Ways to Save on Holiday Groceries | Print |
As any frugal cook knows, menu-planning is a great way to save time, money & sanity.  This same rule applies when planning your holiday celebrations, too!  There are more ways to save than simply clipping coupons.  Start with simple recipes with a short list of easy-to-find ingredients (7 is about my limit).  Using this planning method you will buy less and typically spend less time in the kitchen because fewer ingredients means less cost, prep and clean-up!

After you pick the recipes, make a detailed grocery list only then should you consult your grocer’s sale flyer.  It is easy to overspend by buying items just because they are on sale.  I suggest taking the approach of making the list first and then making a note of the sales next to items you need rather than buying an item you don’t need just because the price seems attractive. In addition to helping identify sales, a well prepared list will save you from those instinct purchases that can drive up your grocery bill.

Shop in season produce only.  Say no to strawberries but yes to apples, citrus and squash this time of year.  Not only will you get a better deal, in-season produce tastes better and lasts longer if you buy ahead.  Any produce that doesn’t make it’s way to the table in the form of a recipe can also be used for creative low-cost decorations.

Create all dishes from scratch.  It is tempting to buy pre-packaged convenience items like mashed potatoes or a deli salad to round out your meal.  Planning ahead for a few simple sides that you prepare yourself can save big money.  For example, “ready-to-steam and mash” butternut squash costs $3.69, that same amount of squash can be purchased for about $1.00 if you are willing to clean and cut yourself.

Be generic.  It is amazing what you can save by shopping for the store brands.  Many times the ingredients are exactly the same; they are probably packaged at the same place and labeled differently.  So don’t be a name-brand snob!

Use these clever ideas & recipes to help stretch your holiday entertaining budget even further!  Click over to the Features section to get the detailed recipes including drinks, starters, sides, turkey and dessert!