A recession is as good a time to celebrate as any
We spent the evening at Susan’s 70th birthday party on Monday evening. It was a modest affair in the local church hall with many guests – there must have been 60 or 70 – and lots of good finger-food. Had we known about the food part we wouldn’t have eaten dinner; I can snack on party food for hours… Susan looked well and spent the evening chatting to her guests. She also gave a very emotional speech of thanks to everyone.
The economics of a Recession Party
How could Susan afford this? She doesn’t have a penny to her name so I guess that she took a Cash Advance Loan to pay for the food, but she was so economical with the whole thing that I thought I should share these budget-friendly party ideas with you.
Where to have the party
Look and see where you can get a hall for free. Churches are the first place to go. There are also parks, or a friend’s home. In Susan’s case, the hall was probably free and there were no other expenses.
Drinks
The drinks were Coke and Sprite, hopefully bought in bulk on sale, and there was no alcohol, also cutting down on costs. Water and lemon slices would have been even less expensive.
Decorating
Plates were plastic in colors selected to match the paper tablecloths and napkins and the flatware was chromed plastic. Despite the obvious strict budget arrangements, the tables looked great. They were decorated with little vases of wild flowers and grasses probably picked from a nearby field and sprinkled with little silver plastic sea shells. To my delight they were also sprinkled with candies and chocolates.
It must have been a challenge
When Susan decided to celebrate she must have thought everything out very carefully and built herself a tight but realistic budget. In circumstances like hers, a budget is probably a major part of her life. What’s more, she understands the strict discipline that’s necessary to stick to every cent of her budget. No extras and no deviations!
Susan
Susan is a widow – twice. Her first husband collapsed and died in his forties and left her with two teenaged children. The second husband, an older man, died when Susan was in her mid-fifties. Neither left her much and she has worked all her life. A few years ago she was laid off her job as a secretary at the university and she ran around frantically seeking work. These days she works part-time at the university who hires her as a temp without any benefits. She also has some other part-time job in town.
The birthday gifts
One of Susan’s friends asked her if there was anything particular she preferred for a birthday present and Susan said she would prefer money as she had some expenses that she has to pay. The word was passed around. I was asked to do a small painting for a communal birthday card and the guests were asked to sign the card and drop their gifts in an envelope which was handed to Susan. I was pleasantly surprised at how smoothly the act of handing over a cash gift was handled – there was no embarrassment on either side and the guests seemed delighted to be able to help Susan. Susan thanked everyone for coming to help her celebrate this important milestone in her life and we went back to the food.
Good party
My wife and I rated this as a good party, truly modest and enjoyed by all. Happy birthday, Susan!
Sounds like a wonderful celebration. After all, Life is about people more than things.
How do you throw a party during a recession? Simple – unless you’re inviting a thousand people, it comes down to four letters that can keep the costs of a bash down: B-Y-O-B, or, Bring Your Own Beer/Booze. You may also substitute F (as in food), or proclaim both as needed. Celebrating in a neighborhood bar or tavern where no rental is needed is also a way to cut costs, and it also ensures no one is able to bring around any dear little kiddies who make too much racket and insist on festooning every environment they encounter with toys – not that anyone really minds that….(yes they do!)