New Year's Eve Party on a Budget

Ringing in the New Year is an exciting time for all. Out with the old and in with the new will be on the forefront of guest's minds. The only problem is the financial fiasco and economic crisis will linger well into the next year. So how does one still faced with financial problems let loose for an evening without letting loose of their wallet? The best way to say goodbye to the previous year is to throw a New Year's Eve party on a budget.

Provided will be first hand tips to throwing a New Year's Eve party on a budget for under $20.

Food - $15

When considering a New Year's Eve party on a budget, the first way to save money is to not serve dinner. By not serving dinner, one will cut over $100 or more out of their budget. A New Year's Eve party shouldn't be a dinner party, but a celebration.

Start off your New Year's Eve party on a budget with an appetizer. For under $3, cheaper if you look for weekly supermarket deals, buy a half gallon of ice cream. Next buy a chocolate bar for 50 cents. Shave the chocolate and put in a bowl. Put a scoop of ice cream on a spoon and garnish with the chocolate. Freeze. When guests arrive, you now have a sweet appetizer for your New Year's Eve party on a budget.

Another appetizer involves a block of cream cheese, $1, and graham crackers, $2. Use a melon baller to make small circles of cream cheese, roll in the crushed graham cracker crumbs. Refrigerate and guests will have cheesecake balls.

Another favorite is pigs in a blanket. Purchase hot dogs for under $2 per package and cut into small sections. Wrap in store bought biscuits for less than a dollar. To add additional flair to your New Year's Eve party on a budget, make decorations for the toothpicks. One sheet of construction paper does wonders. Write "Happy New Year" and wrap the message each tooth pick. Tooth picks $1 and construction paper, $2

Decorations - $5

Your New Year's Eve party on a budget should have a common theme, "out with the old and in with the new". Visit retail stores or craft store which still have summer decorations on deep discounts. Purchase basic items such as patterned napkins and melamine plates. The napkins can be purchased for approximately $1/$2 depending on the store. Tape the napkins together, flip over and you have an eclectic table dressing.

Do you already have your guest list prepared for your New Year's Eve party on a budget? Send out notes to each guest and have them write a small note of their best part of the last year and wishes for the New Year. When guests arrive, place on the wall and you instantly have a conversation piece.

The final decorating idea for your New Year's Eve party on a budget is rice. A bag of rice will cost $2 and when the countdown is over, throw the rice in the air to welcome the New Year.

Financial troubles do not mean your New Year's Eve party on a budget has to be a wash. Utilize these proven tips to ring in the New Year with style.