Budget Friendly Holiday Hosting Tips

Make this holiday season joyful, affordable, and stress-free with simple tips for hosting and celebrating.

A person setting the table for a Christmas gathering surrounded by presents, greenery, and candles

Holiday hosting should be fun, not stressful—or costly. Plan early, gather RSVPs, and shop smart to save money and avoid last-minute chaos. Start now for a budget-friendly, stress-free celebration.

  1. Groceries: Shop Strategically
  • Plan the menu early: Choose dishes that share ingredients to reduce waste and cost. Keep in mind allergies or dietary restrictions as well when creating the menu.
  • Go for make-ahead meals: Choose meals–casseroles, soups, and desserts–that can be prepped before to help free up your time the day of the festivities. 
  • Buy in bulk: Stock up on pantry staples like flour, sugar, and spices that you’ll use often. 
  • Use grocery delivery or pickup: Skip the large crowds, as well as the impulse buys.

Tip: Double recipes that freeze well so you can stretch ingredients and save on future meals.

  1. Decorations: Styling with Simplicity
  • Take advantage of deals: After the holidays is the perfect time to get discounted decorations to use for the next year.
  • Use what you have: Repurpose ornaments, string lights, and greenery in creative ways–like filling glass jars or wrapping stair rails.
  • DIY: Use your artistic abilities to handmake things like place cards, napkin rings, or centerpieces.
  • Don’t overdo it: Focus on key areas that you will be in to help avoid clutter.

Tip: Stick to one color palette to make everything feel intentional–even if it’s simple.

  1. Beverages: Festive and Budget-Friendly
  • Have everyone bring a signature drink: Having everyone bring their own drink to share helps take the stress off of you. These can be mocktails as well, just make sure everything is properly labeled!
  • Offer non-alcoholic options: Aside from mocktails, make sure to have plenty of sparkling ciders, soda, and water.
  • Know your crowd: Estimate how much to buy based on guest preferences and duration of the event
  • Coordinate coolers: If guests are bringing drinks, make sure there is plenty of space to chill them.

Tip: Fresh fruit, herbs, or simple garnishes can make inexpensive drinks feel festive. 

  1. Entertainment: Keep the Vibe Alive
  • Curate a playlist: Mix holiday classics with upbeat tunes to match the mood. 
  • Plan a few activities: Have things like trivia, gift exchange games, or cookie decorating.
  • Have a kids’ corner: Make sure to have activities for the kids like coloring pages, puzzles or holiday movies to watch.
  • Leave time for unplanned activities: Don’t make your gatherings time dependent. Leave room for unplanned moments as well.

Tip: Ask what everyone’s favorite songs are to make your playlist personal.

The holidays should be about joy, not stress. Plan ahead, shop smart, and focus on what matters—making memories with the people you love.  

The information provided in these articles is intended for informational purposes only. It is not to be construed as the opinion of Central Bancompany, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and does not imply endorsement or support of any of the mentioned information, products, services, or providers. All information presented is without any representation, guaranty, or warranty regarding the accuracy, relevance, or completeness of the information.