You’ve spent all month planning, shopping, decorating, and racking up the holiday credit card miles. Now there’s the big meal to think about! Want to eat well AND keep some stuffing in your wallet? Here are 5 ways to enjoy a home-cooked holiday meal without breaking the bank.
Plan Ahead
Start NOW preparing your food menu, keeping a checklist of all ingredients that you will need and scouring the Sunday paper and weekly circulars to see what is on sale each week.
Enlist Some Help
Take some pressure off yourself by saying YES when relatives and friends offer to bring a dish. Decide in advance what appetizers, desserts and side dishes might compliment the meal well, and then assign away!
Opt for the Real Deal
Save some dough by cooking from scratch. Dishes like mashed potatoes and stuffing are far less expensive (and SO much better!) than their pre-made counterparts, as are items like bread, breadcrumbs, baked goods and whipped cream. Of course this takes a little more work so you’ll want to start early, but you’ll happily save 20-50% on average.
Find Less Expensive Alternatives
Does your recipe call for a bottle of white or red wine? Try chicken broth or cranberry juice instead. Need a cup of macadamia or pine nuts? Try toasted walnuts or almonds and save $5-10 dollars per pound! Finding less expensive alternatives to spendy ingredients such as meats, spices, nuts and oils will keep money in your pocket and satisfy even your most gourmet guest.
Shop at Home for Festive Decor
Don’t go out and buy all new festive decorations; instead shop in your own closet, looking for baskets, candles and candle-holders, pots, plants, anything shimmery, glittery and glamorous to use on your table.
Happy Holidays (and Happy Eating!) from our Frugal Foodie Family to yours!
