comes in!

I was recently contacted by them to try out their site and products. I was super excited. I’ve ordered from them before, and have had a wonderful experience. This time was no different.

Instead of running around to a ton of different stores, all I had to do was go to my computer. In my pajamas yoga pants, of course.

I had an idea of the kind of decorations that I was looking for, but if you’re stuck, no need to worry. They have a TON of stuff. From cute stocking stuffers to table decorations to gift bags, they’ve got you covered for every kind of party.

The Timing

As I mentioned, time is precious during the holidays, and we simply don’t have time to throw a party before Christmas. So, I’ve decided we would do a “holiday party” after the Holidays.

It gives everyone something to look forward to after the novelty of all the new toys have worn off, and the excitement of trying to stay up to midnight on NYE has worn off. Here in WI, all we usually have to look forward to is snow…and MORE snow. A holiday party in the middle of January is the perfect excuse to wear all the new clothes you got for Christmas, and see all the friends you didn’t get a chance to spend time with while you were over at Aunt Gertrude’s house.

The Theme

Again, if you know me, I love a good themed party. I wanted this holiday party to be something that reflected the seasons, yet would still be fun for the kids.

So, I decided to go with a little Christmas color, a little New Year’s color, and a little fun kid element. The Minecraft Holiday Party was born!

I’m all about recycling my party decorations, so you know I will be using most of these things for Mr. B’s next birthday party too.

The Preparation

After deciding on my theme, all I had to do was hop online and search for my decorations. Oriental Trading Company’s website is extremely easy to use. I used the search feature to find Minecraft inspired, green (for Christmas,) and gold (for New Year’s,) table decorations and favors.

Shipping is free after $49, which is awesome, since I hate to pay for shipping.

Then, all I had to do was wait for my box to arrive…which it did in record time!

Here’s a sneak peek at the set-up I’m going to use:

Throw a Holiday party that is both budget and family friendly

A Holiday party on a budget for the entire family
The Main Table
The favors for our holiday party
Party Favors!

 

The Products

In addition to trying these products from Oriental Trading Company, I’ve also become an affiliate. In simple terms, if you would like to purchase any of these products, I’d be super happy if you would just click-through any of my links or the pictures below. It will take you directly to their website. I will receive a small commission to keep my site running…and maybe buy a few more of those adorable plush pixel guys.

Shop party supplies and decorations at Oriental Trading Company!

Here’s what I used:

I’m always afraid to use balloons around small children, as they can easily choke if they pop. Paper lanterns are the perfect alternative. They are colorful, plus they are re-usable. Awesome!

 

I decided to use this cupcake tower to hold drinks and decorations. With the cut-out squares, I thought it looked perfect for our theme combining elegance and Minecraft. I also decided to order plastic glasses, so the kids could have fun drinking out of them without parents worrying they would break them or the danger of glass.

Speaking of tableware, I always use colors instead of themed plates/napkins. They are much cheaper than paying for the licensed stuff, and they still look great. The square green ones I used especially fit in with both of my theme ideas!

I also have to have some kind of favor and treat bag for the kids. These plush Pixal Pals were perfect! They were actually bigger than I thought they would be, and my kids LOVED them. I will probably make some of my own “swag” bags when it comes to Mr. B’s party, but these Pixel treat bags saved me so much time for this party.

The Tips

So, in summary, here’s what you need to have a stress-free, budget and kid-friendly holiday party:

  • Don’t try to squeeze a party in. Wait until after the holidays to give everyone something to look forward to.
  • Have your party early enough that the entire family can enjoy it.
  • Have your party after meal time, so you can save money by serving appetizers, desserts, and drinks.
  • We are going with 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
  • Try to combine some elegant items with kid-friendly items.  Our main table had some sparkle and some fun!
  • Do your shopping at Oriental Trading to save yourself time and money. You only have to visit one store, don’t have to leave your house, and get free shipping!
  • Have fun, enjoy yourself, and don’t stress out!

Free Shipping on orders over $49

 

I hope these tips are helpful!

Do you have any holiday party plans?

If you like what you just read please click to send a quick vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs- The best mommy blog directory featuring top mom bloggers

Filed Under: Blog, money-saving, Parties Tagged With: Christmas party, Cupcake tower, decorations, holiday party, Minecraft, money saving tips, new year's eve, NYE, Oriental Trading, Oriental Trading company, paper lanterns, party, Party Planning, Pixel, Pixel Pal, plastic glasses, plastic silverware, table cloth, tableware, theme

Comments

  1. Amanda Deavers Winter says

    December 13, 2016 at 9:07 am

    I love paper laterns for parties, balloons get old.

    Reply
    • Shann Eva says

      December 20, 2016 at 9:43 am

      Exactly. Thank you for stopping by!

      Reply
  2. Stacy taylor says

    December 13, 2016 at 9:17 am

    Your decorations look awesome. I love oriental trading, I’ve been shopping lately for my sons party with them.

    Reply
    • Shann Eva says

      December 20, 2016 at 9:43 am

      Awesome. They are the best!

      Reply
  3. Georgiana says

    December 13, 2016 at 9:58 am

    Looks like a great way to throw a party! It’s been a long time since I’ve thrown a real one that included decorations. I agree though….definitely have the party after a normal meal time. It’s the best way to save!

    Reply
    • Shann Eva says

      December 20, 2016 at 9:43 am

      Yes! Thank you!

      Reply
  4. Stef@CraftyChristian says

    December 13, 2016 at 11:32 am

    Oooh I needed this post! We have a party we are throwing on Saturday… yikes!

    Reply
    • Shann Eva says

      December 20, 2016 at 9:43 am

      Hope it went well!

      Reply
  5. Belle Bermudez-Tubel says

    December 13, 2016 at 11:57 am

    These are such great tips!

    Belle | One Awesome Momma

    Reply
    • Shann Eva says

      December 20, 2016 at 9:43 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  6. Becky @Disney in your Day says

    December 13, 2016 at 3:26 pm

    Oh my gosh, all of this is so cute! I love the theme. Oriental Trading is the best. I’ve always wanted to have a holiday party but just never have the time to plan one – maybe I can aim for next year!

    Reply
    • Shann Eva says

      December 20, 2016 at 9:42 am

      Definitely after the holidays!

      Reply
  7. Samantha Regan says

    December 14, 2016 at 1:57 pm

    So cute! I always forget about Oriental Trading for party decor and they have such great items! Love all the tips – especially the last one!!

    Reply
    • Shann Eva says

      December 20, 2016 at 9:42 am

      Thank you! Yes, their stuff is awesome!

      Reply
  8. Samantha says

    December 14, 2016 at 10:37 pm

    great ideas! I love the simplicity!

    Reply
    • Shann Eva says

      December 20, 2016 at 9:42 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  9. Fullest Mom says

    December 15, 2016 at 11:04 am

    You rocked a pretty great party. The pics came out really cute. I’ve been bad about decorating for the past few years. I used to hand make everything and go all elaborate, but then I got lazy. LOL. I need pointers from you.

    Reply
    • Shann Eva says

      December 20, 2016 at 9:42 am

      Awe. Thank you so much!

      Reply
  10. Lacey Hanson says

    December 19, 2016 at 8:22 am

    These are great tips and I love the look of the decorations! I am terrible at party planning…lol

    Reply
  11. Jasmine Hewitt says

    January 1, 2017 at 10:31 pm

    These are great tips! Everything looks awesome too!

    Reply

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Meet Shann

Shann Hi! I'm a mom, writer, and dancer. I love sharing my parenting experiences, my healthy living tips, my money saving ideas, and our travel plans. My passion to help other women inspired this blog. I hope you'll stay a while and come back often.

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