More Tea Vicar?

happymummy Tuesday, 2 October 2012 Leave a Comment

Yes, I did make it myself! Very proud of my achievements.

One of the nicest things about being at an age where lots of friends are having babies, is that you get to go to lots of baptisms and naming ceremonies. To me, these celebrations are even better than weddings; they are often much more intimate with just a few close friends and family and are a lovely way to celebrate and pledge your support and guidance to the new arrival.

Of course, a glass or two of bubbly to wet the baby's head and a slice of cake doesn't go amiss either. In fact, the best post-ceremony receptions we have been to have incorporated afternoon tea and I'm a girl with a sweet tooth, so that keeps me happy.

Don't get stuck behind the BBQ!

These types of events have seemed to work well, as not only does it give you free rein to get creative with your cupcakes and create a beautiful looking spread but it is fairly quick to set up; easy to prepare in advance and allows the hosts to then mingle with their guests, something we found hard to do at our own baby's christening after opting for a BBQ.

However, even if you decide to cater for your christening or naming ceremony yourself, it can still be expensive and for someone who loves all the entertaining fripperies, I do often run the risk of racking up even bigger bills by getting carried away with the need to buy cake stands, table decorations, coloured glasses, bunting etc etc.

So here are a few tips to help keep the costs down:

Well it was Jubilee year!

Buy in bulk - if you can, visit a wholesaler to buy ingredients/wine/soft drinks etc for your party
Substitute beautiful fresh flower arrangements with beautiful pot plants that will look lovely on tables but can be planted in the garden once your party is over
Beg, borrow and steal (ok maybe not the last one but you know what I mean)
Take people up on their offers of help
Keep your refreshments simple - it's all about being together after all.

Any other top tips for entertaining on a budget, let me know!