Trying to cut back this holiday season, but don't want to turn into the Grinch? Holiday entertaining doesn't have to cost a fortune; you can scale down what you ordinarily do without cutting back on the holiday cheer. Read on for tips and tricks to entertain on a budget.
1. Downsize
You don't have to serve 10 different appetizers, five cocktails and three desserts, plus have a full bar at your holiday bash. Stick with just a handful of crowd-pleasing snacks, and round out the table with a big wedge of cheese and crackers. Serve just one signature cocktail (like mulled wine or champagne punch), or offer a couple of wines and beers.
2. Shop Wisely
Cut back on splurge ingredients and substitute cheaper options. For example, buy domestic prosciutto instead of imported (it can be a $10 per pound difference at some grocery stores), or domestic parmesan instead of parmigiano-reggiano (which can cost as much as $5 more per pound). If you're making mulled wine, pick up a budget (but still drinkable) bottle; it'll get doctored up with sugar and spices anyway, so there's no need to spend big bucks on something high-quality.
3. Buy in Bulk
If you're serving just a few things, you'll need greater quantities to make sure you feed your crowd — which means, happily, that you can buy ingredients in bulk, a great way to save some cash. Most liquor stores will give you a discount on a case of wine, so stock up — unopened bottles can always be served with dinner another time.
4. Go Potluck
If you're doing a casual get-together with a smaller group of friends or family, ask your guests to contribute a dish (or at least bring some booze or crackers if they don't cook). It's a great way to break the ice and get people mingling and involved in the party, and of course, it saves you a bundle.
5. Let Decorations do Double Duty
There's no need to buy fancy decorations for your shindig. Put lemons, limes or clementines in a glass bowl for a festive and functional centerpiece (you can cut up lemons and limes for cocktails, and guests can eat the clementines straight out of the bowl). Do the same with a bag of colorful foil-wrapped chocolates or candies, and get creative with your serving pieces: A pitcher, glass drinkware, or even a pretty mug can set off your snacks beautifully. If you or a neighbor have leftover branches from a trimmed Christmas tree, arrange them in a vase for a no-cost decoration that's perfect for the season.
6. Make a Post-Party Brunch
When the last guest has left and you're stuck cleaning up, don't toss out all the leftover snacks. If you've got some guacamole left over, serve it for breakfast the next day with salsa over scrambled eggs. Stale bread? Even better — dip slices into beaten eggs and saute on both sides for easy French Toast.
7. Make More Fab Leftovers
Crumble broken tortilla chips into soups or chili, or crush them and use as a topping for a Mexican casserole. Chop up leftover crudites and add sliced chicken, pork or beef for a quick stir-fry dinner. Extra cheese can turn into a grilled cheese sandwich, and leftover dip makes a tasty sandwich spread instead of your usual plain mayo or mustard.
8. Host a Themed Party
Whether it's a cookie swap, a tree-trimming party or a craft-inspired fete, these themes keep costs down and guests (especially children!) happily busy.
1. Downsize
You don't have to serve 10 different appetizers, five cocktails and three desserts, plus have a full bar at your holiday bash. Stick with just a handful of crowd-pleasing snacks, and round out the table with a big wedge of cheese and crackers. Serve just one signature cocktail (like mulled wine or champagne punch), or offer a couple of wines and beers.
2. Shop Wisely
Cut back on splurge ingredients and substitute cheaper options. For example, buy domestic prosciutto instead of imported (it can be a $10 per pound difference at some grocery stores), or domestic parmesan instead of parmigiano-reggiano (which can cost as much as $5 more per pound). If you're making mulled wine, pick up a budget (but still drinkable) bottle; it'll get doctored up with sugar and spices anyway, so there's no need to spend big bucks on something high-quality.
3. Buy in Bulk
If you're serving just a few things, you'll need greater quantities to make sure you feed your crowd — which means, happily, that you can buy ingredients in bulk, a great way to save some cash. Most liquor stores will give you a discount on a case of wine, so stock up — unopened bottles can always be served with dinner another time.
4. Go Potluck
If you're doing a casual get-together with a smaller group of friends or family, ask your guests to contribute a dish (or at least bring some booze or crackers if they don't cook). It's a great way to break the ice and get people mingling and involved in the party, and of course, it saves you a bundle.
5. Let Decorations do Double Duty
There's no need to buy fancy decorations for your shindig. Put lemons, limes or clementines in a glass bowl for a festive and functional centerpiece (you can cut up lemons and limes for cocktails, and guests can eat the clementines straight out of the bowl). Do the same with a bag of colorful foil-wrapped chocolates or candies, and get creative with your serving pieces: A pitcher, glass drinkware, or even a pretty mug can set off your snacks beautifully. If you or a neighbor have leftover branches from a trimmed Christmas tree, arrange them in a vase for a no-cost decoration that's perfect for the season.
6. Make a Post-Party Brunch
When the last guest has left and you're stuck cleaning up, don't toss out all the leftover snacks. If you've got some guacamole left over, serve it for breakfast the next day with salsa over scrambled eggs. Stale bread? Even better — dip slices into beaten eggs and saute on both sides for easy French Toast.
7. Make More Fab Leftovers
Crumble broken tortilla chips into soups or chili, or crush them and use as a topping for a Mexican casserole. Chop up leftover crudites and add sliced chicken, pork or beef for a quick stir-fry dinner. Extra cheese can turn into a grilled cheese sandwich, and leftover dip makes a tasty sandwich spread instead of your usual plain mayo or mustard.
8. Host a Themed Party
Whether it's a cookie swap, a tree-trimming party or a craft-inspired fete, these themes keep costs down and guests (especially children!) happily busy.
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