Today’s economy is forcing many people to look harder at how to same money on just about everything, this includes planning parties.  A bad economy doesn’t mean you need to not get with friends and family, or postpone that wedding or some other special event.   You just need to focus a little more on keeping to a budget.

Here are ten ways you can save and still have an enjoyable gathering.

1. Scale down on what is not needed.  First ask yourself if each item on your planning list is needed or just nice to have. If it is needed, can it be smaller, simpler or cheaper?
2. Take another look at what you can do yourself instead of purchasing.  Have the caterer provide less food and you provide more.  Have a friend or a friend of a friend be the DJ or server at a discount rate?
3. Comparison shop for your items and services.  One good thing about being in a bad economy, there are more discounts available.
4. Make your own invitations, party favors, table decorations and what ever else you can do.
5. Avoid the expensive gift-wrap when something less expensive will do.
6. Use public facilities for the venue, usually much cheaper.
7. Try a potluck dinner instead of the host providing all the food.
8. Provide more vegetables and salads on the menu, these will be less expensive.
9. Reduce the number of guests.
10. Plan the menu based upon what is on sale for that week at your local super market.

Remember, the fun and enjoyment comes with the people, not the extras.

Happy New Year, you probably have heard that a hundred times by now. Do people really mean it though? Yes, I believe they do, just as when someone says “Good Morning”. Both are a nice greeting from one person to another and then they go on about their daily lives. So Happy New Year and we really do hope you have the best year ever. Now it’s that time when people start making New Year’s resolutions, you know the ones they very seldom keep.

I have one resolution to recommend. This resolution is enjoyable, easy, heartwarming and healthy. You can’t say that about loosing weight or to quit smoking or to get in better physical condition. So what is it? Seriously and I mean seriously, associate more with your friends and family. Take more interest in your kid’s day at school, your spouse’s activities and your friend’s issues. I mean really take the time on a regular basis to communicate with the ones you love, with the ones that will support you for being you.

Most people go about their every-day lives in a fog, seeing but not really seeing the people around them. There’s always the small talk, the greetings, the conversations about the weather or yesterday’s ballgame. But how often do you really discuss how someone feels about their job or their concerns or their achievements. A gathering of friends should be more about supporting each other than about who one the football game. Learn to listen to others

What a perfect reason to entertain some family and friends. Get together, have fun, celebrate just being there. It’s been documented that people with good friends and family live longer and healthier.

So Happy New Year and truly enjoy your life’s most important things.