Don’t stop partying, just stop spending

Let’s face it: The poor economy’s nothing to party about, but that’s no reason not to party. You just have to be wise about your planning and the spending.

Create a budget, prioritize items within categories and stick to it, professional event planners say. Whether you have $200 to spend on a dinner or a child’s birthday party or $2,000 for a reception, don’t stray off course.

“Spending money is easy, but spending money in alignment with your overall family financial goals is hard,” says Amy Bergin, creator of www.thecouponizer.com, an online resource for thrifty shoppers.

Once you’ve got a plan in place, hit the streets and the information superhighway for bargains. Comparison shop for perishable generic items and supplies at discount retailers such as dollar stores.

Focus on where you’re willing to sacrifice value for savings, says the Cumming stay-at-home mother of three, “but if I were throwing a wedding reception, I wouldn’t go to the dollar store.”

Download store and manufacturer coupons and don’t be afraid to ask management for deals. Also, don’t forget to search online and join mailing lists for special promotions and discounts.

“Frugality is in style, so people won’t hold you to Emily Post standards of mailing invitations,” said Stephanie Nelson, an Atlanta savings expert known as the Coupon Mom who recommends creating tasteful invitations on the computer instead of mailing them.

The east Cobb resident says the timing of your event can decrease the costs. For instance, a weekday morning coffee or lunch will cost less than a weekend dinner or cocktail party, and a weekend brunch can include relatively inexpensive dishes like egg casseroles, homemade muffins and fruit salad (in season).

Keep the food simple, with a pot of chili or soup at $1 or less per guest and one-dish meals such as lasagna, enchiladas, burritos or casseroles. Also, consider a taco or baked-potato bar or potluck, she says.

“Do what you can with what you have,” said Bergin, who stresses creativity in planning and entertaining. “Once you’re done, you’ll go, ‘Wow, I really didn’t need to lavish everybody with $15 worth of stuff.’”

BARGAIN PARTY SHOPPING

Here’s what you can expect to find at several retailers around the metro Atlanta area:

Dollar stores

A dollar goes a long way when purchasing paper products, invitations, balloons, goodie bags and other disposable items. Some stores even sell chafing trays, serving dishes and hostess gifts. Among the chains are Dollar Tree Stores, Little Bucks, Dollar Star and Dollar Smart stores. Also, consider Dollar General and Family Dollar, where prices are more than a dollar but still inexpensive.

Aldi

Bring your own bags and be prepared to bag your own savings on private-label inventory, name-brand special purchases and fresh produce. In addition to a fresh bouquet of flowers at $3.99, you can find Choceur Belgian Chocolate (7 ounces for $1.99) or adult beverages such as Burlwood cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay for $4.99 each. (www.aldi.com)

Party City. The name says it all, and you can find great deals, too. You can purchase a complete birthday party package (hats, napkins, plates, banners, balloons, danglers, cups, table cover, bowl, loot bags, tiara, candle and streamers) for $50. (www.partycity.com)

TJ Maxx/Marshalls. Create an elegant table with linens, place mats, napkins and other table decor available at both of these discounters. Here’s a sample of items: glassware at $3.99 per stem, tablecloths from $12.99, serving dishes at $24.99, plates from $4.99, place mats at $7.99, napkins at $4.99, napkin rings at $2.99, and candles from $5.99. Don’t forget bakeware, cookware and accessories such as spreaders, novelty bread mixes, recipe books. (www.tjmaxx.com; www.marshallsonline.com)

Big-box retailers

Target and Wal-Mart offer a wide variety of party items, including paper products, linens, glassware and china, serving trays, food and wines. Both retailers also offer gift registries, and Target’s Web site offers party planning packages starting at less than $10. (www.target.com; www.walmart.com)

Drugstores

Stores such as CVS often offer clearance merchandise such as snacks and party mixes reduced by up to 90 percent. (www.cvs.com)

Garden Ridge

Among the nearly 1 million items in the home decor megastore, look for seasonal items, housewares and snacks at low prices. (www.gardenridge.com)