It's no secret that a lot of us are feeling the pocketbook pinch these days, and there seem to be a lot of "how to" articles popping up lately that incorporate the word “budget”. Earlier this year, I posted an “Entertaining on a Budget” article here at Celebrations, and several readers commented on it with their own favorite budget-wise tips & tricks, so I thought it would be a great time to do a follow-up post highlighting a few of those reader tips! Here goes...

1. Opt for a variety of small bites instead of a full course meal.
Reader Tip: “We usually entertain via cocktail and appetizer parties, with dips, tapas, and bruschetta instead of separate courses. Dozens of baguette rounds topped with flavorful dips and roasted vegetables can help to stretch a party budget in many directions.” – Erin

{pictured above: Potato Parcels, Miso-Glazed Beef in Lettuce Cups, and Chocolate Raspberry Fondue}

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2. Stock up on clear glass dishes.
Donna gave a great tip  about purchasing clear glass dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls. Because clear dishes will work with any color palette, they can be used (and borrowed by friends!) over and over again for all sorts of parties, special occasion showers, and more.

{pictured above: Circle Dinnerware ($3.95-$4.95) and Colette Dinnerware ($3.95-$4.95)  - both from Crate & Barrel}

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3. Creative DIY Placemats
Reader Tip: “You can also use pictures from old wall calendars as place mats. Take them to the nearest copy store and have them laminated for next to nothing and then you can reuse them. This is a great idea for a kid themed birthday party or a shower.” – Jo

There are so many directions you can take this concept! I love the idea of making personalized placemats from the create-it-yourself photo calendars that are so popular these days...another way to make the memories last even longer!  You can also apply the laminating idea to your favorite scrapbook papers, magazine pages, photo/mixed media collages, or your child’s artwork. Creating “placemats” from children's artwork would actually make a thoughtful gift idea for grandparents for the holidays!

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4. Incorporate inexpensive textiles, and mix & match.
Reader Tip:  “I found a gorgeous flower-patterned paper dessert plate on clearance. Then I used the inexpensive solid colored dinner plates and napkins in complimentary colors. It is also much more sophisticated-looking than the matchy-matchy theme party sets...for paper plates that is!”– Julia

Mixing decorative paper plates with everyday tableware is also a quick & easy way way to tailor the table to any occasion without breaking the bank, and it’s perfectly acceptable for most occasions!

Pictured above: Deco Tree Pink Salad/Dessert Plates, Brown and Pink Zebra Salad/Dessert Plates, and Tonkin 8" Floral Plates

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5. Bring the outdoors in.
Reader Tip:  “I sometimes use things from the yard too, like evergreen sprigs, forsythia branches, etc. depending on the time of year. Potted plants from the porch are great too. I just wrap the pots in freezer paper and tie with a ribbon. They dress up the house nicely.”
- Jean Ann

Before heading ou to purchase cut flowers, take a peek at what’s outside your door. The perfect vase filler is often right in your own backyard! During the autumn season, fill clear glass cylinders with seasonal foliage like colorful leaves or bunches of twigs.

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What special things do YOU do to help stretch your dollar when it comes to entertaining? Please share them with us here!

{Pictured at top: Autumn Spice Thanksgiving theme from HostessWithTheMostess.com...featuring scrapbook paper placemats, IKEA votive holders dressed up with ribbon, cinnamon sticks, exotic dried flowers that last throughout the year, and more affordable details!)