Help! Christmas spiralling out of control....

I_know_my_ABC_and_my_CMYK

ammonite wrote: »

I guess some people might not be that sympathetic, but I for one am! £100 is nothing for decorations, an artificial tree can cost £50 without any ornaments, and it is a false economy to buy ornaments you hate this year just because they are cheap - buying less numbers of pretty ornaments might have been a good move but as you say, it is already done now.

Can you ask people to bring their own drinks for new years eve? provide some but not all drinks!

were you going to do a buffet or a meal? I would do 2 big pans of chicken curry/sweet and sour/chilli and a massive bowl of rice and chips and that will have to keep people going. All the little fancy nibbles will cost so much more and barely feed people.

I also sympathise about presents, we don't have that many to buy for but a jumper for my husband can easily cost £50 and looks absolutely nothing. Next year I'll be back to my thrifty ways, but this year, life has been too hectic to be prepared. Just enjoy this year and worry about next year, next year!

£10 for a Christmas tree in Asda at the mo, they aren't very big but they are more than adequate and would look nice on top of a little table.

I_know_my_ABC_and_my_CMYK

We don't have a lot of money so for presents I bake. I bake mice pies, cup cakes and sponge Christmas cakes which I ice and decorate myself - I have been doing this since I was taught by my next door neighbour who is a pastry chef at 14, saves loads of money. Plus I find it is appreciated more as its home made and it shows you thought of that person.

I'm lucky I enjoy baking and giving these gifts, just as much as someone with bought gifts.