Florida Event Planner Shares Tips for a Stylish, Florida-Inpsired Holiday on a Budget

The holiday season is a time to give and celebrate with the ones you love, but this year many Floridians are working with a smaller budget. Heather Snively, a well-known local event planner, shares tips to help create a stylish and memorable Florida-inspired holiday that’s easy on the wallet. “I always encourage my clients to use the Sunshine State as inspiration for creative decorating, entertaining and gift giving ideas,” says Snively.

Impress for Less

When it comes to adding some holiday cheer, there’s no need to break the bank. Deck the halls this season with Heather’s cost-effective tips:

• Bring outdoor elements inside. When decorating, use materials from your own backyard or the beach to dress up the indoors. Tree branches and seashells can be spray painted gold or silver and used as a wreath or table centerpiece.
• Borrow what you don’t have. Offer to swap items with friends and family to revitalize your holiday decorations. From twinkle lights to fragrant greens, you’ll both be getting something new for free. For items that you’ll only use once, consider renting from a local store instead of buying.
• Tropical entertaining. Shop at your local tourist store to find Florida-inspired decorations. Make guests feel welcomed by personalizing each place at the table with vintage Florida postcards as name cards, and create individual salt and pepper servers in oyster shells.
• Look to nature for holiday gifts. A package of fresh Florida citrus fruit is a meaningful and personal gift from the Sunshine State, sure to warm up that special someone's winter. Florida oranges, grapefruit and tangerines are rich in vitamin C and provide additional nutrients such as folate and potassium. Plus, gift fruit can be conveniently ordered at www.pickFLA.com and delivered to a loved ones' doorstep. Place your orders early to ensure timely holiday arrival.
• Smart Shopping. Visit local farmstands for seasonal ingredients and use grocery store coupons to determine your holiday menu. Spice it up by adding tropical flavors to a traditional holiday menu. Start a meal with foods like Grapefruit Guacamole Salsa, feature Orange-Herbed Pork Roast as an entrée and offer key lime pie for dessert. Visit www.FloridaJuice.com for fantastic citrus recipes for all meal occasions.