I love to entertain! Bringing together family and friends gives me the warm fuzzies; yet, the high cost of entertaining used to do the exact opposite. Nowadays, it’s a different matter. I’ve learned frugal tips to make a gathering sparkle, without breaking the bank. And, today I’m excited to bring you these sponsored suggestions!
A good friend once told me to stand out it’s all in the details. She was correct. Just as you would add accessories to jazz up an outfit, adding an extra touch, something unexpected to a gathering, will make it sparkle. It doesn’t need to be expensive, but it does need to be geared specifically to your gatherings party goers.
No one knows your friends or family better than you. In fact, that connection you have is one of the reasons why they want to attend your gathering! Even so, it’s always good to have examples. Below I’ve noted three frugal tips that will make your gathering sparkle.
Frugal Tips 1: Bathroom Surprises
In my home, the bathroom’s medicine cabinet isn’t just for storing my Charmin toilet paper; I also use it to store special surprises for guests. I customize the treats, depending on the company. For formal sit down dinners, I stock the cabinet with dinner mints, individually packed toothpicks and toothbrushes, and travel size toothpaste. For a friendly, impromptu gathering, I might put a lot of marbles in the cabinet to discourage snoopers. For a family gathering with children, the options are endless: the medicine cabinet contains homemade stickers that children receive each time they clean their hands after using the bathroom. At the end of the night, children present their stickers to win prizes! Winners receive a small prize – jacks, plastic rings, something fun that will make them feel special.
Frugal Tips 2 :Music
I’ve learned that everyone loves to sing. Trust me on this one, there’s a reason karaoke is so popular. Whether they do so loudly, or under their breath, doesn’t really matter. What does matter is whether or not they know the words. Make it easy for them by streaming music, with words, on your television. Those who want to join in can, while those who don’t will laugh at the hilarity that is sure to ensue!
Frugal Tips 3: Parting Gifts
I believe in giving parting gifts. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does have to be heartfelt. Given that I enjoy crafting in my free time, I give homemade gifts that will help them remember the evening we spent together. Below are a few suggestions.
- Flash drive featuring the music played at the event
- Homemade plantable seed paper tied with ribbon (This is perfect for Going Away Parties – ex. Going to college.)
- Take a photo of guests as they enter, give them the framed photo at the end of the night.
Let’s talk! How do you make your gatherings sparkle without breaking the bank?
Brought to you by Charmin Ultra Soft. We all go. Why not enjoy the go?
Disclosure: Latina On a Mission is working on a sponsored Charmin campaign to develop a fresh, innovative video series. All opinions expressed herein are those of the Author.
{ 37 comments… add one }
I love the idea of having mints in the medicine cabinet. I think I am being fancy if the toilet paper is actually on the holder!
Carly Bellard recently posted..Gluten-Free Fridays at Gigi’s Cupcakes *Giveaway
Wow, I want to visit your home! I do not get that deep for my visitors, although i do like for everyone to always leave with a nice thoughtful gift. We are on the same page with that!
Mitch
Mitch recently posted..I’m a Ronald McDonald House NY Ambassador! @RMHC
Who doesn’t love karaoke?!!! And I love the idea of plantable seed paper!
Ashley recently posted..Laundry Day: The Good, Bad, and Ugly Stories of Online Dating
That’s too funny that you put marbles in the medicine cabinet!
What a nice gesture for everybody to leave with a gift.
Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? recently posted..This is the last time
Those are all really fun ideas. I like the one about surprises in the bathroom!
Great tips! I add music to everything, whether it’s a small play date or a big gathering. Music makes everything more fun.
I love the idea of bathroom surprises. Toilet paper origami is a favorite!
Marina recently posted..How to host a Puppy Party for Kids {#NetflixKids}
I love the idea of sending guests home with a flash drive full of tunes from the event. This would be a great way to keep the memories alive afterwards.
Jessica P recently posted..Spark Summer Time Creativity With Juicy Juice + Crayola #UltimatePlaydate #CollectiveBias
Making the “go” a little more pleasant is always welcome to a guest. If I’m having a last second someone over, the first thing I do is clean the bathroom and refill the TP!
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama recently posted..My first Vlog, Ever! #MKGlam
I love the idea of personalizing the bathroom cabinet depending on the guests. The homemade stickers for hand washing would be a big hit.
Virginia @thatbaldchick recently posted..Celebrating her #Smilestones with #Orajel AD
I’m with Mitch. Can I come over for a visit. I need to take your lead and do something amazing for my visitors. A parting gift is a fabulous idea.
Tiffany (Fabulous Mom Blog) recently posted..The Hundred-Foot Journey Poster and Recipe
those are fab ideas for gatherings! love the rewards for kids to wash hands. although i suspect my little one would be washing her hands every 4 minutes
I have never done a parting gift, what a great/thoughtful idea!! My MIL always sends me home w/food. I like to visit her house. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Rosey recently posted..Swissphone ePure DECT 6.0 Design Home Cordless Telephone
These are some great tips. I’ll keep these in mind for my roommate’s birthday party next weekend.
Mints in the medicine cabinet is a genius idea. I’ve never thought of that. Last night I was thinking I want to include seed packets as a party favor of sorts. (My son has been very into our garden lately, so I think it would be a fun idea.)
Jaime recently posted..Friday 5
I love your idea of a flash drive! My memory is always sparked by music. Particular songs spark my memory of occasions. This is a great way to draw that out of others as well.
Jessica (Savory Experiments) recently posted..Peach and Gorgonzola Salad with Tangy Peach Dressing
These are great ideas! I love the idea of plantable seed paper!
Lauren recently posted..Review! Valentia Even Glow Serum – Vitamin C 20%
Awesome ideas! I love music for a lot of things/
Debbie Denny recently posted..It’s MURDER I Tell You! Murder Mystery Dinner Theater! Celebratin’ in Branson!
Those are all super creative ways to jazz up any gathering from family to friends 🙂 I told my boyfriend when we have our own place I’m going to go entertaining crazy and I’m going to definitely use these tips and tricks if you don’t mind!
Kayla @ TheEclecticElement recently posted..Teva Original Sandals Unlock YOUR Adventurous Spirit #Ready2Roo
Our entertaining is very casual, we’re all pretty much ordinary people that live similar lifestyles. Good music is a must for a party.
Karaoke is a great idea for a party. So much fun!
Jenn @ The Rebel Chick recently posted..Protect Your Fluffy Dogs With PetArmor Plus IGR #petarmorprotects
What awesome tips! I love to entertain too!
Amanda recently posted..Today’s List of Free Ebooks
Marbles in the cabinet. He He – I love it
I love the bathroom surprises idea! I’ll need to add a few for my next party
Christie recently posted..Weekend Giveaway Round Up – 50+ to Enter
I literally just LOL’d at putting marbles in the medicine cabinet! That’ll teach them!
Christina S recently posted..Spring Picture Time
I think you are right – everyone does love to sing. Karaoke machines are a lot of fun!
Dawn recently posted..5 Ways To Show Your Pets Love #sponsored #HillsPet
i love the parties where they have the photo booth. it’s a great way to get a memento and the party giver has their own memories too
Melinda recently posted..Sunday Linky Edition #242
Great tips! I love the idea of a parting gift!
The photo idea is super cute! I need to do that at our next gathering.
Shell recently posted..Finding a Balance with Our Words: Things They Can’t Say
I have to say that your parting gifts ideas are pretty brilliant. LOVE the idea of going home with a pic from the event. I’ve done that for kids, but not adults. Yet.
Liz Mays recently posted..Denny’s New Adventure Menu for Kids is Weird, Wacky Fun!
HAHA! I am totally using your marble trick when certain people come to visit 😉
The stickers and treats for handwashing is also a great idea to encourage healthy habits from the start (at least in *your* home!)
Autumn recently posted..6 Must-Have Products For Flying With A Small Child #familytravel
Great tips, I love the idea of customizing the medicine cabinet depending on the event!
Cara recently posted..Quick and Easy Gluten Free Nutella Crepes
These are all such great, thoughtful ideas. I love the bathroom surprises. I would have never thought of those!
Cam | Bibs and Baubles recently posted..If I Needed A Reason to Be Inspired…
You’re the best hostess! I have given photos in the past as parting gifts but never thought to include special surprises in the powder room.
Jeannette recently posted..The date you never forget when you miscarry
i love the idea of bathroom surprises!
I like the idea of giving parting gifts. Maybe I will try giving away some polaroids at my next party!
I love the idea of giving a frame photo at the end of the night from the photo at the beginning of the night. In my opinion, photos and flipbooks are great parting gifts because they make the experience and event more personable and fun! Thanks for sharing!
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