{UNDER $100} Easter Dessert Table

As much as I've always loved parties and all the details involved, I must say that I am quite the cheap-skate. Which means I get a bigger thrill from saving money than spending money. So how do I keep my eye for all those beautiful party decorations and yummy goodies in check with my wallet? Well, I set a budget..... I plan early and do my research (which usually means stalking the Dollar Tree and dollar bins at Target)..... and most of all, I decide to do a good amount of the work myself (which is is sort of fun in a crazy, sadistic kind of way).

For the Easter dessert table I designed to showcase my new Easter Printables Collection, it was especially important to set a budget since I had just hosted my daughter's 10th birthday the week before and was running a little tight on money.

So $100 it was.....

And best of all, I actually did the table in a day by pre-purchasing virtually everything on the table and having a plan.... that little plan I mentioned earlier. Want to take a look?

Isn't it cute? Printables are such a simple way to add a little pizzazz to a party table. They are inexpensive, easy to use and great for carrying out any party theme. With this Easter Collection, there are so many fun and versatile pieces like the Easter egg cutouts and the sweet bunny silhouettes, centerpiece signs, cupcake toppers, drink wraps, a banner and so much more. And at only $10.00 for the full collection, it leaves you lots of money left over for all those Easter sweets!

Trying to stay within a budget also motivates me to take a look around the house for decorative items that I can use for party decor. The wooden bunnies, the teapot silk flower arrangements and all of the dishes came from my house as well as a few other items on the table such as the ribbon, tablecloth and all of the white fabric.

I was also a little strained for time and needed to purchase most of the food items instead of making them myself. And as much as I love those gorgeous decorated sugar cookies that you can order online, at $3.50-$4.50/each plus shipping you can wreck a tight budget in no time at all. So lately I've found the grocery store to be a wonderful source for simple, fun party foods such as these pink Snoballs, chocolate chip cookies, white wedding cookies, and various Easter candies. They are inexpensive and what's easier than opening a box?

Here's a list of my expenses: (rounded for simplicity)

- $2.50.............white wedding cookies

- $3.00............Snoballs

- $5.00............Jordan almonds

- $2.50............marshmallow cookies

- $5.50............candy bars (Cookies 'n Cream bars I found on clearance - Yay!)

- $5.50............Orange Crush soda bottles (we drank the Orange Crush and then I made a pink lemonade to fill the bottles to match the party table)

- $3.00...........large malted eggs

- $2.50...........small malted eggs

- $6.00...........M&M's

- $3.00...........chocolate chip cookies

- $2.00...........white chocolate bunny

- $4.00...........pastel mint drops

- $3.00...........chocolate bunnies (for favors)

- $3.00...........decorative sheep sugar cookies

- $6.00...........rock candy

- $3.00...........non-pareil cookies

- $6.00...........cupcakes

- $1.00...........Easter egg suckers

- $1.00...........pudding

- $1.00...........whipped cream

- $1.50...........can of frosting

- $10.00........tulips

- $2.50..........Easter grass

- $3.00..........cake stands (made using thrift store finds & my own eyelet trim)

- $2.00 ........basket (thrift store find that I spray painted white)

$89.50 TOTAL

Add in about $10.00 for the photo paper I used in printing all of the printables, and there you are..... $100.00 Budget Met!

I hope you all enjoyed the table.... I'll be posting more photos and some quick tutorials and details soon.

Linking up to: Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Skip to My Lou, Craftomaniac, Tater Tots and Jello, Skip to my Lou, Under the Table and Dreaming, Blue Cricket Design, Someday Crafts, Fireflies and Jelly Beans, House of Hepworths, Somewhat Simple, Tidy Mom, Romantic Home,Shabby Nest, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Finding Fabulous, The Girl Creative,Tater Tots and Jello, Be Different Act Normal, Funky Junk Interiors,Today's Creative Blog, Tip Junkie, The Idea Room, C.R.A.F.T., Today's Creative Blog, Between Naps on the Porch