Hi everyone! My name is Ruth and I write all about my adventure of finding style and luxury on a budget over at my blog, Living Well Spending Less. I am huge fan of Saving With Shellie & I am thrilled to be guest posting here today!

I have always loved throwing parties and loved to entertain. Before I discovered my inner frugalista, I would throw elaborate parties on a whim, not giving a whole lot of thought to what things cost. I never intentionally set out to spend too much, but by the time I finished paying for the food, drinks, decorations, and party favors, my dear, sweet, easy-going Husband was often ready to strangle me.

But then I discovered coupons and daily discount sites and slowly morphed into Thrifty Girl, (something that still confounds those who knew back in the day), and I began to re-think the way I planned parties. I certainly wasn’t going to give up one of my biggest passions, so I needed to find a way to make it work within a budget.

That’s when it struck me: It’s all about the theme.

I think sometimes picking a party theme scares people, so they just avoid it altogether, assuming that themed parties are just for “those creative types.” I’m going to let you in on a little secret (but only if you promise not to tell.) You ready? Here it is: I’m really not very creative, and I’m certainly not very original. My creativity is almost always inspired by someone else’s cool idea. And I’m okay with that. I am perfectly content to be inspired, because frankly, inspiration is everywhere.

The easiest way to pick a fabulous theme is to think about the person you are throwing the party for, and then center it around their interests or passion. What’s their favorite color, favorite drink. favorite thing to do, favorite flower, favorite city, etc.? If the party is not for a specific person, there are still lots of fun ways to come up with a great theme–pick a food, activity, color, movie, or craft project, and go from there. Once you start looking, you’ll probably find more ideas than you know what to do with. My daughter’s 2nd birthday party, for instance, was inspired by the “Birthday Girl” shirt I found for her on clearance.

By picking an awesome theme you will be able to focus your energy (and limited budget) in a way where everything works together for maximum impact. It’s almost as though as soon as you settle on a theme, everything else just comes together. Do a Google or Pinterest search for your party theme and you will be instantly blown away by the cool ideas that other people have already thought of. In fact, you are almost guaranteed to find some DiY projects or decoration ideas that will cost you next to nothing. Gather pictures of things you like, and then put them together on an Inspiration Board. With a clear vision of what you are trying to accomplish, it is much easier to know where to center your time and money. There is nothing more satisfying then seeing it all come together!

Now, doesn’t that make you want to run out and plan your next party?

What are your tips for throwing an amazing party on a dime? I’d love to hear because we’ve got Baby J’s first birthday coming next week.

Do you have leftover wrapping paper? I spotted a great idea for your leftovers on Martha Stewart. Use metallic or solid colored paper to line a party tray for serving drinks. Perfect for a New Year’s party!

Just measure the interior base of a rimmed serving tray. Cut your wrapping paper to fit. Insert into the tray and secure with double-sided tape if necessary. Or for longer wear, have your paper laminated at a stationery storer using an at-home kit. Just make sure you cut your paper slightly smaller to allow the laminated edges to fit in the tray.

Happy Creating!

Did you get a bunch of Christmas cards this year? We did and I’m always looking for a cute way to display them. This wreath card holder from Woman’s Day is a festive way to display your cards.

It looks so easy to make too. Just paint the clothespins and string them with some beads on a coat hanger. Attach a bow to the top and you’re done. You could probably get older children to paint the clothespins for you to save time.

Happy Creating!

Here’s a fun craft from Martha Stewart that your kids can do. Use all those magazines we have lying around and use them to create handmade envelopes. These are great for holiday letter or to “wrap” a gift card or CDs

To do it, just unfold a regular envelope. Choose patterned paper larger than that envelope. Trace the envelope onto the paper. Then just cut and fold using the envelope as a guide. Use a glue stick to secure the edges.

If you opt to do this for mailed items, pick a sturdier paper and add a mailing label.

Happy Creating!

This is a festive idea that breaks away from the traditional round wreath. Here in Texas we love our stars so I thought this was especially fitting.

All you need are some pinecones, hot glue, scissors and cardboard. Then just grab some ribbon, greenery or berry sprigs as decoration. You can find a few more details as well as other Christmas Wreath ideas from Better Homes and Gardens.

Happy Creating!

Oh this is such a cute twist on the traditional advent calendar. Martha Stewart suggests you hand an advent calendar using baby socks. String then clothes-line style using a ribbon. Put a sticker on the sock for each day. Then just stuff a toy in the festive mini stocking. Voila! Super cute advent calendar. Now all those stray socks you accumulate actually have a purpose!

Looking for inexpensive ideas to stuff in the socks? Check your local dollar store for inexpensive toys. Or check out one of our previous frugal crafting ideas, these race car crayons would be perfect!

Happy Creating!

This craft looks like it might take a little more time to make since you need to paper mache the cornucopia shape. However, the craft is easy and would be a great table decor item or to teach kids about cornucopias. Once your hot glue is dry fill it with just about anything: pumpkins, pinecones, pears, so many things come to mind.

Head over to I am an Aspiring Artist for the tutorial.

Happy Creating!

Looking for ways to make your Thanksgiving spread a little more festive? Here is a simple Thanksgiving candle display idea from Better Homes & Gardens. I love the different colored layers in the vases.

BHG suggests using dried corn, burgundy cockscomb celosia, pale green dried hops and brown oak leaves in the vases. However, you could mix it up a little using the ingredients that you have on hand. Just make sure you use lots of bright colors and that you vary the items in size, shape and texture.

I think lentils would be a good substitute for the corn and maybe cranberries instead of the celosia. We have lots of rosemary in our yard and I think some very short, stocky sprigs of that would work instead of the hops. Plus it would give a nice aroma that might compliment the candle.

Do you have any ideas of other layering items that would look great? I’d love to hear them!

Do you need some festive place mats for your Thanksgiving dinner this year? You can easily make some beautiful foliage place mats from Ultrasuede fabric. In case you aren’t familiar, Ultrasuede is available at most fabric and craft stores. The great thing about Ultrasuede is that it’s machine washable and doesn’t fray. Therefore these cute place mats are no sew!

Simply print out the templates, pin them to the Ultrasuede and cut out with scissors. Easy peasy and very festive! Find the templates and detailed instructions from Martha Stewart.

Happy Crafting!

Remember candy necklaces from when you were a kid? I loved them. And here is a similar project for Halloween: candy corn bracelets! This would be a great festive accessory to have when you take your kiddos trick or treating – especially if you didn’t want to wear a costume. Or let your older girls make them with friends.

Just, grab a bag of candy corn, some clear elastic beading cord and a needle and you’re good to go. Head over to Chica & Jo for the complete tutorial. Just don’t eat too much candy corn that you don’t have any left for the bracelet!

Happy Creating!