Family Savings Center

Trim the Cost of Your Holiday Meal

This year, the American Farm Bureau Federation estimates the average turkey dinner for ten will cost $44.61, which is up 5.6% over last year.* Even with the cost of groceries on the rise, it is still possible to put on an elegant spread for $30 or less. Armed with some savvy shopping techniques, here's how you can trim even more off the cost while still creating an elegant meal:

Take Advantage of Supermarket Promotions

This time of year, grocery stores compete for your business more than ever. Many offer turkey, roasts or ham as loss leaders. Some even run promotions such as "Spend $50 and Get a Free Turkey." Be sure to take advantage of these deals to maximize savings. With the money you're saving, buy a little extra and freeze the leftovers for later. When properly frozen, meats last in your freezer for 2-3 months and can be used in casseroles, soups and stews on cold winter nights.

Do It Yourself

Instead of paying over two dollars for dried bread cubes for stuffing, make your own. Simply take the ends of your bread loaves and lightly toast them or dry them on a cookie sheet over a few days. Cut them into cubes and you're good to go. You don't have to be an expert baker to make pie, either. If you're not up to the task of making pie crust, buy a pre-made pie shell (there are often coupons for them) and make the filling. Making your own whipped cream isn't difficult. Check the Internet for instructional videos on how to master these techniques.

Be Flexible with Menu Choices

This time of year, supermarkets have a surplus of bargains designed for the holiday meal. Let the sales guide your menu choices - this could mean serving yams instead of mashed potatoes, or peas instead of green beans. Use this as an opportunity to try a new recipe and impress your guests. Thinking outside the box can open a whole new world of possibilities for using ingredients that are readily available. Plus, you may just discover a new favorite dish!

Plan Ahead

Certain things can be purchased ahead of time, such as frozen vegetables, canned goods and refrigerated dough. Plan your menu well in advance of the meal so that you can keep an eye out for the best deals. Use a price book (in most cases, a small, spiral-bound notebook you keep in your purse) to track grocery prices over time and stock up when you see a bargain.

Use Coupons

Be sure to scout out manufacturer's coupons before hitting the store. You don't have to clip Sunday newspaper coupons, either. Look for them on coupon sites like Coupons.com or on manufacturers' Web sites. Sites to check out:

Pillsbury
Betty Crocker
Birdseye

To really maximize savings, look for in-store sales to use in conjunction with your coupons.

Accept Help

Since guests are most likely going to ask what they can bring, don't refuse their offers to help! Not only will it ease your financial burden, you'll also have more time to spend visiting with friends and family on the holiday. Often the easiest things for you to delegate are the appetizers, wine and dessert.

Set the Mood

Don't go overboard decorating. Instead of buying expensive table settings and centerpieces, use what you have at home and what's available in your own back yard. Greens, branches and foliage from shrubs and trees can look great in a vase. Or, place a few beautiful leaves or greenery in a frame and use inexpensive cardstock as a background.

Setting the stage for a relaxing party often involves music and candles. If your CD collection doesn't include the right kind of music, visit your local library. If you don't see anything on the shelves, request certain titles by placing holds and using inter-library loans. Candles also create a cozy atmosphere, and don't have to cost a lot. Dollar stores regularly stock an ample supply of candles and accessories.

Don't Forget the Spirit of the Season

Create "happy" paper chains. Use construction paper for a festive decoration. Ask the kids to write things they are happy about or thankful for on each loop of the chain before it is put together. You can also have your guests contribute to the chain, too.

Volunteer to help with a local charity. Actual holiday days are often very busy with volunteers, so consider creating the tradition of going the day after, or volunteer earlier in the month.

*Source: http://www.fb.org/index.php?fuseaction=newsroom.newsfocus&year=2008&file=nr1113.html