Thrifty and Easy Hostess Ideas

Welcome to December’s Thrifty Style post, where it’s all about the holidays. Since there are only 12 days left till Christmas, it seems only fitting to share some holiday ideas. I wanted to share some of my favorite thrifty and easy hostess ideas that I seem to enjoy using each year.

I am a firm believer that it’s always the thought that counts when it comes to remembering the hostess this holiday season. All of these ideas were easy to assemble, didn’t break the bank and are gifts any hostess would love to receive when you show up at the door.

Thrifty and Easy Hostess Ideas

Seasonal mug filled with cocoa packs

I have been doing this fun idea for years. Every year I find some cute holiday mugs, buy a bunch and fill them with cocoa packs that I assemble. This year I found the cutest Santa and snowman mugs ( that I have seen elsewhere for a lot more money) at the Dollar Store. I grabbed a stash and will use them to place tubes of cocoa and other fillers like marshmallows, chips and crushed peppermint.

You can see how I assemble and the tubes that I use here.

Baked Goods

Everyone loves something yummy and homemade this holiday season. I always try to find cute tins for homemade muffins or cookies that I make. I found these festive containers at Hobby Lobby when they were 40% off a few weeks ago, but honestly the best time to stock up on seasonal containers is after the holidays. Another bonus is you’re already prepared for next year.

See one of my favorite cookies to make during the holidays here.

Fresh Flowers

Who doesn’t love beautiful blooms….anytime of the year. Whether it’s a plant ( always at the top of my list) or a fresh arrangement, you can never go wrong showing up with some flowers. I will typically buy a few assortment bunches from the store and create my own arrangements using old glass jars , bottles or vases I have on hand. See how I made four arrangements out of a few bunches of flowers from the grocery store here.

Here are some other ways you can spread unexpected no cost kindness this holiday season.

• A personalized note
• The gift of time
• Smile
• Giving up that ‘perfect parking spot’
• Volunteer

I hope some of these ideas will inspire you if you don’t want to show up empty handed. Remember…..it’s the thought that counts and will be remembered, not how much you spent.

Happy Holidays!

Click the links below to see more holiday ideas.

DIY Mason Jar Centerpiece – Chatfield Court
How to Make a Bow Christmas Tree Topper – The Creek Line House
Easy Thrifty Outdoor Peppermint Pillow Wraps – DIY Beautify
Dollar Store Olive Appetizer Wreath -Redhead Can Decorate
Recycled Metal Seat Door Wreath – Bliss Ranch
How to Make Scented Pine Cones – I Should Be Mopping the Floor 
Champagne Bucket Christmas Tree Stand – Postcards from the Ridge
Thrifty and Easy hostess gifts – Duke Manor Farm
Dollar Store Duster Christmas Wreath– The How-To Home
Christmas Cloche Centerpiece Ideas – 2 Bees in a Pod
Vintage Thrifted Christmas Tablescape – What Meegan Makes
DIY Snowman Ornaments – Cottage at the Crossroads
Rustic Leather Magazine Holder – Unskinny Boppy
Vintage Drawer Pull Clipboard – Jen Rizzo
Cricut Christmas Card Place Setting – Salvage Sister and Mister