Three Days To Great Parties – Day One

God’s people know how to throw parties. Don’t believe me? Take Nehemiah 8:9-18.  As Ezra and Nehemiah taught the people God’s Word, they realized that no people have reason to party like God’s people:

“This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”  (v. 9-10)

So they partied.  Not only that, but this celebration lasted seven days.  How is that for a throw-down?

I’m thankful to have great brothers and sisters at Sojourn who know how to party, too.  Take Hilary Noltemeyer, for instance. When it comes to biblical hospitality, Hilary is a rock star.  She’s been a pacesetter in this community for years, showing hospitality with her husband Kyle in their home, leading community group, helping at major Sojourn events and any kind of situation that calls for celebration.

Earlier this summer she wrote a guide to planning parties on a budget.  I know: “party” and “budget” don’t seem like they should be in the same sentence.  But let’s be honest, money doesn’t grow on trees for any of us.  So take Hilary’s advice.  Print it out, stick it on your fridge, put it in the car — whatever you need to do so you’ll remember how to throw some cool parties.  Let’s show the world that, after all these thousands of years, God’s people still know how to celebrate:

How to Have a Cool Party and Stay on a Budget, by Hilary Noltemeyer

When I plan parties, I think creatively to stay inside my budget. The first tip is always set a budget. If you don’t, you will usually spend more than you want to.

Food is usually the most expensive thing.  One tip is to set the party at a time of day when you don’t usually have a meal.  For instance, an ice cream social could be held after lunch yet before dinner, or after dinner. That way, you aren’t providing as much food.  If you want to serve a meal, have your neighbors bring a dish. That not only helps with food costs, but they will be more likely to show up if they are supposed to bring something.  Instead of serving sodas, make a big batch of iced tea, lemonade or Kool-Aid.  This will go much farther and cost less. For dessert, Flavor Ice or popsicles are a cheap and fun dessert.

Another way to cut costs is to borrow from your friends.  You can borrow anything from chairs and tables to coolers, beverage dispensers and picnic blankets.  Be sure to have plenty of seats (you can even ask your neighbors to bring their own). Ask friends and community group members to help you set up and come back at the end to help you clean up.  This also gives you an opportunity to introduce your church family to your neighbors.

Shop the dollar store, especially for paper plates, cups, utensils and other necessities.  You can usually find those items as well as decorations for MUCH less than party supply stores.  Plus it’s a cheap place to buy name tags for your guests to wear with their name and address on them.  You can find creative touches that can set the tone for the party like crazy drinking straws or crepe paper streamers.

Purchase inexpensive items to occupy the neighborhood kids. Sidewalk chalk and bubbles are inexpensive, and kids of all ages love them.  You can consider covering tables with rolls of plain white paper, mailing wrap or even construction paper.  Place big boxes of crayons around the tables. This serves as decoration and something for kids to do.  It speaks volumes to hesitant parents when you reach out to their kids. By having a few items around to keep the kids busy, you will help keep things stress free for your guests.

Two themes that can be pulled off inexpensively and creatively:

1. Ice Cream Social.

As mentioned above, this can cut down immensely on cost because it does not include an entire meal.  You’ll need: ice cream, bowls, plates, napkins, spoons, drinks/ice, coolers and lots of different toppings.  Toppings are an inexpensive thing for people to bring if they’d like to contribute. You can even make brownies, cut them small, and use them as the base for your sundaes.

2. Family Favorites Potluck

Have each family bring a side dish to share that is a favorite in their home.  This is a conversation starter because you can ask about the dishes that they bring. You can provide a main dish (such as hot dogs) that is easy to feed a crowd, and let the sides be the focus.  You’ll need: utensils, plates, cups, serving spoons, hot dogs/buns, drinks/ice, Popsicles for dessert.

There are other things you can set out to make people feel comfortable and loved.  It may seem silly, but having cheap items like baby wipes for sticky hands and kids, bug spray and sunscreen says a lot about your preparations and thoughtfulness. You want to be able to meet their needs so that they feel loved and welcomed.