I'd go for the park as opposed to the playcentre (weather permitting of course).

Some ways to save money I can think of

- Do an afternoon/morning tea. Bake most of the food, heaps cheaper than buying. Just get the coles or woolworths brand of flour/sugar etc. You may be able to bake things you can bake in advance and freeze.
- Get decorations, plates and so on from the $2 shops. A few ballons and some streamers should do the trick. You can even use just napkins instead of plates/forks if everything is bite size.
- Provide cordial instead of soft drink (will go much further for your buck).
- Ask people to bring chairs (so you don't have to hire).
- Make a fruit platter with whatever fruit is in season and on special. Go to your location fruit shop as opposed to the big supermarkets. I just got 1kg of strawberries for $5 yesterday!
- Cherios are always reasonable, and the kids love them.

Just some ideas. we are having DS's party in a few weeks with about 40 and I don't plan on spending anywhere near $500.

Good luck.
Spring x