How To Save Money On Food At Christmas

Knowing how to save money on food at Christmas can make or break your budget if you are planning a big holiday dinner.  I have some basic tips that are going to make a huge difference in how much you spend this year for your holiday dinners.  Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or holiday parties don’t have to break the bank when you think ahead and use some simple tips.

How To Save Money On Food At Christmas

Serve inexpensive sides.  One of those tips that you hear from restaurant owners is to give your guest a little of the main entree, but a lot of low-cost sides to fill them up.  Dry beans are a great choice since you can cook 8-10 cups for under $5 in your Crockpot.  Season pinto beans or great northern beans well and serve as a side everyone will enjoy for just a few dollars.  Potatoes (regular and sweet) are almost always on sale during he holidays.  A $4-$5 bag of russet potatoes is the base for a cheesy potato casserole or the classic mashed potato side dish everyone loves.  Serve more inexpensive sides and less ham or turkey to save money on food at Christmas.

Host a potluck meal.  If your friends and family are up to making a dish and bringing to your home, this can save you a ton of money.  Assign side dishes and desserts, and then all you have to do is focus on the main dish of turkey or ham.  This is fun, easy, and still helps everyone feel at home.

Serve only appetizers.  Host a party or holiday movie watching event that doesn’t include a full meal.  Serve up inexpensive appetizers like dips and chip, mini meatballs, slider sandwiches or even mini quiche.  An appetizer event means most won’t be eating a ton of food, so you don’t have to prepare as much as you would for a regular holiday meal.

Skip traditional menus.  Instead of the large turkey and all of the sides, why no make your holiday meal something less expensive?  Many families do things like pizza, spaghetti or even a taco bar on Christmas instead.  Sandwiches or inexpensive dishes that go a long way are a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank and still giving everyone a delicious meal.

Keep it small.  While you may want to invite all of your extended family over, maybe this is the year to only have immediate famil for your Christmas meals.  Instead of feeding all of your friends and family for Christmas, invite them over for a holiday dessert instead.

Use coupons as much as possible.  There are tons of great deals during the holidays using coupons on your Christmas menu needs.  From coupons toward a turkey purchase to the holiday specific coupons for baking supplies it is a great time to stock up and save.  Make sure to always double check prices, and take advantage of any coupon and sale events that make items free or pennies on the dollar.

Knowing how to save money on food at Christmas is tough for many families.  If you are already living paycheck to paycheck, a holiday meal may seem even harder to accomplish. These tips can help you to stay in budget and have a wonderful Christmas meal this year.

Check out some other great Christmas savings tips and ideas!

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