'Tis the season to eat, drink, and be merry. The only problem is, doing those things can be pretty expensive. Just in time for the holidays, we have put together a guide so that you can throw the ultimate party for under $50. Yeah, it's possible. Check out how to combine all the classic festive elements for an incredible (and affordable) soiree.
Decorating gingerbread men is a superfun activity that is surprisingly cheap. Ikea sells a pound of gingerbread dough for just $3. Grab a couple tubes of red and green icing for about $2 each, and you're all set! Photo by Rustic White Photography via Style Me Pretty
A party isn't a party without music. Luckily, we have all kinds of totally free and festive playlists, like this one filled with Christmas pop songs.
Chances are you have rolls of wrapping paper hanging around after wrapping all sorts of presents. Use the leftover paper and tape it to your wall to make a fun patterned backdrop for taking pictures. If you have to use different kinds of paper, it's OK — it will create a cozy-patchwork-quilt look. Source: Style Me Pretty
Put candy canes all over your space for guests to snack on. You can also hang them from a tree, banister, or mantel for decoration. Get this pack of 60 candy canes for $20. You will be covered on both decor and sweet treats. Source: Style Me Pretty
A Christmas party requirement is some spirits to sip on. Alcohol can be superexpensive, but we praise Trader Joe's for its Two Buck Chuck. The store has a variety of Charles Shaw wines in the $2 range, so you can buy plenty of bottles depending on the number of guests you're having. Photo by Meg Runion via Style Me Pretty
When the party starts to die down, pop in a classic holiday movie rental like White Christmas from Redbox for only one buck! Everyone will enjoy a nostalgic flick before they head home.