Do you love planning parties but are a little tired of forking out a bunch of money for party supplies? We’ve got some brilliant ideas for cheap party supplies! All you have to do is know how to shop smart, not be afraid of a DIY project, and be willing to think outside the box.

 Let’s get this party started!

1. Use Washi Tape to “Fancy” Things Up

Have you ever heard of washi tape? It’s truly a magical thing! Using this amazing tape instantly takes a bland party supply item to extraordinary! For example, if you’re buying clear plastic cups for your next party spruce them up by wrapping some washi tape around them.

[Image Source: Crafts by Courtney]

2. Use Wrapping Paper as a Table Runner

Instead of spending money on a fancy table runner, just use a roll of cute wrapping paper. Seriously, why have we never thought of this? Genius! This way you also don’t care too much about it and won’t worry about any spills or accidents that tend to happen when you have a party. Plus, it’s easy clean up! Just crumble up the paper and throw it away. Unless it remained completely clean, then wrap it up and save it for your next party.

3. Candy Kebobs

Who doesn’t like candy? Especially when you’re at a party? Am I right or am I right? Ok, now that we got that over with, a great way to shop smart for your party is to have a candy table. This can even be in place of a more traditional dessert. Candy is for the most part cheap and pleases everyone. Can it get better? YES. Two words—candy kebobs.

[Image Source: Real Simple]

4. Candlestick Cake Plate

Don’t have a cake plate but want to make your homemade cake look professional and stand out? No worries! If you have a candlestick holder and a plate, you’ve got yourself a DIY cake plate. You just need to make sure that the top of the candlestick holder is a large enough width circumference wise to accommodate and properly hold your plate. You can find these items at your local thrift store.

5. Fork Placeholders

Creating placeholders, or buying pre-made placeholders can end up adding up. But if you use items that you are already going to have on the table, you will save money! Take for example this fork placeholder. Just fold the name tag into the teeth of a fork and voila! Cheap and fast!

6. Balloon ice bucket

One thing that no one seems to think of when it comes to party supplies is ice. It always seems like a last minute purchase and you don’t even budget the price in. That my friend is not how you shop smart. Make sure ice is included in your budget. Or, even better, make water balloon ice. Not only does it save you money, it looks really cool. Plus, you don’t have to reach in and get your hands all wet to grab the last drink.

7. Colorful party garland

Buying party supplies like garland, banners, or confetti at party stores can add up. If you have the time, you can make it yourself. It can even be made from items you probably have around the house already. Check out these neat cupcake liner garlands.

[Image Source: Cookie Mondays]

We hope these 7 tips on how to shop smart for party supplies will help you out the next time you have a party! Comment below if you have any cool ideas to share with us. We’d love to hear about them!