New Year's Eve on a Budget

Working Divas...it's time to put on your hottest heels and kick up for the New Year. Going out may not be an option, but you can have a great gathering for less. Check out these great ideas from wisebread.com. Now start calling your friends and celebrate 2009!

Keep The Food Simple
It's tough to have a New Year's Eve bash without food and drinks! Keeping your party expenses on a budget is possible if you remember to keep it simple. You don't have to serve a three course meal to entertain party guests – go for finger foods and appetizers! They're easier to serve, easier to eat while standing around chatting with friends, and far less expensive than trying to feed a big crowd a full meal. If you start your party later in the evening, most guests will have dinner before they arrive, anyway!
Ask everyone on the guest list to bring along their favorite snack or dessert to share. This is becoming extremely commonplace and surely your friends and family will be more than happy to contribute to the party.
Stock The Bar
Most home party goers would not expect you to have a full bar. One way to keep your beverage costs down is to decide on one or two signature drinks, such as Martini's or Daiquiri's, and then provide beer and some non-alcoholic options. Alternatively, you could ask guests to bring their own beverages, or make a fruity punch to share. Make sure everyone drinks responsilbity! If a friend has had too much to drink, select someone at your gathering to drive them home.
How do you know how much you need without overbuying (or running out half-way through the party?) You can expect guests to have two drinks each the first hour and then about one drink every hour they hang out at your party.
A Bottle of Wine: 5 servings
A Bottle of Champagne: 6 servings
One Liter Alcohol: 22 mixed drinks
Create Ambiance
You don't have to hang balloons and paper streamers all over the house to prove you're having a party. Dim the lights, light candles, and consider hanging red Christmas lights around your home to create a party ambiance. Complete the look with a red table cloth and red carnations in a pretty bowl or vase and the mood will be set for an evening of entertainment!

ENJOY!