Today’s inspiring – and timely! – Real Party feature comes from the ultra-creative Chris Nease of Celebrations at Home. As always, Chris does a fabulous job with this party and shows how inexpensive elements like ribbon, gift wrap, and glass ball ornaments really can go a long way in creating a wonderfully festive atmosphere!

When it comes to stretching the budget for parties, presentation is also key, as well as maximizing the elements you already own – such as versatile white serving dishes, glass vases, home accessories, and decor from parties past – as demonstrated here.

Read on for all the creative & inspiring details, as told by Chris…

“I hosted a Cocktail Party for 40 recently and really had to work the budget. I chose to use my IKEA frame for a focal point above the punch and desserts, and found a package of ornament wall stickers at Marshalls for $6 to display in the frame.  Thin ribbon was attached to create the “hangers”.

I used different styles of ribbon to add interest to a white table cloth, coordinating gift wrap to line the trays (and decorate the bottom of the candlesticks), and made pretty labels for the desserts.

To help carry out the ornament theme, I also used a few oversize ball ornaments on top of candlesticks, and put some flowers inside the larger one.

Ornament chipboard stickers were used to create drink stir sticks. I just attached a thin piece of ribbon to a lollipop stick to let the ornament hang off the glass.

More pretty labels were made using a printable template from No Fuss Fabulous. Tiny gem stickers were used to top off the letter “i” in the words Mimosa, Bellini, & Poinsettia.

The buffet table was set with white platters atop glass vases filled with decorative “snow” and red ball ornaments. Red & white flower arrangements, white candles, and a Manzanita “Tree” (which I had from a previous party) completed the look.

To dress up the Champagne Bar, I filled a glass cylinder with more “snow” and ball ornaments, then topped it with feathers.

This party was put together using things I already had. Just goes to show how versatile glass vases, ribbon, stickers, frames, and paper can be!”

Thanks for the inspiration, Chris!