This time of year there’s lots of opportunities for hosting parties, from football games to Halloween and Thanksgiving.  And decorating for them doesn’t have to cost you a bundle – all you need is a little creativity and planning.

Here are some tips and ideas for your next get-together.

One of the easiest tips is to pick a color scheme and use it in everything you can.  Like the photo above, or the one below, color can be a powerful unifying theme.

Another easy way to decorate is to use things you already have.  Do you have any pretty plants?  You can use them as centerpieces.

And don’t worry if you don’t have enough wine or drink glasses for everyone, mis-matched glasses can be really charming (and it also makes it easy for people to remember which glass is theirs)!   If you only have 3 and need 10 – local thrift stores are great for finding interesting vintage glasses for little money.

Speaking of drinks, are you serving a signature drink?  Do you need something to stir them with?  Lollipops are cute and functional, and add a pop of color.

If you do need to buy some supplies to help you decorate, there are lots of places other than just party stores you can use.   Home improvement stores, dollar stores, and the supermarket, just to name a few.

Drop cloths can be used for table cloths:

Bandanas come in every color imaginable, and can make great napkins:

Dollar stores often have great deals on votive holders and simple vases.  Simple cyllindrical vases can be filled up with fruit, simple floral arrangments, or candles:

And coffee beans or lentils can be great fillers around candles:

Do you like to get crafty?  If you have some time before your party, there are lots of things you can make inexpensively.  A plate glued on top of a chunky candlestick can become a cake stand:

Old vintage bottles can become a pretty centerpiece when coated on the inside with paint:

Unless it’s a special occasion, parties really don’t need to cost a fortune to throw.   All that matters is that everyone enjoys themselves and has a good time!

Do you have any great party decor tips, anything you’ve used before?

*pictures from: Apartment Therapy, Young House Love, Brick City Love, Centsational Girl, Real Simple, Google Images, Google Images, Dollar Tree, Rachel Ray, Prudent Baby, Martha Stewart