I had a Christmas party last year.  Some things that helped were that my mother, sister, MIL, and SIL all offered to bring something and I let them.  I bought chocolate almond bark and made two trays of chocolate and peanut butter candy which was super cheap and made chocolate covered cherries (no filling, just covered cherries).  Those were a huge hit and so cheap and easy to make.  I had a large chip and dip platter with plain old Ruffles chips and sour cream and onion dip.  I bought the plates, napkins, and cups at Wal-Mart.  I bought 2 liter Cokes, Diet Cokes, Sprites, and had a nice pitcher of ice water.  There was other food, but none of it was very expensive.  A couple of people even showed up with food so that was a nice addition. I suppose the food was good because there wasn't a lot of anything left. 

I didn't send out invitations since my party wasn't "fancy."  I personally called people and asked them to save the date.  We had over 30 people and most of them brought either us or DD or both gifts.  I think we had such a nice turn out because I did call them personally. 

Another way to host a holiday party or meal, although untraditional is to have a Thanksgiving Potluck. There are two ways. Either assign a menu and have everyone sign up for an item, or allow anyone to bring anything. I prefer to have a menu prepared and use the free invitations and signup forms on

www.signupgenius.com/potluck

to request the items.

My family and friends have been doing it this way for years, and it really cuts costs.

Last October I hosted a birthday party and decided to use an Autumn theme. My tablecloth was was 2 1/2 yards of fabric will colorful fall leaves and I bought plates and bowls to match. I bought several clear divided containers for snacks and finger food that could be recycled for the next gathering. I got invitations at the dollar store. I used my computer and took the time to create a map with directions from four different directions for people coming from out of town. It was cheaper for me to make a vegetable platter but I left the meat / cheese platter to the pros. Our Mennonite store carries a wide variety of nuts and snack foods in bulk.

December 12th is our cookie swap  last year we had 67 people 

then 15th we have a luncheon for our Bible study  its always fun .

then on the 18th .. there are hay rides or sleigh ( if we got snow ) a fire pit  caroling ( we hire kids at the college ) . laughing talking and food if you bring something that great if not that ok too  ...

we always have live Navity .. that important .. ( our grandson is due the first of December  he will probably be the star

we have cider , soda , coffee  and we go all out .. it always fun .. we invite everyone  

 

I bought inexpensive sheet fabric in a solid colour   (104 inches wide) to use as our tablecloths for entertaining - no hemming.   I decided to stay away from an obvious Christmas print - the solid colour is much more versatile.  We increase the size of our tables by simply placing a 4' x 8' sheet of plywood on top of the table.  Another half sheet of plywood becomes the temporary top for a small round table that normally occupies a corner in our living room.  

I told DH that we should host a family get-together the Sunday after Christmas or even a couple days before.  His family is very busy during the holidays, but we want everyone to come over b/c my parents will be visiting and we think the families should meet.  I was telling him about the idea I saw on a blog (the 365 slow cooking one, I think) about doing mashed potato sundaes and then ice cream sundaes for dessert.  He thought that was a good idea.  It would be so easy and *can* be inexpensive if planned well.  Also, once everything is set up, the host & hostess don't have to spend the entire time in the kitchen cooking, but can actually sit and enjoy the company.

The crock-pot could keep the potatoes warm and then we could set out lots of toppings and people could make up several different combinations.  We could have chili, cheese, bacon, chives, sour cream, chopped turkey, gravy, broccoli, peas, chopped ham, etc.  I like it b/c it would mean NOT being in the kitchen the whole time company is over.  With certain combinations it would lend itself to being typical holiday food, but with others just good comfort food.  For an appetizer I could just put out a simple veggie tray with dip.  And a dessert of ice cream sundaes is also pretty easy and can be inexpensive if you keep it down to a couple of toppings and a couple types of sprinkles.

I do a holiday brunch for some friends.  Breakfast is very inexpensive and can be very festive.  I use inexpensive champagne to make mimosas but honestly there is not too much drinking at that hour so a few bottles goes a very long way.  I make several overnight egg dishes (chickens in the backyard supply those)  some home made breads, cookies and a fruit platter.  Everything arranged pretty and some Christmas music playing, a fire in the fireplace made for a festive morning.  I invited all ladies and told everyone to bring a gift of $10.00 or less that another woman would like to reeive and we did a funny gift swap.  I think that this year we may do a re-gifting swap.  Something from your home you have received.....Happy Holidays!