Throw a Spooky Soiree on a Shoestring Budget
As the seasons change, our social calendars fill up with festive gatherings, from fall festivities to holiday parties and New Year’s Eve bashes. With so many celebrations to plan, it’s essential to be mindful of costs without sacrificing fun. This spooky season, we’re challenging ourselves to throw a Halloween party for under $3 per person.
The Power of Collaboration
Before we dive into the party planning, remember that you don’t have to do it all alone. Enlist the help of friends who share your passion for decorating, cooking, or hosting. Assign tasks and ask guests to bring a dish or drinks to share the burden and the fun.
Budget Breakdown
For our $3 treasure hunt, we’ve allocated our budget into three main categories: food, decor, and drinks.
Decorations: A Spooky Ambiance
To create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere, we’ve chosen decorations that will set the mood without breaking the bank.
- 50 mini black spiders ($0.99)
- 50 tea candles (bulk pack) ($4)
- Small black cauldron ($3.99)
- White stretch spider web ($6.99)
- 40 Halloween goody bags ($1.99)
Set the scene by draping the spider web around your door and table, adding tea candles and black spiders for a eerie glow. Fill the goody bags with candy corn and place them in the cauldron for a sweet surprise.
Food: Hearty Dips and Treats
For a light and festive spread, we’ve selected dips and snacks that fit our budget and theme.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts ($3.99)
- 1 small package of light cream cheese (or Greek yogurt) ($1.59)
- Frank’s Red Hot sauce ($2.68)
- Celery ($0.92)
- Baby carrots ($1.69)
- Tortilla chips ($2.98)
- Salsa ($2.39)
- Three avocados ($3.99)
Our menu features buffalo chicken dip, guacamole, and salsa, served with chips, celery, and carrots. To make the dip, cook and shred the chicken, then combine it with cream cheese, celery, and Frank’s Red Hot sauce. Bake until golden and serve with tortilla chips.
Signature Cocktail: Fall Smash
Warm up your guests with a signature cocktail that captures the essence of fall.
- One gallon of cider ($2.99)
- Jim Beam (750 mL) ($13.99)
Combine half the gallon of cider with a splash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla (if you have them) in a crock pot. Serve in disposable cups with a ladle and a smaller bottle of Jim Beam for guests to mix their own drinks.
Total Cost: $53.48 ($2.67 per person)
With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can throw a memorable Halloween party without breaking the bank. Happy haunting!
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