Hosting holiday dinners can be stressful and expensive. Not only can planning the dinner be stressful, it can get expensive depending on the number of guest you will be feeding and entertaining. So, today I’m sharing parenting tips on how to cut down on expenses for your holiday dinners.
Here’s a few tips trimming the cost from your holiday dinners:
Purchase in Bulk – I have found that it is more cost effective to purchase items in bulk for holiday dinners. For example, potatoes, shredded cheese, pecans, and vegetables. I purchase the industrial size cans of green beans and corn. Also, large bags of pecans for sweet potato casseroles and desserts. As well as large bags of shredded cheese. I usually fix 10 lbs. of mashed potatoes depending on the number of guests. Having left-overs for the next day or allowing guests to take a plate home is a ritual in my family. So, it is imperative that I have plenty.
Buy Generic Products – I don’t purchase generic items for all of my food purchases because I don’t want to lose the quality of my dishes. However, I do purchase generic or store brand cheese, butter, all purpose flour etc. I have found that I can enhance the dishes with spices and seasoning. The turkey I splurge on. It is the center of the dinner.
Shop at the Dollar Store – The Dollar Stores has great items to use for decorating, and crafts for the kids. Festive platters, napkins, plastic utensils and items for center pieces can be had. Using paper plates and plastic utensils cuts down on my clean-up time. Especially, if I’m having a large number of guests. If it’s 6 – 8 people, I use my holiday dishes and serving pieces in a more formal setting.
Have a Potluck – Have each guest bring a dish to contribute to the dinner. This cuts down on your food costs and cooking time when preparing holiday dinners. Plus, your guests feel that they played in role in the success of the dinner and festivities.
Plan Your Menu – When you’re entertaining, planning your menu is essential. So is knowing the number of guests who will be attending. This includes children. Figure out your side dishes. They will take the most time to prepare. I decide what I can put in crockpots or fix the night before and simply heat up before guests arrive.
Make Your Own Desserts – Rather than purchase expensive desserts in stores or having them made by a bakery, make your own. Cake mixes can be whipped up in no time, and so can pie fillings. So, add homemade desserts to your holiday dinners. Homemade is always better in my home.
Look for Budget Friendly Crafts – Craft items, coloring books and games can be purchased from the Dollar Tree to occupy the kids. If you have a printer, look for games or coloring pages on-line.
Prepare Dishes You Can Stretch – I always plan dishes that will ensure left-overs or are hearty and filling. For example, green beans and corn are filling. So, they go a long way and there are usually left-overs. Same with mashed potatoes and gravy. Corn pudding is another dish that is hearty. As a result, I can serve smaller portions and have some left over for the next day.
We hope that you have found our tips beneficial. Make your holiday dinners memorial. Implement a few, and watch your savings add up.
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