Debt-Free Holidays: 10 Tips for Elegant, Inexpensive Entertaining

The holidays are a festive time of year, but if the cost of all that celebrating leaves you feeling a little like Scrooge, WalletPop's team members and a pair of party-planning pros have plenty of advice on how to save.

Many WalletPoppers suggested getting together with friends and neighbors to split the duties -- and the cost. "Try doubling up for Thanksgiving," says Julie Tilsner. "A neighbor and I are having our respective families over to her house this year where the backyard is bigger. Yes, we can have Thanksgiving outside in Southern California! Cost is cut in half, and everybody's happy with the big party."