Tips for Throwing a Party on a Budget {DOLE Banana Dippers}

I just adore throwing parties, and just about any occasion is a good occasion for me, especially if it involves getting together with my girls friends!  When DOLE recently contacted me about throwing a Girls Night In party featuring DOLE  Banana Dippers, you know I didn’t hesitate.  {wink}   I just love sharing tips for throwing a fabulous party for 10-15 guests on a budget that is both memorable and FUN!

{The outdoor summer party  with fun games I threw in June}

Tips for Throwing a Party on a Budget

1.  Figure out your BUDGET, and stick to it.  My budget for this party is $100.  I am planning on purchasing:

• Simple finger foods. A cheese platter and additional snacks for the party.  {{‘cuz you know you need good snacks}}
• “Chick flick” DVD {{‘cuz you know for a Girls Night In you have to have some good movie!}}
• Weekly entertainment magazines  {{gossip magazines make for a good laugh and keep the conversation going}}
• Sparkling punch with fresh berries.
• DOLE  Banana Dippers {{duh!}} - They can be found  in the frozen fruit aisle of retailers nationwide for only $3.49 – $3.99 for a box, which contains six individual servings which just happen to be only 120 calories or less per serving!  {{awesome}}

2.  DECORATE.    You don’t need to spend a lot of money, or any money on this really.  There are TONS of free printables out there {there are over 1300 on my site alone}, and just using table cloths, flowers, candles and things you have around the house to spruce up the area can make a world of difference and make your guests feel special.  I am going to use:

• A chocolate colored table cloth  {{‘cuz Dole Banana Dippers are dipped in chocolate so it’s apropos}}
• Wrapping paper as a table runner {{here’s How to Make a Scalloped Paper Placemat using the same idea}}
• The ‘eye mask’ party favor as table decor decoration. Turn plates into faces using a gum ball for the nose, a Twizzler for the mouth, and a napkin fashioned into a hair bow. {quick and easy!}
• My stash of 12×12 scrapbook paper as place mats.
• For the table centerpiece,  the Tip Junkie Yellow and Gray Chevron Birthday Printables. “CHILL” flags on banana boat with yellow twine, white lollipop sticks, and straw flags.
• Flowers with lemon decorations on the buffet table from the summer party I recently hosted.
• My white platters and light blue paper goods for the dessert table.
• White felt pennant banner {which I use for every party} and string lights to add a touch of glitz.
• Maybe a ribbon here and there with touches of free printables party decor to embellish the dessert table.

I can’t wait to show you my party!  Stay tuned!!!

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What are your tips for throwing an inexpensive and fabulous party?

Disclosure:  I am being compensated by DOLE Banana Dippers for my participation in this fabulous campaign in conjunction with the Mom It Forward Blogger Network.