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YAKIMA, Wash. -- Inheriting the hostess gene from her mother, 31-year-old LeeAnn Van De Venter of Yakima loves to entertain.
She plans for birthdays six months in advance. She has a separate room in her house just for decorations, and she sorts her decorations by theme, from birthdays and luaus to baby showers and holidays.
"I just enjoy it," said Van De Venter, who is married with a young daughter. "It's like my special way of making a mark, of making special occasions memorable."
Through trial and error, Van De Venter and others have developed sure-fire strategies to entertain without breaking the bank. From planning menus to picking decorations, they say the recipe for success depends on planning and creativity.
"I don't buy on impulse," Van De Venter said. "Decide on a theme, the sooner the better. That allows you to be more budget friendly."
Once Van De Venter knows what kind of party she'll throw, she scouts out deals on decorations. There are good sales after the holidays, and she finds cheap items at outlet stores, dollar stores and eBay, she said.
For kids, numerous free games and coloring sheets can be found online, and cheap entertainment can come in the form of video games, board games and looking through photo albums.
What's more, Van De Venter reads newspaper fliers to learn what's on sale, planning her menu around that when possible. She buys in bulk at Costco and other stores, and she uses her decorations repeatedly.
"Just use what you have around the house," she said. And if you do have to shop?
"Ask around, that's the biggest thing. Get advice from different people."
Liz Gehlsen of Yakima uses these and other strategies when she plans parties. For adult get-togethers, the married 34-year-old hosts a late dinner. That way she can put her two kids to bed and not have to pay a baby sitter.
She limits alcohol to one type of drink, or she has her guests bring their own, and she dabbles with different themes. At progressive dinners, people go from house to house for each course of a meal -- an idea that works best if everyone lives near one another.
There are also international parties, where everyone makes a dish representing a particular country, like Mexico or Greece.
No matter the type of party she hosts, Gehlsen said having fun tops her agenda.
"Don't stress about it," she said. "People freak out about how clean their house is, how their kids behave. The fun happens when the crazy stuff happens."
Gehlsen also enjoys hosting children's parties -- including the recent "rock star" party she threw together for her daughter Katie's 7th birthday.
About seven guests arrived in costume and were given goodie bags with items she purchased at a dollar store. She made microphone desserts out of cupcakes and ice cream cones, and she entertained the girls with "Hanna Montana: The Movie." To complete the day, the guests "performed" on a hand-crafted stage made of plywood and fabric.
"I get really into it. I get really excited for her," Gehlsen said. "I remember being that young and having birthdays. You don't remember how much your parents spent on a party. You remember the small things, like dressing up and having fun."
For this birthday, Gehlsen won a rock-star-themed gift basket at a silent auction several weeks ago. By spending only $60, she got everything from decorations and a piñata to gift certificates for pizza and ice cream.
"That's what I mean by keeping your eyes open far enough in advance," she said. "You just have to know your kid and what you want to do. Planning is key."
* Erin Snelgrove can be reached at 509-577-7684 or esnelgrove@yakimaherald.com
Top parties of the year
February: Super Bowl, Valentine's Day, Mardi Gras
March: Oscars, St. Patrick's Day
July: Fourth of July
October: Halloween
November/December: Christmas, New Year's
Entertaining on a budget
* Decide on a budget and stick to it. The budget will help you decide what type of party to host.
* Don't mail invitations; instead, send e-mail invitations. This will save you the cost of paper and postage, and it will help you manage the responses. Online invitation sites include Evite.com, RSVPHQ.com, MyPunchbowl.com and Zoji.com.
* Use your regular dinnerware instead of disposables. Borrow pieces from friends if necessary.
* Don't buy pre-washed, pre-cut and prepackaged fruits and vegetables. You'll save money by buying produce in bulk and prepping it yourself. For the best deals, always choose produce that's in season.
* Work pasta, rice and potatoes into the menu to get more bang for your buck.
* Make your own decorations or shop at discount stores. Everything from decorative vases and candles can add ambiance.
* Instead of bringing in outside entertainment, wow your guests with music from your mp3 player, board games, card games and movies.
* For casual parties, have guests bring a dish or their own alcoholic beverages.
* Create a party theme. Affordable options include Make Your Own Tacos, Pizza Party, Desserts Only, Italian Pasta Night and Ice Cream Sundae.
Sources: entertaining.about.com/od/generalpartyplanning/a/budgetpartytips.htm, www.entertainmentexpert.co.uk/BudgetEntertaining.html
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