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Although Omicron is this year’s uninvited and undesired holiday guest, there are still ways to celebrate the holidays. But from food to decorations, parties don’t come cheap. However, proper planning and smart strategizing can make all the difference to your budget.
1. Holiday Party Expenses
Although the total cost of a party depends on food, the amount of people you’ll be hosting and the level of entertainment, having people over is never cheap. Although some costs are obvious such as the cost of food, there are other invisible ones that easily add up, such as your increased energy usage. Time spent in the kitchen cooking as well as entertaining often result in an increased Columbia Gas bill. Although Ohio is praised for its affordable cost of living, paying a lower utility bill is always a good thing.
2. Holiday Party Planning Tips
Party planning is not a last-minute affair. Moreover, a party well planned means half of the work done.
Opt for a potluck feast
Food and drinks are usually the most expensive items when it comes to throwing a party. Food preparation is also the most time consuming as it can take days if you want to do something complex. If there is anything ‘good’ about the COVID-era is that it is the perfect time to break traditions so no one will be offended if you decide to host a potluck and ask everyone to contribute. If anything, satisfaction is guaranteed as you entirely avoid the scenario of a guest not liking the food and trying out new flavors might be fun.
Choose a theme
Choosing a theme for your Holiday party will help your mind focus in the right direction and allow your creativity to flow. Decoration does not have to be costly or complex, as even an old-fashioned candle lighting can create all the magic you need for a warm holiday spirit atmosphere.
Make a checklist
The best way to ensure to stick within a budget is to create a detailed checklist so you can keep your costs under control and monitor all of your spending. It can also help you save money by remembering to confirm everyone’s coming on time, so you avoid wasting food.
Holiday Event Clothing
If you can’t find anything to wear in your closet to an upcoming holiday event, invite a friend over. Sometimes a new pair of eyes can pull an outfit together that we didn’t notice hanging right there in front of our eyes! Better yet, host a clothing swap: Invite a few friends to bring some of their favorite pieces, and see if you can all mix and match to create ‘new’ holiday fits for each of you.
3. Have a Fabulous Holiday Party on a Budget With These Money-Saving Tips
Let’s take a look at a few ways you can organize a great party and enjoy the holidays without breaking the bank and staying within your budget.
Use energy efficient appliances
Appliances such as instant pots, microwave ovens, and power blenders can save you energy and time, while allowing you to actually enjoy your party as you get to spend less time preparing and just stress less. They will also help you save money on your energy bill.
Compare rates
The beauty of living in Columbus Ohio is that you can easily check and compare all available rates. The right rate that corresponds your usage can make all the difference in the world on your annual natural gas bill. Providers such as Ohio Edison even offer bill assistance programs, so you have all the information at hand.
Learn about your usage
In order to ensure you have the best rate, you need to know your energy usage which means learning about your habits. If anything, you will also spot areas for improvement, such as turning off the lights when you leave the room or seeing if you can turn down the thermostat by wearing another layer of clothes.
Bottom line
Cutting the budget for your holiday parties doesn’t have to be painful at all. All it takes is a bit of creativity as at the end of the day, it is all about the gathering. When people who care for each other come together, magic happens on its own.
