Deal With It, Simply!

This weekend was my son Jacob’s confirmation.

Everything went wonderful!  My family is more to me then money and having them all together was a great gift for me. When money is tight it doesn’t have to look like it is and here is how:

• Make your invitations – Most of us have computers and I have learned from trial and error but it gives that personal touch. This year I emailed the invitations and I got back quick responses, which was a plus so I knew exactly how much food I needed. I don’t know if my Polish Grandma would have approved of emails but she would have loved the idea of having enough food for our guest!
• Have a party with another- My great niece was also making her confirmation and we go to the same church. Rather then split the family up we decided to have it together and pool our resources. We made decisions together and we shared in the cost. I have to say this was the least stressful party I have ever had!
• Confirmation gown – This wasn’t even my idea, but work out great. The confirmation gown was $12.00 to buy, but my dear friend gave us her son’s.  Jacob and him are the same size so I saved $12. The tip- share your resources and save.
• Decorations – For the last 6 years 2 of my friends from church and I have been passing around the confirmation  and Graduations decorations. This may seem like not that big of a deal, but it is something I bought once they have added to it and we share.
• Food-Meat The food will be your biggest expense. We bought lunch meat but not the usual way, whole ham at $1.39/lb, turkey $1.40/lb and roast beef $2.69/lb. The store sliced them for free. We rolled them and made our own meat tray. We had plenty of leftover and we are freezing in what we can use for each week. We bought bulk to get the best price, My oldest works in a deli at a local store and ham is at least $4.99 a pound. This tip isn’t just for parties buy a whole type of meat have it sliced and separate in individual weeks worth freezer bags and save.
• Food- Sides We have a great family and most bring something to the parties this is the way we have always done it and we help each other out. We had great variety and plenty. I wish I would have got a picture of the food.
• Drinks- Having alcohol at parties can get expensive so this is something you may opt to do without. We had different types of soda and I found for 99¢ each at GFS  and 1 gallon of lemon aid mix that made 10 gallons.
• Cups – try to stay in the 12-14 oz. size. I have noticed that people waste drinks not intending but if they sit a drink down and don’t know where they set it. Why use the bigger and waste more. ** tip – have a permanent marker by the drinks for your guest to mark their cups and you will waste less.**
• Freeze water jugs – use for ice and then when it thaws you have cold water.
• Many of the paper products and plastic ware you can get at the dollar store.
• Dessert – We brought a full sheet cake if cream filling at Costco for $16. I normally make my own cakes but this was a very special occasion and thought with us spitting the cost it was worth it. How about cupcakes, Brownies, cookies or make your own  ice cream sundae, Kids love any kind of dessert.

Do have any Party tips to share?  Let me know and I will share. Have a great day, Candy