Save big on throwing a party but still impress your guests

Don’t let the cost of living crisis stop you celebrating. You can throw a party on the cheap and still ensure your guests have a good time.

Pick a theme or colour and start shopping well in advance to give yourself time to bag a bargain.

With inflation almost double the long-term average and grocery costs up $1000 a year, throwing a party is more expensive than ever.

But thanks to some clever planning and a little bit of craftiness, it is possible to party like it’s 1999 – in inflationary terms.

TODAY’S PARTY IS TWICE AS EXPENSIVE

Inflation hit record highs in 2022, and while it may have dropped to 4.9 per cent in July, it’s still close to double the average annual rate of 2.7 per cent. According to the inflation calculator at officialdata.org, a basket of goods and services costing $500 in 1999 would cost almost twice as much in today’s money – about $995.53.

In the past year alone, the cost of grocery shopping has skyrocketed.

The price of groceries has soared over the past year. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

A recent investigation by News Corp showed annual grocery bills are up $1000 since last year, with a trolley-load of popular items at Woolworths now 8.4 per cent more expensive than in the middle of 2022, and the same products purchased from Coles up 6.8 per cent.

Despite this, Finder data shows about three quarters of Aussies are holding onto certain comforts such as entertainment (20 per cent) and dining out (18 per cent).

Aussies love a good party.

FINE TUNE YOUR SPENDING

Finder’s head of consumer research Graham Cooke says while the average household is estimated to spend $188 a week on groceries, the cost of throwing a party generally costs “hundreds more.”

“What some people consider frivolous spending – beauty products, takeaway coffees and gym membership – others consider an essential,” Mr Cooke says.

Since some “unessential essentials” can help you shake off the stress of those rising mortgage payments or energy costs, it’s important to “fine tune your spending” wherever you can, he says.

Use heirloom pieces and flower cuttings for table arrangements. Picture: Nat Bacic

SET YOUR LIMIT

Financial commentator, author and Canstar’s Editor-at-Large Effie Zahos says setting a party budget is the first step. While the cost of living crisis has bitten many people hard, consumers are becoming much more savvy with the way they shop, choosing to purchase strategically in line with sales.

This is no different now the silly season is upon us, she says.

“Run it like a business,” she says. “Decide what your budget is, how many people you want to invite and then divide one into the other. That will give you your headcount and your price per person.”

It doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to decorate your home for a party.

THROW A POTLUCK PARTY

One way to keep costs down is to ask guests to share the burden by bringing a plate of food to share, Ms Zahos says. Alternatively, you could time your party strategically in order to keep the cost of food and drink low.

If you plan on inviting a lot of guests, having the party at brunch rather than dinner could be much cheaper. It could also mean you don’t have to fork out for alcohol.

“The biggest expense is going to be food, and there are so many good apps around food,” she says. “Frugal, Half Price … Little Birdie is a great extension you can download on your computer or phone that can help you find the best possible prices on everything.”

Chilbir from the menu at Maydanoz, a finger food idea for parties. Picture: Steven Woodburn / Efendy

WHAT TO SERVE

Group executive chef for Efendy Group, which includes Sydney’s Turkish restaurants Baharat, Anason and Maydanoz, Arman Uz says making plant-based dishes from whatever is in season is the most cost effective way to cater.

“Try your hand at making lentil kofta, or mini vegetable kebabs on flat bread with spreads like muhammara or babaghanoush,” he says. “Falafel pockets are another good example that’s filling, delicious and cheaper than meat options.”

When it comes to shopping, fresh food is often marked down for sale late at night, he says.

“You can pick an odd bunch of fruit and vegetables for one-third of the price in supermarkets,” he adds. “Looks aren’t everything, especially if they’re not being served whole.”

Group executive chef for Efendy Group Arman Uz. Picture: Steven Woodburn / Efendy

DECK YOUR HOME

Founder and head stylist at Nat Bacic Interiors and mother of three Natalie Bacic has thrown many a party in her time.

She says it’s possible to make your home look fabulous without breaking the bank by planning well ahead.

“You’ve really got to start thinking about that party weeks in advance,” she says. “Then you have that time to be able to get the best prices for everything.”

She says picking a colour combination or theme ahead of time makes it easy to pick up supplies that fit the scheme when you come across them on sale. You can also continue the theme through your invitations – e-invites the cheapest option.

Fruit can be used as edible decor. Picture: Nat Bacic

She also suggests looking around the home for items you already own that fit your theme.

“One of my favourite things to do, and by far the cheapest, is to get things from nature,” she says. “I’ve used branches, I’ve used wild ivy, I’ve picked native flowers and made arrangements with jugs and vases I have at home.”