4 Tips to Turn Your Holiday Party From Drab to Fab on a Budget Impress employees with these alternatives to expensive catering and DIY decorations.
By Erica Bell and Katie Finnegan Edited by Dan Bova
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Although the holidays are coming up fast, it's important to celebrate them in style and show your employees that you care.
Here at Hukkster, we're experts on saving and can help you stretch that holiday budget, even with a limited time frame. Here are a few creative tips and DIY tricks to pull off any upcoming office celebration in style:
Food and drink: Catering can really kill a holiday budget, but there's no need to resort to the pre-made appetizers found in your grocery store's frozen food aisle. Websites such as Zaarly and Task Rabbit give you access to high-quality chefs and bakers who can provide festive party snacks at a great price and on a deadline. Companies such as CaterCow are perfect for offering great party food on a budget, basing their catering packages around specific price points.
Related: Send Us Photos of Your Crazy-Fun Office Holiday Party!
DIY d?cor: Don't worry about renting an expensive venue for a holiday party. Instead, get the inside track for great deals on all party decor essentials with the Hukkster app, which will notify you of sales, no matter how last minute they may be. For DIY holiday d?cor, we get inspirations from Houzz and Real Simple. Something as simple as a wire wreath frame wrapped in bright Christmas lights can lend a chic and festive ambiance to your space, for very little time and money.
Make sure to add finesse: The easiest way to add flare to a holiday party on a budget is to find ways to incorporate special details that will make your employees feel like they're at an elaborate affair, without breaking the bank. Try pouring assortments of holiday candy in glass jars for a cheap and fun display (which also doubles as dessert!). For a quick and easy photo booth, set up a backdrop with silly props and encourage partygoers to Instagram and print these shots through Prinstagram (an app that allows you to print Instagram photos for just $2 each).
Gift ideas: If you're in a bind for gift ideas for your employees, try Secret Santa, but with a twist. Use Elfster to keep it a secret and don't forget to set a budget. Before the party begins, give your employees an hour to purchase their present. In our experience, it adds an exciting, creative element to the party atmosphere.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning that holiday party now and enjoy the final days of 2013!
