Crock-pot- The #1 best investment for party hosting is a crock-pot. Why? It is a time saver and money saver. It can help any hostess cook anything from a appetizer, dessert or even a main dish. Crock-pots also help save money on disposable sternos, are a green option to foil casserole dishes, and also has the ability be more child friendly eliminating an open flame.
Invitations- The way you invite doesn’t have to be extravagant it just needs to be different. Thinking out of the box with invites can save so much money. Use E-vites or save the date postcards save printing money and stamp money. Halmark even has an option that they mail the invitations for you and include it in the price.
Decorations- Red Is the most versitile color to decorate with. I love that we can use my red decorations on valentines day, Christmas, 4th of July and so many more. Whether you are planning a pirate party or a princess party with Belle’s red rose you can use, use and re-use a great bunch of red decoration pieces. Buy a red table cloth. You will use and reuse. I promise.
Paper streamers and Balloons are a cheap way to add color/or style to any event. Being paired with classy items to decorate balloons and even cre’ paper decorations believe it or not can add to make a nice event.
Time: I stand firm that time is important. A party time around 2-5 leaves a clear message that lunch nor dinner will be served. That is a big savings but if you remain that a party must offer more then snacks a brunch is a great idea for a birthday party, baby or wedding shower. (Brunch also provides a great opportunity to have inexpensive catering and/or banquet location at a great price)
Food: Casserole dishes are a must have, in fact along with the crock pot, casserole dishes can provide any day ahead preparation possible. They save on time, are greener then foil dishes, and save on the $green$ too.
Music- iTunes is your friend and with CD’s becoming the past and Ipods the now being a DJ or providing background music never was any easier.
Elizabeth, 
