Serve Christmas dinner for $100.00 or less.

Americans typically spend between $100.00 and $150.00 dollars
for Christmas dinner and of course all of the fixings.
If this is the amount you spend and you want to bring that amount down,
use the tips listed below from some real shopping pros.

Tip No. 1-
Hit the unusual stores.
Plan on throwing a Christmas dinner or party and need spices, snacks, and drinks?
Head to unusual stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Home Goods for a variety
of high quality products. Also look for snacks, drink mixes and gourmet
spices at these stores.
Another tip: Head to the dollar stores in your town or city.

Tip No. 2-
Decorate and Decorate.
Allow the fall surroundings to help you liven up your dinner table, mantel,
front porch, etc. In other words, use pine cones and evergreen twigs
from the outdoors to adorn your surroundings, (making sure to clean them first)
Also buy old trays and pie plates at Good Will or Red, White and Blue stores
and place some gold wrapping paper on them and then sprinkle on
a few cinnamon sticks, anise, nutmeg and cloves and place them on the
table to dress it up and create pleasant aromas.

Tip No. 3-
Set Up a Buffet Table-
If a large table with the proper tableware and dishes is too overwhelming,
just set a few tables, buffet-style. And when you do set up the tables,
make sure to put the most popular comfort foods up front. Placing
low-cost foods like stuffing, mashed and sweet potatoes up front,
means guests will fill their plates with these, eat them and not have
room for foods like asparagus, shrimp, stuffed shells and filet mignon,
which should be placed at the end of the buffet line.

Tip No. 4-
Get It For Free-
Or almost free. A lot of stores have big discounts on big ticket items like
turkey, seafood and red meat. Scope out deals (after Thanksgiving sales)
at various stores in your area.
Also look for bargains that offer you free turkeys or hams, you might
have to buy 200 or even 400 dollars worth of food (over 5 weeks)
to get them.
And lastly, Look for sales on seafood and red meat on Wednesday,
this is when most stores expect new shipments, so they’ll sell
their day (or two day old) meat and fish at cheaper prices.

Tip No. 5-
Low-Cost Appetizers-
Offer crostinis. With a Baguette in hand, you can come up with a number
of different toppings that your guests are bound to love.
To make:
Slice a baguette into 1/4 -thick rounds and toast. Then check the pantry
and refrigerator for toppings like pesto, or roasted red peppers, cheese and
jams. Using up things in the fridge and pantry means you’ll save more money.


Tip No.6-
Save On The Sweets-
You may want to go all out and buy cakes, pies and other sweets, but
if your budget won’t allow it, perhaps you can ask a guest (or two) to
bring some cookies (baked at home or store bought).
Or buy a few pies and pound cakes from the supermarket and watch
a youtube video on how to dress them up and make them look more
expensive and decadent.

Tip No. 7-
Go Online-
Coupons were all the rage about 10 to 12 years ago, and if you are expecting
a sizable crowd and need a lot of inexpensive food items, you may have to
search online for help. Look for sites (and apps) that offer coupons and other
deals. Also go online to your favorite store’s site and search for bargains and
deals.

Tip No. 8-
Buying Fine Wine-
Alcohol can eat up a lot of budgets and if you plan on serving just wine,
take advantage of bulk buying discounts by stocking up. (save some for the new year).
Many liquor stores will offer reduced prices on cases of wine, but you may have to ask
the sales clerk or manager about it.
A reminder- Reread or read our post on 3 wines that cost less than $15.00.
The post: Low-Cost Wines For The Holidays!

That’s It, Your guide to hosting a Christmas party or dinner for under $150.00.

Good Luck, Good Eating and Good Health!

Sources:
* Andrea Woroch, Money-Saving Expert
* Laurin Mills, founder of TheDinnerDaily.com
* Julie Albert, Food Blogger
* Savings Lifestyle Magazine
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