Cheaper than a stay-cation!

Broke? Tied to work? Even if you can't go anywhere, with a little imagination, you can make your own home feel like a fancy hotel. Delight the kids or dazzle your next house guests.

This can work for your cabin, your first apartment and even your RV.

Here are 5 easy ways to make your imagination, stay-cation a 5 star delight for $25 or less!

1) Afternoon tea like the Fairmont. Use the good china or picnic plates, it won't matter.... just invite your guests to join you at 3pm. Cut your sandwiches into triangles. Have veggies and dip. Put Pot of Gold chocolates or brownies on dessert plates. Place a candle on the table.  And of course, drink tea!  But give it a fancy name. "Would you like some raspberry marigold catillion tea? Why yes!"  If you're serving iced tea, make sure to add fruit as garnish and little drink umbrellas.

2) Play some elevator music. Something instrumental. It makes everything seem fancy!  Or play steel drums or Caribbean tunes if you've got an island theme.

3) Buy some sample sizes in shampoos and lotions.  New toothbrushes too. Set them out for your guests. You could even roll your towels and tie them with ribbons.

4) Post an activity schedule.  4pm badminton on the front lawn. 5pm movie trivia. 6pm cocktails on the deck. 9pm storytime by the fire.

5) Serve room service on a tray. Add a single flower from your garden, in a bud vase to emulate the elegance of a Westin hotel.

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Your Dollar Store Shopping List: 

Napkins & matching plates

Note cards or invitations 

Bud vase

Candles 

Serving tray

Tiny cups or ramekins

Grocery Store: 

Strawberries

Chocolates

Colourful veggies

Shoppers Drug Mart/Superstore/The Body Shop:

Sample size shampoo, lotion. 

Toothbrushes