Party Tip: Stock Up on basics

One of the best tips I can give you for keeping party planning simple and afforbale is to keep the basic party supplies on hand. Shove them in a drawer, a shelf in the laundry room, a bin in the garage or wherever you can make a spot for them.
How do you get these party basics? Head to your local dollar store. Or go to the dollar section at Target.  I love to browse the dollar section and see what inpires me for future parties. You will find treasures and unique party favors. I often use party favors as decor. Then, at the end of the party, guests can take them. Once you have these basics on hand,  you have endless opportunities. What are the party basics?

Party Basics are choosing a few colors that you know go well together and can be used in many different themes. For instance, I chose red/yellow/green/blue for my basics stash. I can use red and green together for holiday themes, use red for Valentine's, use green for St Patricks Day, blue for father's day, red and yellow for Summer events, blue and yellow for water based parties, or all four together for any themed party.
I then picked up a few bins from the dollar store a few years ago in those colors. I have used them for countless number of parties over the years. There are so many different ways you can use them; holding food, drinks, prizes, goodie bags, flip them over to display stuff on, etc. When you tie a little ribbon on the side or write up a cute label with markers, it turns it into a fun looking display!

Other very important party basics are table covers, balloons, streamers, ribbon, plates, cups, and a balloon weight in those same colors. It takes only a half hour to shop for all this and costs around $30. That's less money than going out to dinner for a family of 4 and this stuff will last you for several parties!