Providing tips and consultation on affordable party planning is a bit of an obsession here at PartyOn, because like you, we don't have a "skies the limit" budget to spend on marvelous parties.

If you're planning a wedding, a shower, birthday or holiday party, you've probably been scouring the internet for ideas. Of course, the ideas and inspiration you find are likely glossy pictures on Google, various planning sites or Pinterest. There you'll find oodles of fabulous parties bright and brilliantly colored, expertly styled with interesting props and meticulous dishes, and chances are, way out of your budget.

The key is to take aspects of theses budget-busting parties and apply them in a way that works for you. For example, if you want to style a magnificent sweet table, but don't want to spend the money on a fabric backdrop that you might never use again, go to your local party store, discount store or even a local dollar store and buy several roles of crepe streamers in one or more colors. Then hang then cut lengths of streamer, from ceiling to just below the table and hang them butted up right next to each other down the wall. You create a gorgeous, photo-worthy backdrop for under $5!