Recession Buster Holiday Party Themes: New to You Party, Santa's Workshop Party, Cookie Swap, Family Photo Swap, Wii Bowling Tournament

Are you still looking for some easy ideas for your holiday parties yet to come? Or would you like to host something this year, just not sure what or how you can afford it? Check out some of my easy, affordable ideas for holiday entertaining this year. They're big on fun but won't break the bank!

Recession Buster: Host a New to You Party Cheap is the new chic! This one’s a favorite of fashionistas everywhere! You can do a home accessory swap, holiday decor, furniture swap, kid’s clothing, etc…. whatever appeals to you and your crowd. Guests bring in their new (we all have stuff hanging with the tags still on!) or gently used items and swap, sell or barter their way to a brand new look! Plan a super simple menu or ask everyone to pitch in and bring something.

”Deck My Halls” Holiday Decoration Swap A big group of friends bring greenery from their yards and holiday decorations they want to exchange or trade--- everyone gets something fresh and new for their holiday decor. You can even do this the week after the holiday so everyone can exchange their decorations for something new for next year.

Family Photo Swap Party What to do with family members who come to stay for the holidays!! Share photos and make great albums and scrapbooks! Fun for the kiddies, too!There is always one family memeber with all of the keepsake photos. Ask them to bring the old family photo album this year so you can scan and print copies for you own family.

Holiday Sweets Swap--- a tradition in many offices, neighborhoods and social groups; make extra of your favorite holiday sweets, cookies, and treats to share!

Santa’s Workshop Party Make memories and keepsakes, too. We empty out the garage and turn it into Santa’s workshop with craft tables for the kids. Get one of the dads to dress up as Santa... and include a homemade cookie bar, hot chocolate, and plenty of treats for the adults, too. This one is perfect for the weekend before the holiday; everyone  really gets into the holiday spirit.

It's a Wrap Party A party with a purpose. Friends get together for a weekend of wrapping holiday gifts for a fee with proceeds going to local charities. Huge buffet spread of holiday favorites for volunteers and attendees.

Wii Bowling Party- What to do the day after the holiday when family is still camped out at your house? Throw a Wii bowling party… complete with teams, trophies, and pizza. Set up a build your own pizza bar in the kitchen so everyone can make their favorites. Ask families to wear team shirts—everyone with their own team name and color.