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Easy ways to keep the costs down and celebrate in style
HIS CHRISTMAS, we’re all tightening our glittery belts and looking for
ways to enjoy the party season on a budget – but slashing your spending
doesn’t necessarily mean cutting down on the fun.
We’ve got the best-value buys to put on your wish list, advice on how to pull together a picture-perfect outfit, and tips on making your night truly memorable, however much you have to spend.
So, grab your (preloved) dancing shoes, turn up Mariah to full blast, and get ready to party!
Arne Essential Trouser in Black, £20, arneclo.com
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Festive buys – all under £40 – to see you through the season
Party looks for less
Double Breasted Skinny Check Suit Jacket,
£39, boohooman.com
FOR
HIM
Dark Red Slim Fit Textured Polo Shirt, £27, riverisland.com
Oversized Fit Cardigan, £34.99, hm.com
River Island Brown Regular Fit Leaf Print Shirt, £37, riverisland.com
Relaxed Fit Tailored Trouser in Cream, £21, boohooman.com
Colour Block Jumper,
£35.99,
mango.com
Colour Block Jumper,
£35.99,
mango.com
FOR HER
Short Dress Shoulder Pads,
£35.99,
mango.com
Gold Glitter Plisse Ruched
One Shoulder Midi Dress,
£32, prettylittlething.com
Teal Sequin Shirt,
£27,
boohoo.com
Satin Tailored Trousers,
£24.99,
hm.com
Fairisle Reindeer Oversized
Christmas Jumper,
£20, prettylittlething.com
Red Block Heeled Mary Janes, £34.99, hm.com
Sequinned Skirt, £24.99, hm.com
Mango Leopard Print Sweater, £35.99, mango.com
Bronze Animal Print Slip Dress, £39, riverisland.com
Black Velvet Ruched Long Sleeve Top, £35, riverisland.com
Buying preowned clothes has become something of a national obsession, with more than 12 million posts on Instagram using the #preloved hashtag. It’s a thrifty way of being kind to the planet and making sure you’re never snapped in the same outfit twice on the dancefloor this season. Online stores filled with bargains are springing up everywhere to tap into the craze – Thrifted, Depop and Build a Bundle are just a few of the sites that can be a budget way to boost your (and your kids’) party wardrobes.
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Add a pop to outfits that are already in your wardrobe with these elegant accessories – all less than £20. It’s a quick and easy way to spruce up your look.
Finishing touches
Margot Teal Glass, set of 4, £32, next.co.uk
Seeing Stars Coffee Table Books, £8.99 each, anthropologie.com
Tea Towels, set of 4, £12, formahome.co.uk
Handmade Wreath/Centrepiece, from £25, formahome.uk
Gingerbread Wine Holder, £25, next.co.uk
Red Table Place Mats, £16, next.co.uk (also come in green)
When it comes to decking out your home for Christmas, choose from a selection of budget-friendly pieces that will elevate your hosting status – think tasteful scents, Christmas - themed tea towels
and fancy crackers – without breaking the bank.
Dress to express
5 ways to be the hostess with the mostesT – without splashing the cash
Pink Glittery Dress,
£17.99,
hm.com
Patterned Tablecloth, £17.99, hm.com
Neom Winter Wellbeing Candle Trio, £45, asos.com
Linen Table Napkins, set of 4,£48, formahome.uk
Our Place, Always Pan, £90 (usually £125), fromourplace.co.uk
Mini Chocolate Christmas Crackers, set of 10, £18, hotelchocolat.com
Fiesta Glass Cocktail Shaker, £22.50, oliverbonas.com
1 Ask your guests to bring something with them. It could be nibbles, chocolates or a bottle of wine – anything to add to your buffet table.
2 Maximise your party area. Keep the lighting low and atmospheric (think lanterns and tea lights), and arrange your furniture so there’s room for everyone to dance and socialise.
3 Pick a start time after dinner, and you’ll only have to provide nibbles rather than a full-blown spread.
4 Pick a cheap and easy dress theme. Something simple, like White Christmas or Ugly Jumpers, means everyone can join in without splashing out.
5 Focus on hosting. Helping your guests mingle, topping up drinks and the perfect playlist will ensure a great time.
AND
SAVE
Songs to include on your party playlist
All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey
No one can resist singing along to this all-time classic, which means even the Grinches will be tapping their toes.
My Only Wish by Britney Spears
Not all the best Christmas songs were released last century. This Britney classic from 2007 is catchy pop at its best.
I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday by Wizzard
This one ticks all the festive boxes – jingle bells, children singing, and cute lyrics – but still manages to be a total banger.
What Christmas Means to Me by Stevie Wonder
Could this be the most upbeat Christmas song of all time? A guaranteed floor-filler.
Jump (Single Remix) by The Pointer Sisters
It’s impossible to hear this song without picturing Hugh Grant in Love Actually shimmying down the stairs, which makes it an honorary festive tune.
Christmas bangers
Black Double Gold Square
Buckle Waist Belt,
£10, prettylittlething.com
Olive PU Mini Knot Handle
Grab Bag,
£16, prettylittlething.com
Black Jewelled Headband,
£10,
next.co.uk
Velvet Bow Hair Clip,
£4.20,
accessorize.com
Asos Design Earrings with Double Drop Lilac Crystal in Gold Tone,
£8.50, asos.com
We’ve got the best-value buys to put on your wish list, advice on how to pull together a picture-perfect outfit, and tips on making your night truly memorable, however much you have to spend.
So, grab your (preloved) dancing shoes, turn up Mariah to full blast, and get ready to party!