holiday dinners

13 Ways to Cut Costs on Holiday Feasts

Mikey Rox — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 09:00:09 +0000

Every time I plan a big holiday meal, I brace for the bill. Even after making these family-style feasts several times over, I'm still annoyed when I hear the total at the supermarket checkout. "How do turkey, green beans, and mashed potatoes cost that much?" I ask myself. Yet year after year, I overspend on Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners while continuing to scratch my head.

But not this year. No. This year I'm setting a reasonable budget and sticking to it (so I can have more money to buy presents!). Here's how you can do it, too.

1. Take inventory of what you already have

One of the biggest mistakes is not itemizing all the dinner ingredients at once and checking your pantry and cabinets for what you already have. I've gone to the supermarket countless times and questioned whether I have enough butter or olive oil just to return home to realize I did, in fact, have plenty — after I bought more, of course.

Stocking up on these items unnecessarily is a massive budget suck, and you're better off taking the time to figure out what you need to buy and what you don't before hitting the store. (See also: 9 Pantry Tricks That Save You Big)

2. Map out your menu

Based on the ingredients you already have on hand, you can start planning your menu, then fill in the gaps with new items you buy. I go through my bookmarked recipes on my phone and visit my favorite food sites to choose my recipes, keeping in mind the money-plus-time investment. I don't want to spend 12 hours slaving over the stove, so I make sure that all dishes can be prepped in less than 10 minutes, not including set-it-and-forget-it cook time. Just because the recipes are efficient, however, doesn't mean they can't be delicious. Maybe they're not overly fancified, but I've come to learn that most people aren't that impressed by my cooking and presentation skills when they've been growing hungrier since the moment they walked through the door.

3. Compare prices

Just because something is on sale doesn't mean it's not cheaper elsewhere. Don't limit yourself to one supermarket. Pick up the circulars and flip through to price out what you need. Use a price comparison tool like PriceBlink or Camelizer to make sure you're getting the best price before stepping into the store. If this means you have to visit two supermarkets to save, decide if it's worth your while. Generally, if I'm saving more than $10 between stores, I'll take the detour. (See also: 31 Foolproof Ways to Lower Your Grocery Bill)

4. Check your cash-back apps before heading to the store

Hopefully you're clipping your coupons before you go to the supermarket — and being smart enough not to fall for the "buy more and save" deals because you're not really saving if you're buying more than you need — but I also want you to scroll through your cash-backs apps like Ibotta and Checkout 51 before you start shopping to see what deals are available. Many times I've gone grocery shopping and checked the app after the fact, only to realize that I could have bought a similar item at a discount. Open the app and browse what's offered so you have the items fresh in your head as you work your way through the aisles. Afterward, submit your receipt and claim your cash. (See also: The 8 Shopping Apps That'll Actually Save You Money)

5. Set your budget and stick to it

Once you've priced out all the items you need, create a shopping list and set your budget. Try not to exceed more than $10 of the total you've set, but your real goal is to come in under budget. This requires discipline, especially when factoring in impulse buys at the supermarket. To avoid this, it's best to go food shopping right after eating since you won't be hungry in the chip and cookie aisle — my biggest weakness. Another trick to maintain efficiency in the supermarket is to go on a busy day. I know, it sounds dreadful, but on those days, you're likelier to want to get in and out instead of shopping more leisurely. The less time you have in front of all that food, the better. (See also: 7 Effortless Ways to Prevent Budget-Busting Impulse Buys)

6. Opt for generic

I'm usually against buying generic (yes, I know it's the cheaper option, but I prefer name-brand food; it's a quality issue for me), but when I'm planning a big meal, I relax my anti-generic policy to shave money off the bill. Butter, for instance, doesn't have to be Land O'Lakes, and I'll settle for store-brand spices, which are already pricey. Pastas, nuts, sugar, and flour are also good options to buy generic. These substitutes make zero difference in my recipes, but you do have to be savvy about what you're swapping. Namely, not all cheese is created equal, and I would recommend sticking to what you know, lest you want an oily mess on your hands. Some corners should not be cut.

7. Load up on cheap carbs

Know how to feed a crowd and actually fill them up? Ask any working family in America and they'll tell you the secret is carbs. Serving breads, potatoes, and pastas is a great way to extend your reach in the bang-for-your-buck department, which means you can skimp a bit on already love-it-or-hate-it vegetables like Brussels sprouts, spinach, and asparagus, which all come at a premium.

8. Buy in bulk when it makes sense

Buying in bulk doesn't always save you money, especially if you don't plan to use all of whatever it is you're buying before it expires. However, if you're getting a better deal in a large quantity versus buying several smaller versions, go for it. I don't, however, suggest you buy a wholesale club membership solely for your large holiday meal. You most likely will not get back in savings the $60 you spent on the membership in that single shopping trip. If it makes sense for your family the rest of the year, consider it, but otherwise it's not a good idea. (See also: Bulk Buying Basics: What to Buy, How to Store, and Money Saving Tips)

9. Turn your holiday feast into a potluck

If you really want to slash your own out-of-pocket costs for the holiday meal you host, leave the side dishes and desserts up to your guests. You make the main course — turkey, ham, or whatever you like to serve — plus a few pre-dinner treats, but request that your guests fill in the blanks. An easy way to keep track of who's bringing what is to create a Google spreadsheet that you can share via email with all of your guests. It will save updates automatically for everyone to see. When sides and desserts are claimed, feel free to pawn off drinks and ice on whoever's left empty-handed on the list. There's nothing wrong with a party where everyone pitches in. (See also: Throw an Awesome Potluck Dinner With These 6 Easy Tricks)

10. Ask your guests about their food preferences

To avoid wasting food that people don't like or can't eat, get a sense of your guests' palates before planning your menu. If only one person likes lima beans, it's not the best side dish to serve if most of it will end up in the trash. Ask about any dietary restrictions and allergies while you're at it, too. Nobody will expect you to cater the entire meal to the vegetarian or gluten-free guest at the table, but it's appropriate to provide at least a few items that guest can and will enjoy.

11. Stretch the food dollars into leftovers

I'm not a super fan of leftovers (you're probably getting a good idea of how picky I am when it comes to food), so I do make a concerted effort to plan my quantities carefully and focus on foods that I don't mind having a second or third time. Since everyone is different, I won't tell you how to eat your leftovers if you so choose, but I will suggest that you mind the parts of the meal that usually hit the trash first, like the ham bone and turkey carcass. These are great for making soups and stocks; it's fairly easy to do with recipes you'll find online. (See also: 17 Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers)

12. Bring only your budgeted cash to the supermarket

The best way to force yourself to stay on budget when shopping for your holiday meal is to leave all debit and credit cards at home and only bring the cash that you've set aside for the ingredients. This will stop impulse buys in their tracks, and you'll be forced to find the most inexpensive items and alternatives to ensure you have enough money to pay the bill. It will also help to use your calculator along the way. I saw my mom doing that on more than one trip to the supermarket when I was a kid and it stuck with me.

13. Establish a BYOB rule

I wouldn't ask my guests to bring a potluck dish plus their own booze. If you're taking on all the food, it's perfectly acceptable to ask your guests to bring what they'd like to drink and share. On the other hand, if guests are bringing dishes to complete the meal, reward them with adult beverages. Don't feel obligated to satisfy everyone's tastes though. Serve white and red wines and a light beer. If they're not happy with that selection, they can sip the soft drinks that you'll also provide until they're able to hit the neighborhood bar.

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This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes

Elizabeth Lang — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:36:51 +0000

Thanksgiving can be stressful enough — lots of relatives in town, too much food to cook (in one tiny oven), and of course, timing it all to be ready at just the right moment. Thankfully, one of the best ways to decrease stress on Thanksgiving day is to make dishes ahead of time. (See also: Five Last-Minute Thanksgiving Fixes)

Rather than rely on my relatively few years of experience preparing Thanksgiving, I called the ultimate expert in make-ahead Thanksgiving dish advice — my mom. My mom has always managed to pull together an amazing Thanksgiving feast where the only thing not homemade is the cranberries (my brother prefers the jelly cranberries in a can) despite working full-time and juggling two hectic kids' schedules.

So, what are Mom's tips for dishes to make ahead? She offered her top three dishes in terms of time savings and what was least likely to affect the taste of the dish, along with several other make-ahead dishes and information that is just as important — what not to make ahead.

Top Three Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes

These three dishes require a fair amount of work, and the taste isn't overly affected if you make them ahead of time.

Apple Pie

Apple pie can be made a week or two ahead of time and frozen. When you bake it the first time, don't bake the pie all the way through. When you reheat it in the oven, the pie will finish cooking. Also, put some bread crumbs in the bottom of the pan under the crust — this way, when you cook the pie again after it has thawed, the breadcrumbs will absorb the extra liquid.

Stuffing

Stuffing requires a lot of peeling and chopping. But dressing (as in a dressing casserole, not a kind you make in the turkey) can be made the day before and reheated on Thanksgiving day.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes can be made the day before and microwaved on Thanksgiving day. They are almost as good. (Mom's words, not mine. In fact, she always makes hers the day of, but if you need extra time due to the amount of work required to peel potatoes, they can be made ahead of time.)

Other Make-Ahead Dishes

While the following dishes might not be quite as good made ahead as the above three, they're still great. Do these next if you need to save more time.

Cranberries

Homemade cranberries should be made one to two days before and refrigerated, so that they are cold in time for the Thanksgiving feast.

Turkey Breast

If your family eats a lot of turkey breast, bake a breast separately (in addition to the full turkey). You can bake it the day before and store in the fridge in some turkey juice. It will absorb the juice and not dry out when you reheat it.

Rolls

Dinner rolls can be made one to two weeks ahead and wrapped tightly in tin foil and frozen. When you reheat them in the oven, be sure to keep them in the tin foil, as this will trap the steam and prevent the rolls from drying out.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes can be made one day ahead of time and reheated in the microwave. Just wait to add any marshmallow topping until the dish is almost hot. Otherwise you will end up with exploded and sticky marshmallows coating the inside of your microwave.

Don't Try These Ahead of Time

There are a few dishes to always make on Thanksgiving day.

Turkey

There's just no way around it — you need to get up early and put your turkey in the oven on Thanksgiving morning. Besides the wonderful smell and better tasting meat, a turkey made on the day of Thanksgiving reduces the risk of food poisoning.

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie doesn't freeze well because it's a custard. The only exception would be if you own a commercial freezer that will flash-freeze the pie. But like with the turkey, the smell of freshly baking pumpkin pie is a staple of Thanksgiving.

Veggies

Every family has their own unique Thanksgiving vegetable. Whether it's salad or green bean casserole, it is best made on Thanksgiving day.

Whipped Cream

You can whip your cream most of the way on Thanksgiving morning and then finish whipping it right before serving. But you don't want to make whipped cream too far in advance, or it will turn back to liquid.

If You Do Nothing Else, Do This

Even if you can't or won't make dishes ahead of time, do these three things to save money and stress on the big day itself.

Take Stock

Two weeks before Thanksgiving, take stock of your cupboards and dishware. Determine exactly what dishes you'll need, so that if you need to borrow from a friend or family member, you can give them advance notice. Also determine which recipes you are going to use, and make lists of the ingredients you'll need. Chances are as the time gets closer to actually go shopping, you'll remember items you might have otherwise forgotten.

Set the Table

You can set your Thanksgiving table up to a week in advance. To easily get the wrinkles out of your tablecloth, spray a very fine mist of water on the table cloth. By Thanksgiving morning the wrinkles will fall out. (Don't spray too heavily, or you will mold the table or turn it white.) You can also put out all the silverware and dishes you'll need a week ahead of time.

Make Your Centerpiece

Either order your centerpiece in advance, or make a cheap centerpiece a few days to a week before Thanksgiving. A clear glass bowl of different colored apples is a favorite cheap, easy, and festive centerpiece.

With these tips, you'll be on your way to a stress free Thanksgiving. For great make-ahead recipes for anytime of year, also check out 5 Awesome, Easy to Freeze Meals and 9 Make-Ahead, Freezable Breakfasts.

Is there anything I've forgotten? What tips do you have to save stress on Thanksgiving day?

This article is from Elizabeth Lang of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Surviving the Holiday Season: Entertaining (and Being Entertained) on a Budget

Nora Dunn — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:01:16 +0000

With the holiday season upon us, invitations to dinner parties – and expectations of reciprocating invitations – are on the increase. You bring a nice bottle of wine or bouquet of flowers (or even a Christmas present for closer acquaintances) to every home you visit. And you whip up a marvelous meal for those who visit you. Before you know it – without even starting your Christmas shopping, you have blown your holiday budget.

So how do you navigate this season of dinner parties and other seasonal cultural expectations without going broke at the end of the day? The answer to this question is as much a mystery to me as it is to anybody else. But here are a few ideas:

Gifts for your Host

Common etiquette prescribes that we bring along a gift when invited over for dinner (or lunch, or tea, or whatever). But what to bring?

Scrap the Flowers

Cut flowers are pretty and all, but they don’t last, they shed petals and pollen everywhere, and are bloody expensive to buy. Your host will appreciate them for about the first two days and then it will just be more of a nuisance than anything else. Save your budget – and think of something else to bring along as a gift.

If you insist on bringing something living, a potted plant can sometimes be a better bet, less expensive, and will last longer. This is ideal if you know your host enjoys cultivating plants, and may even wish to transplant it to their garden.

Know Your Wine

If you don’t know your wine, and/or your host does, your attempt to be budget friendly by buying the cheap stuff will be foiled and tacky. But how much do you spend on a bottle? This largely depends on the circles of friends you keep. I believe that a $15 bottle would be more than acceptable for most people. It still ain’t cheap, but it’s a quick fix for a last minute invitation.

And what about the wine bags, which add an extra few bucks to the price tag? Unless you have a stack saved from bottles previously given to you, do your wallet – and the environment – a favor and find alternate forms of wrapping up your bottle if you must wrap it at all.

Sugary Sweets

Wildly popular during holiday time are home-baked goods and other candies. These are often a good bet, most people love them (even if they’re on a diet – it is the holiday season after all), and it shows that personal touch which goes a long way beyond even pricier store-bought gifts. The down side? You have to bake. Hopefully you’re good at it.

Scrumptious Savory

For a twist on bringing bad-for-you cookies and cakes, you could bake a loaf of bread instead (made fancy with nice herbs or other flavors), or even concoct a cream cheese dip from scratch. Try this one: whip up some plain cream cheese with a little lime juice, add green onions or chives, then spread it in a (recycled) plastic container (the kind you get from the deli). Top it with sweet chili sauce, and you have a dip that will make you a hit at parties for a fraction of what you would pay to buy the manufactured stuff.

Other Consumables

Don’t know what to get the host with the most? Join the club. Stop guessing and simply get (or even better – make yourself) something consumable. Do you have an herb and flower garden that is on its last legs? Make a dried loose leaf tea mix and give it to them in a nice bottle with a tea strainer (both purchased at a dollar store or equivalent). Can’t cook to save your life? Then make up a gift basket if you must. Fill it with inexpensive but nice staples and wrap it up nicely. The basket and bows can be purchased at the dollar store, and the contents don’t have to be extravagant. A total purchase price can even be under $10 if you’re smart about it and your host will appreciate this creative grab bag of goodies. They may even be able to turn around and serve those crackers you gave them at their next dinner party.

Entertaining

This is where being budget minded can get a little more tricky. You want to put on a good show – crackers and cheese (and wine) to start, then a two or three course meal (with more wine), and all of a sudden you spent the entire day in the kitchen, spent a small fortune on ingredients, and have one hell of a mess to clean up. Sounds like enough to turn your stomach from entertaining any day. A few tips to reduce your cost and burden:

Simple Snacks

Buying just two or three nice cheeses and crackers could cost you $20 if you aren’t careful, and you haven’t even touched upon the drinks or the actual meal to be served. Instead, placing out a bowl of nuts (bought in the bulk section – they’re cheaper) can whet the appetite just as well. Serve the kind of nuts that need shelling (like pistachios or even walnuts for a treat), and your guests will be nicely occupied and won’t fill up on the pre-dinner stuff.

Easy Apps

Unless you keep company with high-brow folks (in which case you will always have a problem satisfying both your budget and your friends) your guests won’t be horribly offended if you skip the appetizer course altogether. Go straight to dinner if you can. Otherwise, choose ingredients you can whip together easily and inexpensively.

Done Like Dinner

Pasta is always a great bet for a budget-friendly main course: it fills your guests up, is inexpensive, and can be presented in a very luxurious manner.

Delicious Desserts

Unlike appetizers, rarely can you skip serving dessert without at least a few raised eyebrows. Baking something yourself is usually the least expensive and shows the most care and personal flair.

Drinks

Serving drinks all night is where you can end up spending the most money. Stocking up with wine, beer, and other beverages in an attempt to anticipate what your guests might like will fill your fridge, but empty your wallet. Get a bottle of wine to serve with dinner, and stick to non-alcoholic drinks for the rest of the occasion. Before dinner, you can prepare a non-alcoholic cocktail of various fruit juices and soda water for fizz. Serve it up in a big punch bowl with lots of ice and nobody will notice the lack of alcohol and will come back for seconds and thirds. Tea or coffee after dinner is the perfect way to compliment dessert, cap off the night, and stop the drinking in its tracks. This is also good protocol for guests who have to drive home…

This is a simple collection of ideas on how to keep your holiday entertaining budget to a minimum. But we want to hear from you! What are your tips, techniques, and recipes for getting through the holiday entertaining season financially unscathed?

This article is from Nora Dunn of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: