Cheap, cheap, soiree

Want to throw a holiday bash that's fabulous and frugal? Local party planners reveal the best money-saving tips.

Peter and Elizabeth Georgantas never considered canceling the annual holiday fete at their Beacon Hill home. Come Dec. 13, the real estate developers and their guests will be toasting the season - recession and other Grinches be damned.

Nevertheless, the couple - like many holiday revelers - will be watching the party budget.

They'll buy wine by the case and drive to Costco for flowers and beer. Elizabeth will prepare the food and the couple will offer a

signature cocktail, mixed in advance - that way, they don't have to dash out to the liquor store for last-minute rum, gin, and bitters and no one has to man the bar. And if anyone offers to bring something, they'll definitely get an assignment.

"Potluck isn't a dirty word," Elizabeth said.

Although the Georgantases are still moving full, fa-la-la speed ahead, Peter noticed something peculiar when he sent out the e-mail invitations a few weeks ago: All 14 guests responded with a yes. Usually it's a struggle for everyone to clear their social calendars on a night in December because of corporate holiday events and other parties, he said.

"It seems like everyone has fewer events to go to this year," he said.

Local event planners have noticed the same thing. People are waiting longer to plan parties. And they're very conscious of their guests' feelings and financial situations in this uncertain time, said Linda Matzkin, president of Newton-based Hopple Popple.

"In other years, when people had money to spend, they planned parties in advance," Matzkin said. "Now, people are waiting and wondering. It's symptomatic of the economic downturn."

AJ Williams, founder of Creative Events in Boston, said her clients are cutting back on expensive flower arrangements and going back to basics. There's a focus on comfort and understated elegance, she said.

"Budget is a huge concern" for many people, Williams said. Her firm is seeing fewer corporate holiday events than last year. Fewer people are calling for help on home parties, too.

Still, people will have friends and family in town for the upcoming holidays. And there will be parties despite the fiscal crisis - sans planners and professional help in most cases. So resourceful Martha Stewarts: It's your time to shine. We need the cheer more than ever, right?

"You don't have to spend a lot of money to throw a fabulous party," said Casey Buchanan of local website craftster.org. "Draw inspiration from what you find or already have."

The site has a section of its forums devoted to parties, where creative types offer tips on do-it-yourself centerpieces and invitations. Why not spray paint branches from your backyard white for decorations? Did you know that you can use beer and Epsom salts to "frost" your windows or votive holders?

You don't have to be a master crafter to add a few homemade touches to your holiday celebration, either. There are projects for all skill levels, Buchanan said.

Matzkin of Hopple Popple puts a positive spin on what could be a very tough season on wallets everywhere.

"Necessity is the mother of invention," she said. "If you see an idea for your party, now is the opportunity to try it. You may be surprised by what you can do."