How to Host your Holiday Party under $100

It’s almost Christmas, and this year YOU are hosting. Or maybe, like us, you also get to celebrate that oh-so-convenient week before Christmas birthday, thanks mom. Either way, we have you covered with your low-fuss, under budget holiday entertaining essentials and we will be doing much more than just decking the halls. Plus, we have one secret that will take your party from the usual at home table, to your own private little chateau bistro!

Staying in > Going Out

Of course we love a good dinner out, but remember we are working on a budget here. So if you are hosting your holiday meet up, a dinner party in is just the thing to give you and your guests an intimate dining experience with half the bill. Big bulk, but beautiful foods, like a creamy orzo and a sweet potato and kale appetizer fill the table with rich, warm colors and sweet scents of knowing you kept it just simple enough.

Repurpose Your Holiday Decor

A favorite Bode hack, the repurposing of around the house decor. Candle stick holders that fit any event and pillar candle sticks to add dimension to your table are just a few of the items we always keep on hand. And for the holidays, we love to scrounge even more. You always have a few Christmas decorations accenting your house this time of year. Maybe a garland over the mantle piece, definitely some ornaments somewhere, maybe even a miniature ceramic or woodsy Christmas tree — grab them all. Some linen napkins — we went with white — and a simple folding, thank you Pinterest, turn a boring table setting to a center of conversation, “That is just so cute!” To top it off, mix and match holiday plates and glassware acquired over the years and half your decor is done. The whole vibe becomes like the old school Christmas movies where more is more and your table is shining with color and holiday spirit.

Candle Stick Holders

$15

holiday plates, set of 4

$29

BONUS HACK — Have extra napkins on hand? Any linen napkins can also serve as a cozy, rustic bread warmer adding a European vibe to any table!

If there isn’t a menu, did it really happen? 

The game changer, a personalized menu to prepare guests for the nights’ palatable courses. It adds the most personable touch to the standard table setting. This is the first time we utilized a personal menu specific to our mother’s birthday dinner, and her delight alone, was priceless. It’s not very common you get your own branded menu, trust us, we will be doing that again!