Hornblower Cruises and Events offers the following tips for throwing a company holiday party on a budget.

•Negotiate the bar, where venues and caterers make the most money. Ask them to comp something, such as a greeting beverage, or no set-up fee for no-host bars.

•Think about free entertainment. See if an employee's band wants to play or create a playlist of holiday music on an MP3 player and plug it into the venue's sound system. Some venues offer satellite radio.

•Ask about special holiday packages. All venues have packages that include the space, food and beverages, and are often discounted and are the best deal.

•Ask the venue to donate a raffle or door prize to be given away at the party. Most venues will give away a few free meals to attendees, which often leads to repeat business.

•Look at off-peak times. Lunch, afternoon or midweek events are usually less expensive. Ask what times offer the largest discount. Some venues discount in November and January.

•Ask about all possibilities. Some venues offer holiday-themed lunch and dinner packages.

•Select a venue with an engaging view and let that be the decor. Waterfront bars, charter yachts and penthouse restaurants use the view in lieu of flowers or other decorations.

• Choose plated meals rather than open buffets. Plated meals are typically less expensive per person and it cuts down on waste.

•Limit the party to employees only. Inviting spouses and guests can increase costs by 40 to 50 percent.

•Find a venue with strong ties to the hospitality industry. Well-connected venues can partner with other companies to provide special discounts, and are more aware of industry trends.