Party supply stores can be a last-minute lifesaver, but the convenience often comes at a price. Planning ahead, on the other hand, can yield original decorations and better quality supplies at a fraction of the cost.
Friends of Sandy Keeney, a consummate entertainer in Cincinnati, Ohio, know that when she throws a party, every detail will be perfect. What they don’t know is that she’s found a way to make her events — whether casual or elegant — more affordable than they appear.
“Being organized and planning ahead is key,” Keeney says. “A lot of money gets wasted when you go shopping at the last minute.”
Scouting out deals online is another way to avoid a panicked trip to the party store. “There are a lot of discount online party stores that you can buy from,” she notes, citing stores like Oriental Trading Co., Zazzle, and Party 411. “If you subscribe to their emails, you can find out about sales throughout the year and buy things before you’re going to need them.”
Plan for perfection
Planning ahead also helps you know what you need, so if you run across it in a store, you can go ahead and pick it up.
“Every time I have a party and think of something that I wish I had, I write it down,” Keeney says. “I keep that list in my purse, so when I’m out shopping, I can look at it and see if anything on that list is on sale.”
Keeney’s other tips to cut costs include:
Ditch the disposables. Those paper plates, napkins, and plastic utensils can really add up, so Keeney advises buying inexpensive plates, flatware, and cloth napkins to keep on hand. “I do that for parties of 20 people or less; it looks nicer than paper, and people are always impressed.” (Visit outlet stores or Tuesday Morning to find good buys.) Another great thing about this? You’re helping out the environment instead of adding paper and plastic to a landfill.
Check your local 99 cent or dollar stores first. “They are great resources for napkins, party favors, and tablecloths. You’ll be surprised what you can find there!”
“Shop” your own house. Items you already have on hand make terrific table decorations. Candles artfully arranged on a platter, a glass bowl of “found” objects like pine cones and leaves, or even an objet d’art that’s been hidden away in a bedroom or den can make a wonderful centerpiece and conversation piece.
Reuse and recycle! Party goods are made to be durable, so hang on to those signs, streamers, and banners. They’re good for more than one party!
Make your own party favors. Keeney’s cooking draws rave reviews, so she oftentimes gives a “recipe book” of the menu. “I print them on nice paper, punch a hole in the corner, and put a ribbon through it. It makes a really nice party favor.” Creating your own “signature” party favor will give your guests something to look forward to each time!
Avoiding party store pitfalls
Party supply stores can be a last-minute lifesaver, but the convenience often comes at a price. Planning ahead, on the other hand, can yield original decorations and better quality supplies at a fraction of the cost.
Friends of Sandy Keeney, a consummate entertainer in Cincinnati, Ohio, know that when she throws a party, every detail will be perfect. What they don’t know is that she’s found a way to make her events — whether casual or elegant — more affordable than they appear.
“Being organized and planning ahead is key,” Keeney says. “A lot of money gets wasted when you go shopping at the last minute.”
Scouting out deals online is another way to avoid a panicked trip to the party store. “There are a lot of discount online party stores that you can buy from,” she notes, citing stores like Oriental Trading Co., Zazzle, and Party 411. “If you subscribe to their emails, you can find out about sales throughout the year and buy things before you’re going to need them.”
Plan for perfection
Planning ahead also helps you know what you need, so if you run across it in a store, you can go ahead and pick it up.
“Every time I have a party and think of something that I wish I had, I write it down,” Keeney says. “I keep that list in my purse, so when I’m out shopping, I can look at it and see if anything on that list is on sale.”
Keeney’s other tips to cut costs include: