How to Host Christmas Dinner on a Budget this Year

You can be a warm and gracious hostess without breaking the bank, check out the tips for How to Host Christmas Dinner on a Budget below!

How to Host Christmas Dinner on a Budget

Hosting the holiday dinner for your family can be a huge feat – and create a huge dent in your wallet. Thankfully, there are ways you can cut costs while still hosting a Christmas dinner your family will enjoy. Read on for tips to throw a holiday event that won’t break the bank!

Always start with a budget.

In order to ensure you spend the least amount of money possible on your holiday dinner, you need a budget. You want to outline everything you will need to purchase, and the total you wish to spend on the event. Divide the total accordingly to cover all the expenses you need to host the dinner.

Create your menu.

Decide on what you will serve at your Christmas dinner before heading to the supermarket. This allows you to create a detailed shopping list so you don’t overspend or buy anything you don’t need for the occasion. Check your own pantry or fridge before heading out and use up any items you already have rather than buying more for the dinner.

Stick with the basics.

Rather than trying a new and elaborate appetizer for the holiday, stick with staples you know your family will enjoy. This will not only save you time and money, but it will lessen the number of leftovers or food waste too.

Skip anything fancy.

Your family will enjoy the Christmas dinner whether or not you send out extravagant invites. These days, a Facebook event may be enough for most loved ones – but you can always create and print your own invites for those that aren’t internet savvy. The same can be said for the dinner’s décor – there’s no need for fancy centerpieces when a simple candle and greenery in the center of each will do.

Ask family members to help.

Just because you are hosting the dinner doesn't mean you have to completely foot the bill! This is especially true if you know other family members who cook certain dishes better than everyone else. For example, ask Aunt Martha to bring her famous homemade green bean casserole, or ask a couple of cousins to come with their favorite desserts.

Throw a potluck holiday dinner.

To make the event, even more, budget friendly for you, you can request that everyone attending bring a covered dish. This also adds an element of surprise to the menu, as you may not know what some family members or friends will bring. Just make sure you cover the main course and any necessary sides or desserts your family will be looking for.

Hopefully, these tips will allow you to cut costs on your holiday dinner while still throwing a party your loved ones enjoy. Just remember to be money conscious and stick to the budget to avoid draining your bank account!