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Stretching your party dollar
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Discount stores can be great resources for party
supplies. (AP Photo/Sang Tan).
Have you been to your local discount dollar store lately? These stores abound with aisles and aisles of endless party props and decorations. And in many cases, products found in these less-expensive stores are of equal quality and/or caliber to what you may find in popular retail stores.
Although discount stores may not always be top of mind for the chic party planner, they are great resources for getting big bang for your entertaining budget -- a must-have in these economic times.
Discount dollar stores are most always stocked with the current holiday and seasonal party merchandise. For the upcoming summer season, for example, products might include mini blow-up palm trees and tiki torches for a luau, or American flags and red and blue ice buckets for Fourth of July.
Of course you can almost always find the most basic of party supplies, such as solid color plastic tablecloths and crepe paper streamers. Some stores even offer a small selection of helium-filled mylar balloons with ribbon and decorative balloon weights. Hosting a wedding shower? Look for paper wedding bell garland, plastic champagne flutes and small white and silver party favor boxes.Planning a child's party? Don't miss the candy aisle stocked with interesting, individually-wrapped goodie bag fillers. (Some stores may even carry piñatas).
And don't forget to stock up on essential party closet items as well. At such a reasonable price, you can easily fill your cart with additional serving pieces, a good supply of paper plates and cups, extra thumb tacks for hanging decorations or a collection of votive candles to scatter around the house for your next get together.
Challenging yourself to shop outside your normal parameters not only helps you stretch your party dollar, but it can also stretch your creative vision for the atmosphere you're wanting to create. These stores often receive unusual overstock items and unique decorations that you may not have otherwise seen in your normal party store. Spotting a rare find -- say, a pink flamingo for the yard -- may further excel your creativity with the idea you were building, or perhaps lead your party theme into a different direction altogether. Either way, you've exposed yourself to a great new resource of party supplies that won't break your bank.
For more info: If you have a party idea to share, or would like to suggest a future party planning article, send your email to:
jweberparties@gmail.com.
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