When it comes to hosting guests on a budget this Christmas you might be quite concerned. Christmas is already expensive isn’t it without the added addition of another mouth to feed, a guest room to prep and an extra gift or 4 to buy.
Here are some top tips to help you get the best out of hosting without breaking the bank.
Before you get festive, decide how much you can realistically spend. This helps avoid overspending and keeps you focused on what matters most—creating memories, not draining your bank account!
Hosting guests on a budget this Christmas
The key is to keep it simple.
The Guest Bedroom
If you don’t have a spare bed and need to amend that in order to host your guest then a small double bed is perfect. Not only does it keep costs down but it can well accommodate too and will solve your problems hosting now and in the future. If you check out Black friday deals you are going to get more bang for your buck and a good discount on your purchase.
You don’t need to start buying new duvets etc just give what you have a good clean and iron. Pop a cheap bunch of flowers in a vase, open the windows to air the room, give it a good clean through and that’s it. Oh perhaps leave out a couple of towels too. A single cholate on the pillow will make them feel more special than new bedding ever could.
Food
Share the joy (and the cooking and cost) of eating well with your guests It is absolutely fine to ask each guest to bring something—maybe their favourite Christmas side, dessert, or drink. It’s fun, festive, and takes the pressure off you saving you both money and time.
And if you do end up doing the majority of the catering keep it super simple.
Focus on crowd-pleasers: (though obviously do double check any special dietary requirements)
-
- One main dish (like roast chicken / lentil load ).
- Easy sides like roasted veggies or frozen roast tatties.
- A festive dessert, like cookies or a simple trifle. You don’t have to make loads of different options and a fruit platter generally pleases everyone.
Decorations
You might feel pressured to up your decoration game when you have guests to stay but it doesn’t have to cost you more. Here are 3 no cost ideas for sweet decorations
-
- Grab some pinecones, string them together for a rustic garland.
- Use fairy lights or candles for instant cosiness.
- Cut paper snowflakes (kids will love helping too!). Cheap and cheerful!
Your guests are , after all coming to see you not your décor so don’t stress about your decs!
Gifts
The key to good gift giving on a budget is to shop Smart (and Early!)
-
- Hit the sales for non-perishable items early (Black Friday / Cyber Monday are great for bargains
- Look for discounts or bulk deals on festive treats.
- Use loyalty points or cashback apps to stretch your budget.
You might also want to try a “Secret Santa” with a low spending limit so you aren’t buying for EVERYONE. This is a great way to keep costs down. Handmade gifts like a tin of shortbread also go down a treat.
Wrap gifts in newspaper, old maps, or brown paper tied with string. Use leftover ribbons, jars, or tins.
And don’t forget, re-gifting or repurposing unwanted gifts you have had in the past is just fine. To them it’s new (just makes sure they did not give it you in the first place!)
Entertainment
Don’t feel you have to take your guests out to a restaurant or a theatre visit to entertain them during their stay. There are tons of ways to entertain them free.
-
- Blast a Christmas playlist (free on Spotify or YouTube).
- Play simple games like charades or card games.
- Stream a classic Christmas movie and make some homemade popcorn and hot choc.
- Go to a nativity play at your child’s school together
- Go to a free outdoor carol concert or a crib service at church.
- Get out the photo album and relive old memories you and your guest s share.
- Have a gingerbread house decorating competition.
- Go for a Christmassy evening walk to look at all the local lights (wrap up warm.)
Christmas hosting is about togetherness and that never has to cost.
Keep It Small and Special
Fewer guests = less expense! Make it intimate, focusing on quality time rather than quantity. Hosting is all about love, laughter, and togetherness. A little creativity goes a long way—your guests will feel the warmth of your holiday spirit no matter the budget! Take lots of phots and send them to your guests too.
