Here’s a book that shows it is possible to throw an awesome party without spending a fortune. Budget Living has produced the book filled Party Central with guides for a fun party each month of the year. The book includes easy recipes, simple decorating tips, and inexpensive shopping lists that make throwing an inexpensive bash easier (and more fun) than ever.
If nothing else, this book is a fun read–with lots of pictures of menu items and decorating ideas. Each month has a party with a different theme. Some of the themes are not surprising, like a New Year’s Eve party for January or a Halloween Fright-Fest for October. Other months have less traditional party themes like “Oscar Night” or “Mexican Potluck.”
One of my favorite chapters in the book is September. This chapter explains a couple who had a wedding reception in an elementary school cafeteria. The bride and groom threw a fun and very memorable party for near $1000! The theme, of course, was based around school days. They served pizza, tater tots, and salad right from the lunch line. The decorations were simple: paper chains hung from the ceiling, books and chalkboards on the tables, and balloons throughout the room.
Some other fun touches for the school-themed reception included:
• Pop quizzes on the table with trivia questions about the couple.
• A simple notebook for the guestbook.
• Report cards sent out as invitations, asking people to RSVP by grading themselves on attendance, dancing, and social skills.
• Simple, kid-friendly treats like cupcakes, butterscotch bars and juice boxes.
The book explains that throwing a great party for less starts with simply choosing the right theme. Look for a theme that is fun, casual, and that lends itself to simple decorations and foods. Check out the book for some other great ideas for throwing a memorable party on the cheap.