I don’t know about you but Christmas dinner is a highlight of the year for me. Even if it’s similar to every other roast dinner I have had throughout the year, family and Christmas make it special.
So what can you do to make Christmas dinner special without breaking the bank?
That’s what today’s post is all about.
I’ll share some tried and tested ways to make food go further. I knew having a chef for a dad would come in handy one day!
How to save money on your Christmas dinner
Here are 10 ways a family can save money on their Christmas dinner:
- Plan the menu in advance: Plan your Christmas dinner menu well in advance. This allows you to create a shopping list and buy items in bulk, taking advantage of discounts and avoiding last-minute, higher-priced purchases.
- Potluck dinner: Instead of preparing the entire meal yourself, consider having a potluck-style dinner where each guest or family member brings a dish. This not only saves money but also adds variety to the meal.
- Buy in bulk: Purchase non-perishable items, like canned goods and spices, in bulk. Warehouse stores often offer significant discounts for buying in larger quantities.
- Seasonal and local ingredients: Use seasonal ingredients and locally sourced options wherever possible. Seasonal produce is often cheaper and tastes better. Visit local farmers’ markets, farm shops or your local veg shop for deals on fresh produce.
- Simple and classic recipes: Stick to simple, classic recipes that don’t require exotic or expensive ingredients. There are plenty of delicious and budget-friendly recipes available online.
- DIY appetizers and snacks: Instead of buying packet appetizers and snacks, make your own. Items like dips, bruschetta, or cheese platters can be made at home for a fraction of the cost.
- Cook from scratch: Avoid pre-packaged or precooked meals, as they tend to be more expensive. Cooking from scratch allows you to control portion sizes and save on the overall cost of the meal. Plus, it’s a lot of fun if everyone gets involved!
- Reduce meat portions: Meat can be one of the most expensive items on the menu. Consider serving smaller meat portions and filling the rest of the plate with affordable sides like vegetables, grains, and Yorkshire pudding. Some meat is better than no meat!
- Homemade desserts: Skip expensive store-bought desserts and bake homemade treats like trifle, cakes, or pies. Baking at home is much cheaper and offers a personal touch to the meal. It can also be part of the buildup to the big day.
- Comparison shop: Compare prices at different grocery stores and take advantage of discounts and coupons. Many stores offer loyalty programs and special holiday discounts that can significantly reduce your overall spending.
Bonus tip: Shop for wonky veg. If you prefer to shop at a supermarket rather than fruit and veg shop, look for vegetable boxes or wonky veg. It’s just as good quality food but much, much cheaper because they don’t meet supermarket aesthetic standards.
Remember, the key to saving money on Christmas dinner is planning, budgeting, and being willing to explore creative, homemade options.
By being mindful of your spending and making smart choices, you can enjoy a delicious Christmas meal without breaking the bank.
