Here are some tips on how to prepare a Christmas dinner on a budget:
Have chicken instead of turkey. Chicken is cheaper meat than turkey and you can generally get a much more suitable portion. Unless you have over 10 people to feed, chicken could be a much better budget option.
Make your own. If you want nibbles before the main event, then it can be much cheaper to make your own than to buy boxed ones. Homemade mackerel pate with toast or some home roasted spiced nuts can really help to bring the cost down.
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Watch portion size. There are always going to be leftovers from Christmas dinner, but watching the portion size can help. Think about how many things each person might eat and go from there. For example, if everyone has approximately four sprouts, and you have six people at the dinner, then cook 25 sprouts (for one extra). No point just throwing things out!
Have a small starter. Why not have a slice of melon wrapped in parma ham for a starter? Tasty, but light.
Make your own gravy. Instead of buying ready made gravy in a pouch, buy some gravy granules and make it using the meat juices. It will be much more tasty and definitely cheaper.
Check out approved food in case there are items you can use. They have food reduced because it’s near its sell by date or just past it. Lots of items could be used here for Christmas dinner.
