Tired of the same old girl’s night out? Mix it up and host a classy cocktail party for your closest girlfriends.  Tell them to dress in their most sophisticated cocktail attire and come over for a fun-filled evening just for the ladies.  Think something this fancy isn’t in your budget? Think again!  It doesn’t take much to throw a bash the gals will be talking about for months.

Design on a Dime
       When it comes to creating a classy party atmosphere, you don’t have to dig too deep into your already-shallow pockets.  More often than not, a little goes a long way.  While perusing through aisles at the store, keep in mind that nobody will know how much was spent but you. 
“You can pick up really cheap mirrors and serve food on them and it looks beautiful and classy without emptying your wallet,” says Bonnie Davenport, a wedding and event planner with Extraordinary Events in Buckeye Lake, Ohio. “Same goes for decorating your table.  You can make something very cheap look extremely expensive just by arranging everything nicely.”
Resist the temptation to grab your everyday glasses (or even worse, the party-favorite Solo cups) and opt for something that is more suitable for a classy cocktail party. Swing by the local dollar store; they typically carry an assortment of glassware with the prices that give the store its name. Plastic glassware is also a great option. A set of 12 plastic cosmopolitan cups can be purchased for $16.50 on chef2chef.com.  Hate the thought of just using them once? Ask your friends to save their cups so you can wash them and use them at your next fancy fiesta.
Decorative cocktail napkins are an inexpensive way to add a sophisticated touch to any table display.  You can find a great selection at martinimartini.com for only $4.25.  While at the dollar store, keep an eye open for scented candles or a faux crystal vase—both make a great centerpiece to add that last touch that perfects your entire table-top ensemble.  

Quick and Tasty Refreshments
       Now that you’ve given your place an elegant and chic makeover, it’s time to whip up drinks and appetizers to serve to your guests.  Once again, simplicity is key.  
 Serving cocktails is a nice change of pace from the usual party beverage, and gives you tons of options. We like the classic cosmopolitan. Of course, not all tastes are alike, and you’d hate to leave the gals who opt for something non-alcoholic to be left sipping on water. Cranberry coolers are a nice alternative. “The coolers are a great idea because they can still be served in a martini glass and look just as nice,” says Bonnie.  If you are by chance using real glasses, she suggests chilling the glasses so they give off an even more professional aura.   
Nothing makes a party better than something tasty to snack on while you mingle with your friends. According to allrecipes.com, spinach artichoke dip goes well with drinks of this sort. Serve the dip with tortilla chips or slices of toasted French bread. “If you are not going to be serving dinner at your party, small appetizers are your best idea,” Bonnie advises. Looking for even less of a hassle? Serve cheese and crackers plated on the previously mentioned mirrors, or cut up a variety of fresh veggies and plate them with an easy dip.
These are in no way the hard and fast rules; each POISEd girl has her own unique style and flare. Mix it up, and create a party that is uniquely you. Between our thrifty budgeting advice and your own personal touch, it will be easy to throw a party that doesn’t drain your bank account—but makes your girlfriends think you did!