Party Hosting Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank — Here’s What I Actually Use

Allison Powell
2 minutes ago
3 min read

Let’s just say it: hosting an event can get expensive fast. I’ve been there — you want everything to feel special, look polished, and be memorable... but you also glance at the invoice from a rental vendor and wonder how anyone pulls this off without dropping two grand on a baby shower.

This post isn’t about that kind of hosting.

This is about the real kind. The kind where you’re juggling a budget, leaning on Amazon Prime when needed, and still pulling off something beautiful. Because truthfully, you can host a thoughtful, elevated celebration without maxing out your credit card — and that’s where this Amazon Party Hosting Must-Haves list comes in.

These are items I personally use. I keep many of them in my inventory for my dessert tables and pop them into last-minute setups all the time. They’ve helped me save time, elevate the details, and pull off everything from a cute at-home birthday party to a large celebration in a rented hall.

What You’ll Find in the List

I’ve included a mix of:

Candy table essentials – jars, scoops, risers, table signage
Serving trays and stands – because presentation does make a difference
Simple decor pieces – bud vases, table runners, lights
Go-to crowd pleasers – candies and sweets that are always a hit

👉 Click here to check out the full list on Amazon

My Favorite Hosting Hack

I’ll be honest — I almost always recommend adding at least one homemade element to the spread. Bake a pan of brownies or a batch of cupcakes (even from a box mix!). It softens the feel of a mostly store-bought or Amazon-sourced table and adds a personal touch that people feel, even if they don’t say it out loud.

Elevated Doesn’t Mean Expensive

Let’s take flowers as an example. If all you can swing is a $10 bunch of grocery store blooms, that’s absolutely okay. But instead of plopping them in a single vase, try dividing them up into bud vases and lining the center of your table. Suddenly it feels intentional — like you really thought about it — and that tiny shift makes it feel elevated. Hosting with heart isn’t about how much you spend. It’s about the care you put into the details.

A Note About Amazon

Do I think there are more sustainable or small-business-focused ways to shop? Absolutely. I also recognize that when you’re pulling together an event last-minute or trying to stay within a tight budget, Amazon can be the most accessible, affordable option — and that’s valid. This list is here for those moments, and for anyone trying to make magic on a budget.

So if you’re planning a party, a shower, or just want your backyard barbecue to feel a little extra this year, save this list. Use it as your resource when you're in a bind. Bookmark it. Come back to it when you need something that just works.

You can create beautiful, intentional moments — even with a cart full of Amazon finds. 👉 Shop the list here.

I’ve built a business — Truly Scrumptious Candy & Dessert Bars — designing custom dessert spreads for weddings, showers, and big celebrations. But I didn’t start there. This business grew out of DIY roots, out of a genuine love for creating joyful, thoughtful details on a budget. I’ve been the one Googling how to make a dollar store tablecloth look fancy. So if hiring me (or any vendor) isn’t in the cards right now, that’s okay. Truly. Take my tips, use the Amazon list, and know that I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned. I’m an open book — message me anytime. You deserve to feel proud of what you’ve created, no matter the budget. Happy Celebrating friends!