Frugal Party

Okay everyone, would you believe I threw a baby shower for under $3 tonight (including the gift)? For everyone that thinks you have to spend a lot of money on parties this post is for you. I totally forgot to take any pictures though so you'll have to use your imagination. I knew I was going to throw this shower for the last couple months so I planned ahead using my coupons. That is a huge secret to saving money. You MUST plan ahead. If you have to buy something when you NEED it, then you'll probably have to pay full price. Here is the break down.

Diaper Cake: Diapers: FREE (using coupons at Walgreens) Ribbon: left over from Christmas last year. The diaper cake was the gift for my friend.

Planters Nuts: FREE using coupon

M&M's: FREE with coupon

Cupcakes: $.20 using coupon for mix, Frosting $.50 using coupon, topped with leftover blueberries

Sparkling Grape Juice: $1.50 stocked up when on sale

This was a little bit of a test for me. I wanted to see how frugally I could throw this party. I LOVE throwing parties but in the past it has been a big expense. This party has really motivated me to try to throw parties more frugally. I don't think anyone knew how little I spent on this party, I think it still had a classy feel to it. Without using coupons I think the exact same party, using the exact same products could have easily cost me $50!

Here are some frugal party ideas:
1. If your budget is really tight consider throwing the party at a non-meal time. That way you can just serve appetizers or dessert.
2. Use real serving wear. I like to use my china-I think it makes the event feel special. This is a win-win idea-it is FREE, and it is good for the earth (no paper plates sitting in landfills for hundreds of years).
3. Use what you have. I bought a huge thing of blueberries so we had a lot that I didn't want to go to waste and they worked great on dressing up the cupcakes.
4. PLAN AHEAD using your coupons and sales.

What frugal party throwing tips do you all have?