Your budget may be smaller this year, but your Christmas celebration doesn't have to be! Recipe4Living knows all the ways you can save money this holiday season without cutting any important corners. These are our five best tips for stretching your dollars through the holiday season.
1. Stick to the Basics
You may be used to preparing everyone's special dishes, but that can mean a lot of extra work and money. Christmas won't be any less joyful with only one stuffing dish instead of five. Plan ahead and make a well-rounded menu that has a little bit of everything instead of too much of everything.
Here are some basic recipe ideas to get you started:
Cranberry Appetizer Meatballs
Traditional Eggnog
Baked Honey Ham
Roasted Turkey with Pear-Chestnut Stuffing
Baked Cranberry Apples
Holiday Sweet Potato Bake
Green Bean Casserole
Candy Cane Cookies
Chocolate Fruit Cake
2. Give the Gift of Food
What could be more meaningful than giving homemade treats for the holidays? No need to buy expensive presents, we all know gifts made in the kitchen come straight from the heart. Buy some festive ribbon and decorate ordinary mason jars to fill with tasty goodies! Show your loved ones how much you care by making some of these delicious gifts.
All-in-One Pancake Mix
Instant Chai Tea Mix
Macadamia Nut Brittle
Coconut Brownie Mix in a Jar
Candy Cane White Fudge
Caramel Popcorn Kit in a Jar
Sweet Bread in a Jar
Pecan Brownie Mix in a Jar
Vanilla Sweet and Buttery Kettle Corn
Truffle Mix in a Jar Recipe
Russian Tea in a Gift Jar
Want more homemade gift ideas? Check out our recipes collections for Homemade Gifts for the Holidays and Mailable Holiday Food Gifts.
3. Make it From Scratch
Store-bought baked goods can be outrageously expensive. Spend a little money on baking ingredients (if you don't already have them in the pantry) and make one bag of flour go a long way. Don't be intimidated by the idea of baking, just follow these very simple recipes and you'll have beautiful desserts without the bakery prices.
Cakes:
Fast 'N Fabulous Fruitcake
Scripture Cake
Holiday Spice Bread
Candy Cane Ring Cake
Swirled Pumpkin and Caramel Cheesecake
Cookies:
Christmas Mocha Nut Butter Balls
Easy Gingerbread Cookies
Christmas Mint Cheesecake Bars
The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies
Butterscotch Gingerbread Cookies
Peppermint Cookies
Eggnog Bars
Get more Christmas cookie recipes here!
4. Minimize the Meal
If you're willing to ditch the traditional dishes, why not have a cocktail party instead of an elaborate sit-down dinner? Serve festive cocktails and other beverages and let guests nibble on small, bite-sized appetizers and dips while they mingle. Keep it casual and everyone will have a great time (and you don't have to baste a ham all afternoon!).
Try some of these recipes for a cost-conscious Christmas cocktail party:
Appetizers:
Spinach Balls
Little Smokies Appetizers
Holiday Ham and Onion Dip
Crockpot Kielbasa and Cheese Dip
Spinach and Artichoke Pinwheels
Holiday Cheese Ball
Hidden Surprise Meatballs
Easy Baked Brie
The Ultimate Last-Minute Appetizer
Artichoke Wonton Bites
Drinks:
Old Fashioned Eggnog
Holiday Punch
Crockpot Mulled Cider
Irish Cream Liqueur
Double Chocolate Hot Chocolate
Hot Spiked Cider
Reindeer Punch
Vodka Slush
Starbucks Gingerbread Latte
5. Lighten the Load
Repeat after me: There's no shame in asking for help! Let your friends and family pitch in for the meal and make this Christmas potluck-style. We recommend assigning guests different parts of the meal (stuffing, appetizers, cookies, salad, fruit, etc.) and letting them choose exactly what to bring. Make sure to check in with them to avoid duplication. Not only does this cut down on your food costs, but everyone feels like part of the meal!
Use these great holiday recipes as inspiration for your menu planning.
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