Save on New Years Eve Partying

My mother always throws New Year's Eve parties...ever since I was little. This year, I want to contribute to my mom's annual New Year's Eve get together without breaking the bank. Here are a few ideas on how you can stay on budget while ringing in 2014! 

1. Keep the Guest List Small: We used to have neighbors, family, and a few close friends. That's about it. 

 2. Have a Pot Luck: For get togethers such as this, people normally do not mind bringing snacks, side dishes, desserts, or beverages to share. 

3. Use Holiday Leftovers for Dinner: Left over ham and turkey can be a real money saver for New Years if you use the leftovers for your main course. The ham and cheese sliders, turkey alfredo, ham and cheese dip, turkey enchiladas, turkey pot pies, paella, ham and pineapple pizza, turkey ranch and bacon pizza, and turkey salad all make great entertaining dishes. 

 4. Limit the Alcohol: Stick to beer and a special cocktail or two. You could eliminate it all together...but come on, its New Year's Eve!

 5. Go for Cheap Entertainment: In addition to asking everyone to bring a dish, ask them to bring along their favorite board game. Our family does this every year! We play board games, cards, and Wii games. In the background we will have the various New Year's Eve celebrations on TV so we can watch the ball drop at midnight. Karaoke would also be a fun and inexpensive idea.

 6. Use Your Own Dishes: Instead of purchasing plastic or paper places and tableware, use what you already have. Sure you'll have to wash them later, but it will be cheaper.

 7. Reuse Decorations: Instead of spending money on special decorations, just reuse your Christmas decorations. The twinkling Christmas lights are pretty when the overhead lights are dimmed and chances are you have sparkly candles and charger plates somewhere. If you must buy new stuff, go to the dollar store and buy candles (usually 2/$1) and glow sticks. 

 8. Don't Buy a New Outfit: Sure it is fun to dress up, but it is also fun to be debt free, be a homeowner, etc. Instead of purchasing a new outfit for New Year's Eve, wear something you already have. If you must buy something new, Walmart has really cute sequins tank tops for $5! I will be pairing this one with some new rhinestone pocket jeans I received as a Christmas gift and my cowgirl boots that were a birthday gift from my hubby-to-be.

 9. Buy With Coupons: As always...buy your snacks, beverages, and ingredients for your main course using coupons. Plan your snacks around what is on sale and what can be paired with your coupons. Also, do not forget about that wine deal we talked about a few days ago. Most stores give you 10% off the purchase of three or more bottles. 

 10. Don't Buy Confetti: Make it out of newspaper and old magazines instead. It still has the same effect, but it will not cost you anything. This is a great way to keep the kids entertained while you cook too! 

 11. Skip the Invites: Don't spend money on fancy invitations. Invite your guests via Facebook, phone, email, etc. If you must send out invitations, get them from the dollar store or make them yourself.