Holiday Meal Planning: Celebrate Without Overspending
Plan holiday meals on budget. Entertaining affordably without stress.
Holiday Entertaining Budget
Holiday meals are where grocery budgets break, but a plan keeps them under control. Decide on a total budget first, then plan the menu to fit it, not the other way around. Make a list of everything you need and watch the flyers in the weeks before, because holiday staples go on sale on a predictable schedule.
Traditional Holiday Meals
Traditional holiday centrepieces like turkey and ham are often deeply discounted in the weeks before major holidays, because stores use them to bring shoppers in. Buy early when you see the best price and freeze it. A whole turkey or ham feeds a crowd for a low cost per serving, and the leftovers cover several more meals.
Appetizers on Budget
Appetizers can cost more than the main meal if you buy them ready-made. Make your own instead: a vegetable platter with homemade dip, deviled eggs, a cheese board built from sale blocks cut at home, homemade bread or crackers, and roasted nuts. Fewer, simpler appetizers also leave more appetite for dinner.
Sides and Casseroles
Sides are where you can save the most. Mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, stuffing from stale bread, green bean casserole and glazed carrots are all inexpensive and can be made ahead. Make sides with whatever vegetables are on sale that week rather than following a fixed list.
Holiday Desserts
Homemade desserts cost far less than bakery ones. Pumpkin pie, apple crisp, shortbread, gingerbread and simple sheet cakes all use pantry staples. Bake ahead and freeze. Butter, flour and sugar often go on sale before the holidays, so stock up then.
Hosting Without Breaking Bank
Hosting doesn't have to mean paying for everything. Ask guests to bring a side or dessert, focus your money on the main dish, and plan for leftovers so the holiday groceries also cover the next few days of meals. Turkey soup, ham and bean soup and leftover sandwiches all stretch the holiday spend.
Featured Cities
Holiday centrepieces and baking supplies go on sale at different times in each city. Browse this week's deals near you to catch the lowest prices.
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