It's possible: Host a holiday party on a budget on Shine

<img alt="Getty Images" title="Getty Images" src="http://a323.yahoofs.com/phugc/k7agdLR8nSRW/photos/2e1a801a81c66a34165ff8280a7621e6/mr_6b25cdb98d32d4.jpg?ug_____Dz1YH5qB9" align="left" width="266" height="400">One of the best things about the holidays is finding the time to gather friends together for a dinner party, to create one special night apart from the craziness at work, in the stores, on the roads. This year, finding the time is equally matched with finding the money for an added extravagance of throwing a candlelit dinner for friends. Just as we're finding ways to cut back in our day-to-day expenses when possible, it is possible to have a lovely dinner party on a budget. All you need is a lot of planning and a little creativity. I've rounded up some good tips found around the Web during this money-tight season in hopes they can inspire your own affordable gathering. <ul> <li><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/fashion/30Monn.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=winter%20wonderland%20dinner%20&st=cse">The New York Times' Alex Williams works with David Monn</a>, a well-known, in-demand New York event planner, to plan a party for $30 a person. For decorations: $12.99 quilting batting for a tablecloth, and a 50 pages of white copy paper to make snowflakes to dangle from the ceiling. The menu, while yummy-sounding, is heavy on cream and fats and there is no meat, fish or salad in sight. So that's a little distressing. Still the end result is that you can create a "winter wonderland" for one night for less than you think.</li> <li><a rel="nofollow" href="http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/food/host-a-dessert-buffet-322625/">Host a dessert buffet</a> -- You can keep things extra simple with this Real Simple idea of hosting a dessert buffet party instead of a dinner party. Focusing on one part of a meal is a great way to make it really special while keeping costs down.</li> <li><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.kiplinger.com/features/archives/2007/11/entertain.html">Share the load </a>-- You can rein in costs by sharing hosting and budget duties with a friend, as Kiplinger suggests. Think, too, about having an open house, which puts the emphasis on hors d'oeuvres and allows you to invite more guests throughout a longer party than a dinner party with courses and table settings. And, if there were ever a year that people would be more than happy to bring a dish, go the pot-luck route. The whole point of a holiday party is to bring people together, and friends will be more than happy to share in providing the night's edible offerings.</li> <li><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/pf/20051202a2.asp">Keep the menu in season</a> --  When planning what to make for a dinner party, go with in-season foods and other items that are often on sale around the holidays. Bankrate recommends that you check what's on sale first before planning your menu. And, don't feel the need to have a full bar for the evening. Choose one or two good wines to offer throughout the evening, along with mulled cider and lots of pitchers of water.</li> </ul> Are you planning a holiday gathering with an extra eye on your budget this year? Let us know how you are keeping the spirits high while keeping the money outflow low.