How do I throw a CHEAP party?

MIL is turning 50 this year and I really feel that I need to throw a party for her. She does a LOT for my family, and she totally deserves a party to be thrown in her honor. Only thing is, there is no way I can afford a lavish dinner or party for her.
It would have to be a minimum of about 50 people (big family). Any advice to throw something inexpensive yet not tacky?

TIA

Message edited 2/3/2009 5:18:40 PM.

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

If she has a spring or summer birthday, you can do it in your backyard, a family member's yard, or a park for MUCH less than at a hall or a restaurant.

When is her birthday?

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

Brunch is significantly cheaper. Bagels, pastries, eggs to order

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

Leave out the liquor. Kegs of beer, wine and soda will be just fine.

If you can't have it outdoors, look into a VFW hall or your local fire department may rent out their hall to the public.

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

You could have a dessert party -- so having a cake, and other assorted V-hour types of things that perhaps you and family make.

Doesn't have to be too long - a few hours - and cuts down on the drinking, eating expenses.

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

What time of year Katie?

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

It's going to be in June.

The problems I am facing are:

1. Location - it has to be a public place (I don't have any house to host it in)

2. It's going to be at least 50-75 people

3. I want to make it "more" than a backyard party

I kinda like that dessert party idea!!

Second question for all you reading...
If you were invited to party that was just dessert, would you feel "cheated" out of a meal and be inconvenienced by just coming for a dessert party??

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

You can get a VFW or firehouse hall.

I would do brunch or dessert -- both can be affordable.

I like the idea of a dessert party, but it has to be timed right. And i am not sure what the rgiht time is!!

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

I think a Saturday night dessert party is a great idea.

You could serve some champagne, soda, coffee and dessert..cookies, cakes, ice cream.

What's your budget?

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

Posted by BabyCote2006

Second question for all you reading...
If you were invited to party that was just dessert, would you feel "cheated" out of a meal and be inconvenienced by just coming for a dessert party??

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

What about a VFW hall.

You can have hot appetizers; coldcuts; breads/ rolls; pizza (cut up like finger food);...all h'or deouvre type foods.

Then have a huge dessert bar.

Fill all types of Apothecary jars with different types of nostalgia and current candies. Supply bags so people can bag up candy to take home.

Have all types of desserts; fruit; fondue fountain; etc...

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

What are her interests? Did she do anything fun when she was younger?

For example, my brother's MIL used to roller skate competitvely. So I could totally see her kids throwing a roller skating party for her and everyone having a blast, especially since it would bring back memories.

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

I wouldn't be a big fan of a dessert party, but that's just me.

What area are you looking in?

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

Posted by 1stimemom

Posted by BabyCote2006


If you were invited to party that was just dessert, would you feel "cheated" out of a meal and be inconvenienced by just coming for a dessert party??

Not if it was specified on the invite.

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

I don't like the idea of a dessert party, sorry. Especially for a 50 year old woman.

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

I am looking around the Smithtown area. My budget is about $2 per head

I like the cocktail hour idea also!! Keeping it small is the idea. I don't want it "big" that it would require a DJ or something KWIM?

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

What about an old-fashioned ice cream social?
Maybe you can rent out a local ice cream place, and people can make their own, with all the fixins.

You can even have people dress like from the 50's (bobby socks, poodle skirts) and really do it up theme wise, which wouldn't cost a thing.

* Black, white and pink invites
* Get a big record and have everyone sign it with a white paint marker


They might even have a "juke box" where you can play the do-wop oldies (or download a bunch onto your ipod).

I can go on if you're interested in the idea.

Message edited 2/3/2009 5:11:39 PM.

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

Posted by BabyCote2006

I am looking around the Smithtown area. My budget is about $2 per head

I like the cocktail hour idea also!! Keeping it small is the idea. I don't want it "big" that it would require a DJ or something KWIM?

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

Posted by joenick

What about an old-fashioned ice cream social?
Maybe you can rent out a local ice cream place, and people can make their own, with all the fixins.

You can even have people dress like from the 50's (bobby socks, poodle skirts) and really do it up theme wise, which wouldn't cost a thing.

* Black, white and pink invites
* Get a big record and have everyone sign it with a white paint marker


They might even have a "juke box" where you can play the do-wop oldies (or download a bunch onto your ipod).

I can go on if you're interested in the idea.

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

Katie, is it going to be a surprise party? Maybe you can get FIL involved and have it at their house. Have him take her out for the day while you set up.


ETA - I think Holtsville Ecology site rents out for parties. And the area is covered so you wouldn't have to worry about the weather.

Message edited 2/3/2009 5:15:12 PM.

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

Message edited 2/3/2009 5:18:08 PM.

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?

I know of 2 places...one in Bohemia($350) and one in Lake Ronkonkoma($400) that are reasonably priced to rent out.

Re: How do I throw a CHEAP party?