6 Easy Tips for Hosting a Bougie-on-a-Budget Christmas Cocktail Party

Hey guys! PSA: Friendsmas just got reimagined with thee ultimate GLOW UP! This isn't your average holiday hangout...Think Friendsmas, but the "bougie-on-a-budget" edition🎄. If you’ve been itching to host something that feels luxe without draining your wallet, then this is the one for you! We’re elevating vibes with a Christmas "cocktail party" approach that’s all about chic sips, decadent bites, effortless entertaining, & celebrating your favorite people in style!

Photo Credit: Purroy Productions

Think of it as Friendsgiving’s glam cousin, but we’re swapping casseroles for charcuterie boards, turkey for toasts, and transforming an evening with friends into the ultimate holiday soirée! 'Cause who says you need a five-course dinner to pull off a sophisticated party?!

This blog post shares my tips on how to host a stunning Friendsmas soirée that looks expensive but is far from, and remains totally attainable with very easy recipes that look like they came straight out of a holiday magazine. From signature cocktails to elevated presentation, my "hors d'oeuvres" approach keeps things sophisticated, fresh, fun, and most importantly, FABULOUS! So read-on for more!

Pro-tip Host Hack: Grab my Get eLF'd Up Christmas Planner to ensure successful planning of your event!

1.) Choose Your Design Aesthetic

Before anything else, select an aesthetic that says sophistication, without spending high-end prices. Opt for a simple colour‑palette (i.e. golds, deep emerald greens, or "sparkly snow" whites, etc.) and carry it throughout the décor, drinkware, and accents. Believe it or not, you can even apply this same conceptual approach for a Friendsmas pajama party...Check out how I did it for my Galsmas: Pizza, Prosecco, & PJ soirée here

Use what you already have in your at-home holiday inventory, and elevate existing home pieces by styling them to look more elevated. For example, dressing up your fireplace with a simple evergreen garland. OH (!!!) and if you're lucky enough to easily access evergreen trees & bushes in your yard, then totally use 'em! Hey (!!!)...I've definitely utilized this method more than once to save on coins without sacrificing the entire aesthetic! I'm telling ya nothing beats natural & free (especially in this economy)!

You can also borrow items from family & friends who are willing to loan them out to you, or just score some awesome deals at Home Goods, the thrift shop, hobby lobby, or Dollar Tree.

2.) Determine Your Budget

Before you start planning anything else, set your Friendsmas budget, and try your damndest to stick to it! I know that this can pose difficult with the prices of groceries now, but it is totally feasible, and I'll show you how in my next tips.

Now, please keep in mind that the idea of a budget-friendly party is totally subjective. And, one should be very realistic with their budget. I, for example, think that anywhere from $800.00-$1,500.00 for a small at-home party is very budget-friendly, however, someone else might think $500.00 is. By the same token, someone else might think that budget is pretty low.

Nonetheless, a budget is always necessary! Just think of it as your party design & aesthetic being your roadmap, and the budget being your step-by-step GPS navigation system. Ultimately, your budget will guide & directly affect your menu, drinks, décor, & guest count.

BUT, a luxe-looking soirée doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s more about smart choices, thus spending less. When you plan first, shop second, and DIY where possible, you get a bougie vibe for a budget-friendly price.

Here’s how I do it:

• 1.) Set a Total Spending Limit — Know exactly how much you want to allocate for food, drinks, and décor.

  
  

• 2.) Prioritize Impact Items — Splurge a little on where it matters most (think signature accents like showstopping cocktails or a statement centerpieces; Like I always say, it's ALL in the details) and save everywhere else!

  
  

• 3.) Track as You Go — Even a simple spreadsheet, note on your phone, or downloading an app keeps overspending in check. If you grab my digital Get eLF'd Up Christmas Planner, it includes a budget tracker to help keep everything on track, together, & organized.

3.) Create Your Invite (You Can Use Mine!)

Your Friendsmas soirée deserves an invite that sets the mood for the party, and doesn't cost much to do it! Digital invites are great because they are instant, stylish, eco-friendly, and way faster than traditional print. So, no last-minute trips to the Staples or postage stress! And, not only are you saving money AND trees, but you're also setting the tone for your party from the first click! Your guests will feel excited, your wallet will thank you, and the planet will, too! That's always a win-win babe! If you like the above invitation designs, then click here to browse more & personalize them to make them your own.

Here’s how I do it effortlessly:

• Browse digital invites for ready-to-go Friendsmas templates that match your bougie-yet-budget-friendly aesthetic.

• Personalize your invite with names, dates, and a little festive flair with the wording.

• Send them via email, text, or even social media.

• Don't forget to add info for RSVPs!

Pro-tip Host Hack: Browse and utilize my pre-made digital invites to make your life easier! They are only $3.99, but they ALL come complimentary if you purchase my Get eLF'd Up Christmas Planner for $8.99 with way more tips & resources on how to execute your party!

Also, check out my Friendsmas must-haves that I linked below!

1.) Disposable Linen Napkins; 2.) Vintage Style Bluetooth Speaker; 3.) Hood Charades; 4.) Vintage Drinking Glasses; 5.) Buffet Server; 6.) Electric Food Warmer; 7.) Burgundy Tablecloth; 8.) Christmas Tree Place Card Holders; 9.) Mini Appetizer Forks; 10.) Remote Controlled Candles; 11.) Fruit Punch Bowl; 12.) Get elF'd Up Christmas Planner

4.) Curate a Triple Threat Food Menu

Ok, so, NOW, we're getting to the REAL good stuff...Your Friendsmas menu! I'm totally the gyal that would be 100% game to go to a restaurant that serves hors d'oeuvres only because I LOVE tapas that much! Haha!!

This is where you can really impress your guests without going overboard. In other words, I like to feature seasonal staple ingredients that play up traditional holiday recipes, ALL while finding innovative ways to create miniature versions of said recipes, and elegantly serving them on a platter. Ultimately, I focus on: 1.) Seasonal Recipes; 2.) Budget-friendly Bites & Sips; & 3.) Elegant Presentation.

And here are some sample dishes of how I do it below:

Christmas Cranberry Meatball Bites — Serve this super easy dish with mini forks for a polished, restaurant-style presentation. Guests love them, and they’re a total conversation starter! I literally purchased a bag a meatballs for $5 bucks and a can of cranberry sauce and went to town! Pro-Tip: Put some out for presentation with cute gold mini-forks, and keep the remainder warm in a small slow cooker or on a warming tray. This way, guests can help themselves, meanwhile you're free to jingle & mingle.

Lil Cranberry Brie Appetizers — Simple, bite-sized, impressive, and the perfect balance of sweet & savory. For this, I literally purchased phyllo pastry shells, a block of brie cheese, a can of cranberry sauce, & a pack of rosemary. Make sure to purchase the one with whole cranberries to duplicate this same look and give the hors d'oeuvre some texture.

Pineapple "Star of Wonder" & Kielbasa Bites — A fun & clever twist on an hors d'oeuvre classic. Shaping the pineapples into miniature stars makes for that little extra WOW factor! I utilized the smallest star in this set.

Laughing Cow Cheese Trees — These are easy, fun, playful, and so inexpensive to make for a little holiday indulgence. I purchased laughing cow cheese because they were already conveniently shaped into a triangle, however you can definitely buy a block oh cheese of your choice and cut them into your "tree" shape. Then I chopped dried cranberries, pistachios, & glazed pecans and seasoned the cheese. Small pretzel sticks act as the base of the tree.

Eggnog Cheesecake Bites — Rich, creamy, delicious, & perfectly poppable — these mini-cheesecake bites are bite-sized bliss! They deliver all the indulgence of a full cheesecake with a nostalgic holiday twist. Serve them on mini-gold trays or a fancy cake stand for a look that screams luxury, NOT leftovers. You can make your own cheesecake, which I've done many times, but when you got a LOT going on and you're trying to get it all done in time for your party, don't feel ashamed to take the store-bought shortcut. I got these mini cheesecake bites from Aldi and they were literally tiny tastes of heaven!

Pro-tip Host Hack: Use small plates, trays, and mini forks to make everything feel elevated. Remember what I always say, "It's ALL in the details."

5.) Create Signature Sips That Sleigh

NO cocktail party is complete without signature drinks (!!!), and you can totally keep it chic and budget-friendly. Think presentation over price tag. It’s not about what’s in the glass as much as how you serve it. It's all about creating that “OOOH AHHH-FA-LA-LA" moment when your guests take their first sip. A sugared rim, a fresh cranberry, or a sprig of rosemary instantly turns a basic cocktail into a bougie moment!

Here is an example of how I did it below:

Spiced Eggnog Shooters -- Rich, creamy, and just the right amount of "spirit" haha!! These shooters are a fun twist on the classic eggnog if you add some dark or spiced rum (Totally, optional by the way!). Literally, I just purchased a couple of quarts of eggnog and serve them in mini glasses, topped with nutmeg, and a cinnamon stick stirrer for some added flair!

Pro-tip Host Hack: Batch your cocktail bases ahead of time and chill until guests arrive. Then pour the drinks into specialized glassware and add garnishes for the instant “wow” factor. This way, you can spend more time sipping with your friends instead of mixing for them. Trust me, these mini sips will have everyone indulging & getting into the spirit without overdoing it!

6.) Prep Your To-Do List & Check It Twice

You want to know the foundation of every fabulous fête? Thoughtful preparation! It’s the behind-the-scenes planning that makes the night a success. Preparation sets the tone, along with the standard. I mean...Even Santa preps before the big night.

Here are some of my prep tips to assist with your Friendsmas party:

• Start cleaning high-traffic stations 2 weeks prior to your party. Please, please, whatever you do, DON'T wait until the day before to clean! Leave the day prior for a couple of small last minute errands if anything, or better yet to REST & take it easy (I have yet to master this because my creative mind runs a mile a minute, but I'm definitely getting better!).

• Pre-portion desserts and cocktails, so that there is no running back and forth from the kitchen.

• Group appetizers by strategically juxtaposing color, shapes, & types, so that it looks curated, and not chaotic.

• Keep your Friendsmas playlist ready (grab my "instant download" freebie curated music playlists here). Music sets the vibes and keeps the night flowing seamlessly!

  
  

Well, there you have it guys! This is my basic outlined-strategy that I use for every event that I facilitate with the "bougie-but-on-a-budget" approach. I hope this inspired & challenges you to do your own bougie-on-a-budget holiday party.

Make sure to snag & download my digital Get elF'd Up Christmas Planner - Especially, if you need some help in executing your holiday party on your own!

Also, grab my Ultimate Planner if you want to start the new year right & get your life organized!

Be sure to follow me on all things social and tag me with photos of how your bougie Friendsmas parties turn out!

Until next time...Cheers to sleigh'in the holidays!

Want to shop all of the products I mentioned? Shop here!

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