Monday, March 21

{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?


Photobucket



Photobucket

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.

28 comments:

Leslie said...

This is so fantastic! I'm on a strict $100 budget for my Easter buffet, and this has provided some great inspiration...thanks for sharing!

Kristin said...

Thank you for showing that a fantastic looking dessert table IS possible when you are on a tight budget! Very nice job.

Unknown said...

Simply sweet, precious, springy, and adorable. Thanks for linking. winks-jen

Modern Mindy said...

Love it! My favorite things are the skirted cake stands & bunny's sitting on the snowballs!

Brittany Schwaigert said...

Gorgeous as always! I love that you did this from Target/Dollar Tree, etc. I did the same thing with the printable shoot that I did! It shows people that anyone can make something beautiful for not a lot of money!

CupKate's Event Design said...

Oh my, I think we are long lost BFFs. Holy cuteness! Not only am I a cheapstake, but I just made very similar cake stands for my little girl's party in two weeks. Nicely done!

Laurel {Make and Takes} said...

What a beautiful table! I'd love for you to submit this to the M&T Spotlight at http://www.makeandtakes.com/spotlight

Amanda at Amanda's Parties To Go said...

Thanks girls! Your comments always bring a big smile to my face!

Shelley@DivinePartyConcepts said...

So so cute!

Cindy said...

What a fun party table! So festive and delicious looking.

Jodie said...

What a fantastic dessert table! Everything is so perfect! Thank you so much for the inspiration!

I'm your newest follower, I would love for you to stop by sometime!

www.lovelaughteranddecor.blogspot.com

Warm Weekend Wishes,
Jodie

Beverly said...

Wow what a wonderful table! I can't believe you were able to accomplish it for under 100. I am stopping over from MRH and your newest follower

TidyMom said...

Gorgeous!! I love every detail!!

Thanks for sharing and linking up! I featured your post in my wrap up!
http://tidymom.net/2011/im-lovin-it-wrap-up-3-26-11/

Have a great rest of the weekend!

Tonya @ Love of Family And Home said...

so pretty! love it!

Amy Taylor said...

This is absolutely adorable! I am your newest follower! I also featured you over at Just Pleased as Punch . Check it out!

Christi @ Love From The Oven said...

Absolutely beautiful - I love it! So festive yet so chic. I'm loving everything Easter right now! I'm doing a Peeps Week over at my blog with fun, easy and affordable Peeps treats: http://www.lovefromtheoven.com/category/recipes-ideas-resources-and-more/peeps/

Kelly @ Run With Glitter said...

Very Cute!!!!
I'd love it if you would link up over at the Glitter Party!!!
http://runwithglitter.blogspot.com/2011/03/weekly-tues-thurs-link-party.html
xoxo
Kelly

Sweet Little Smoothie said...

Absolutely gorgeous dessert table! Thanks for all the inspiration!!

ps - I'm your newest follower :)

Holiday Snob said...

That is the most amazing budget party I have ever ever seen, and I like it better than MANY waaay more expensive parties! I wish you were my best friend and inviting me to these parties! Okay, enough gushing, We are your newest followers and are stopping by from Craft-O-Maniac's link party

Chris said...

That is some serious eye candy (no pun intended)! I always think those types of displays are so expensive, and I can't believe you paid less than $100. Hmmmm...guess it CAN be done! Thanks for sharing!

Amanda said...

This is so wonderful! I've just found your blog and I can't wait to look around a bit more! Your Easter dessert table is so lovely! I've just noticed a Star Wars themed party on your sidebar that I must check out right away as I have one of those coming up very soon for my 5 year old son and am desperate for ideas! Thank you so much for sharing! You are an inspiration!
Best Wishes and Blessings,
Amanda

Megan said...

omg. this is gorgeous. I can't believe the price.

megan
craftycpa.blogspot.com

Holiday Snob said...

We featured this amazing party today on our blog if you want to grab a button!

http://holidaysnobs.blogspot.com/2011/04/easter-on-cheap-gorgeous.html?m=0

Lynda said...

Beautiful table! I am the necklace next to you on Naps....love the bottles of pink???

Jami said...

Everytime I stop by your blog it just makes me so happy! Love your Easter spread! I hope you'll stop by and share it at the Tuesday To Do Party!
http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/2011/04/tuesday-to-do-5-and-4-list-makers.html

Smiles!
Jami

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