Party planning ahead and saving BIG BUCKS!

[PassionDiva_NY]

So I am finally beginning to 'get' that truly saving money means a good amount of planning and bargain shopping. It all started when thinking about my daughter's 3rd Birthday Party. We vowed to not really throw big parties after their first birthdays but ever since we got the house I feel like - why not! We have the space. Why not invite a few people over to help celebrate these moments.

So back in January I thought about her 3rd birthday and really put pen to paper about my plan.

1. Theme - she LOVES everything girlie - princess, manicures, pink, balloons, crowns, etc. So theme was definitely flexible.

2. Her Birthday is at the end of April - hence we pass Presidents Day, Valentine's Day, and Easter.

3. What after holiday sales can I take advantage of to shop for décor, goodies and accessories?

And wa-la! My planning begun.

Now mind you - I am NOT one of those - must celebrate all holidays have to go all out with décor and tradition type of people. I kind of feel like all celebrated holidays are overrated. Traditions are one thing, but traditions could and should be celebrated way more times throughout the year than mandated by the major shopping chains. I did take advantage of this commercial spending extravaganza and caught some after Christmas sales - totally not thinking about her birthday but it led me to this notion that after holiday sales could actually benefit me. I bought a set of $29 chunky candle holders for $3-$4 each - even the cashier was surprised. One of them I am going to use on her birthday to showcase her personal mini cake.

Anyhow, if President's day had any sales - totally missed them. So my next shopping day was Valentines. The day after I hit Target and Wal-Mart and took advantage of 25% off sales. Nothing really to brag about. I figured I would hold out. Low and behold the Friday afterward I hit Target nice and early and I bought a $15 pink and red hearts table runner for $3 bucks. Also picked up heart favor boxes and garland. My theme was born. Hearts and stars - red pink white - whatever! Then a light bulb appeared, if Target had 75% off after holiday sales a week after the holiday - this is the time to shop EVERYWHERE!

Oriental trading - shopped for Valentine heart tote bags and princess tiaras. Totes - ON SALE. The Drug Fair in my neighborhood is closing down - they brought out all the holiday merchandise on 75% sale prices also. Heart jewels for the girls - pink and purple - .44 cents each set of two. And a 12 pack of heart slinkies for 1.00. Also picked up this Christmas's stocking stuffers - coloring books for .25 cents.

Today is Easter so guessed where I am heading this Friday for pastel colored candies??? - Yup Wal-Mart and Target again - to enjoy another generous sale for items that will fill up their goodie bags just in the right colors.

So I guess the moral to this journal is - if you plan ahead even just a holiday ahead you can really create an awesome party décor for a very small price. Let's summarize some of the major sales -

Red and pink heart table runner - $3.

Shiny silver Christmas candle holder to display her mini cake - $4.00

2 dozen heart favor boxes - .50 cents each

2 dozen pink and red heart tote bags - 4.97 each

Valentine colored chocolate - 50% off.

Easter colored packaged chocolate - sure to get a half off deal this week

15 heart jeweled necklaces - set of 2 - .44 cents each.

Two HUGE red saucers - on sale as Valentine décor - to use to hold chips and snacks - $1 each

Oh, almost forgot - Walgreens had red and white nail decals - to fit with her ‘mini manicure party' theme on sale also for 25% off a few days after Valentine's day.

So for around $28 bucks I got all the basic décor I needed to dress up the living room, dining room and fill the goodies bags for about 10-12 little girls.

The custom banner and invitation (that I made), food, snacks and cake will run me a few more bucks of course by my décor is meaningful, and the theme is definitely catered to my little mama's personality.

Maybe this year I can shop for next year. Can I plan a whole year in advanced? I'm not sure about that now.

After party pictures to come!