Fun Parties
Frugal (and Fun) Party Tips
Be it a cocktail party, traditional family gathering or a New Year’s Eve bash to ring in 2009, just about everyone will attend or throw some sort of get-together before the month is out. But while the winter party season is great for food and friends, it’s not so good for your finances. Unfortunately, it can be dangerously easy to overspend.
Last year, for instance, I meant to throw a low-key Christmas open house. But before I knew it, I’d raided the Christmas decor section at the local Crate & Barrel (it was on sale, but still expensive!) and picked up ingredients for a bunch of pricey appetizers, including three out-of-season tropical fruits for my “festive” martinis. Then, of course, I started thinking about investing in a new cocktail dress to go with those fancy cocktails…
Needless to say, it didn’t take long to break the bank. It never does. But while you might bask in the glow of your hosting triumph temporarily, you won’t be too happy once your guests have cleared out and you’re left to look forward to the new year with a stocking full of debt (and that’s before the bill with your Christmas shopping adventure arrives).
But a soiree doesn’t have to bust your budget. Of all holiday seasons, people will be most understanding if you go frugal this year. Fortunately it’s becoming almost trendy to be low-cost. What used to be something you didn’t talk about—like sex and politics—has been swept out into the open. So embrace your budget-consciousness, and use it to throw a party that focuses on what really matters—quality time with friends and family. For inspiration, check out the get-togethers I’ve recently attended on-the-cheap.
Swap cookies
I assume the cookie exchange is not a new idea, but I swear that until now, I’d never heard of them, let alone been invited to one. This year? I’ve been to two already and am considering a third. Cookies have caught on like wildfire because they are easy—and affordable—to make and give. It’s really just a new take on the age-old potluck party. When you invite friends, ask them each to bake their favorite holiday cookie. Then you split them up and everyone takes home a sweet variety. Of course, the traditional potluck party works just as well—and provides a more well-rounded meal. The theme is up to you.
Play games
Kids always seem to have the best time around the holidays. Sure, it could be because they get the best presents (what kid has to feign a smile after opening up a pair of socks?). But I think it’s because, unlike us adults, kids know how to relax. Maybe that’s because they know how to play. But they don’t have the Monopoly (ha, get it?) on fun. Set out some easy (and cheap) snack food and break out the cards, dominoes and board games. Laugh, goof around, and forget about your troubles for the night. That’s what the holidays are supposed to be about.
Watch movies
Get out your stash of holiday-themed DVDs—sentimental or hilarious—and ask your guests to bring theirs as well. Or break out the home movies. Pop some popcorn and make some hot chocolate while you relive old times. Maybe play some cinema-themed trivia. It’s a heck of a lot cheaper than going to the theater.
Of course, you shouldn’t feel limited to these three suggestions. I’m no professional party planner. But these are the kind of parties that have kept my spirits up this year. It’s amazing—it seems like the less I spend, the more I focus on the feeling of being with the people I love. It’s a welcome distraction.
Holiday gatherings ought to be joyful—not painful. If you find yourself feeling pained because you feel you’re pinching pennies to no avail, give yourself the gift you really need this year—relief. Debt relief. Check out the tips in our new (and free!) DebtStoppers Financial Toolkit. For immediate help, sign up for a free personalized debt analysis with one of our attorneys. So you can spend more quality time with your family—and less time worrying about your wallet.
About the Author
Are you struggling with debt? Is the bank threatening to foreclose on your home? DebtStoppers can help. Contact us for a free one-on-one debt analysis at http://debtstoppersusa.com or join our blog community at http://debtstoppersusa.com/blog
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12′ Scary Fun Ceiling Decoration $9.99 Perfect for kids parties. This banner is more fun than scary. Approximately 12′ wide x 12″ high. Features cats, bats, pumpkins, ghosts and witch hats. Has an orange, purple and green banner. Easy installation! |
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Sex Book – Sex Parties 101 $21.99 Though it may sound like an innocent how-to on hosting a sex toy party (as in selling vibrators to giggling friends), it is in fact a guide chock-full of ideas and tips on actual sex parties (as in getting it on with aforementioned giggling friends). Written by Simon Sheppard, it is written from the viewpoint and preferences of a gay man, but the lessons are applicable to any mix of gender or orientation. Filled with advice, Sex Parties 101 goes over party planning ideas, codes of conduct, and the ups and downs of group sex, with an emphasis on gay males. A good peek into the world of threesomes, foursomes, and moresomes, real life examples are also covered to give the reader a feel for the mindset of some past participants. Informative with a dose of tongue-in-cheek humor, if you’re a beginner interested in learning more about group sex, Sex Parties 101 is a great read. |
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Sex Is Fun – The Game $49.95 You are about to discover just how much fun you can have playing with your partner. Blowing the hinges off conventional couple’s games, Sex is Fun goes deeper and gets dirtier, crazier, and kinkier than anything you’ve ever played before. Find out how well you know each other with 84 of the most carefully engineered questions and challenges specifically designed to peel away inhibitions and shatter boundaries. Certain discounts not applicable on this product |
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Waterproof Finger Fun Vibrator $19.95 Satisfy Those Tight Spots with Your Finger Vibe! Add a little buzz to your solo play, or hand the Waterproof Finger Fun vibe over to your partner for some extra fun sensations during oral or vaginal sex! Able to stimulate anywhere your fingers can reach, this discreet finger vibrator slides on like a ring for teasing and arousing anywhere you like. Small enough to be hidden in a pocket, purse, or bedside drawer, this tiny teaser still packs a lot of power! Pleasure Nub Studded Jelly Sleeve Multiple Speed Dial Base Control Stretchy Finger Ring For Secure Fit Waterproof 3 Watch Batteries Included Perfect For Beginner, Intermediate And Advanced Sex Toy Users The soft, flexible sleeve is covered with small raised pleasure nubs that transmit the exciting vibrations to your skin. The stretchy ring on the back fits any user, and tucks the shaft of the vibrator securely against the finger for easily navigating the curved tip against your erogenous zones. The removable sleeve can be paired with any water based or silicone lubricant for extra comfort and sensual slickness. Vibrations are centered just below the tip for maximum results, and can be adjusted by twisting the dial base to the left or right until the perfect speed is found. During solo sessions, the special shape fits perfectly against a woman s curves to pinpoint sensations against her clit, or inside for gentle G-spot stimulation. Her partner can also use the Waterproof Finger Fun Vibe for an added erotic boost in almost any sexual position. A rubber O ring above the battery compartment seals out water, allowing this pleasurable toy to perform in the bath or shower as easily as it does between the sheets. This finger vibrator comes with batteries for enjoying right out of the box, and is easy to clean with soap and water or a toy cleaner. To ensure this mini vibe keeps going as long as you do, be sure to tighten the cap before using in or under water, and remove batteries between uses. Check out all the vibrators |
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Fill Er’ Up (Fireman) Adult $62.99 Fireman coat, hat, and fire extinguisher beverage dispenser for fun! Great at parties! |
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$100 USD Toilet Paper Roll $6.95 Prove youre made of cash with this $100 bill roll of toilet paper. This novelty toilet paper is printed to look just like a one hundred dollar bill only at 1.5 times the size. Get this fun novelty gift for parties or celebrating a friends promotion. Get yours today and spend! |
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10 Minute Solution Fat Blasting Dance Mix Mag $14.98 No time to exercise? We have the solution for you – the 10 Minute Solution! Everyone can find at least ten minutes in their day, and we’ve developed five fun and energetic dance routines that are just 10 minutes each. You’ll get great cardio and toning benefits from the ten minute segments – designed to fit into even the busiest of schedules. Split them into five mini dance parties, or mix and match to hit your own unique problem areas…or do all of them together for an incredible 50-minute dance blast!Simple Slimmer: Get down and shape up with some simple, fun dance moves that even a non-dancer can enjoy.Calorie Meltdown: This segment takes it up just a notch — it’s full of energy and a real calorie-burner.Fat Burning Party: This dance party is for everyone — let loose, have fun, and melt away those extra pounds!Butt & Thigh Blaster: The Butt & Thigh Blaster is more than a dance party — it’s your way to finally get jiggle-free buns and thighs!Ab Attack: Really whittle your middle as you move and groove. This set is specifically designed to attack and flatten those abs. |
