Money Saving Tips for your Holiday Entertaining

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It?s the most wonderful time of the year!

Who doesn?t love all the family get-togethers, cookie exchanges, and other festive?gatherings this time of the year? It?s easy to be a guest, and sweep in with your carefully wrapped hostess gift; but what happens when hosting the family gathering has fallen into your hands? Do you head to the kitchen and plan out every dish and decoration carefully, or do you crawl into bed and wish for a miracle?

Personally? I fall into the first category. Last Easter, we had my husband?s family over for breakfast. The table was festively set, and the homemade waffles were accompanied by sausages, eggs, fruit and a variety of drink options ? not to mention I was 7 1/2 months pregnant at the time. Now as tiring as it all was, I was even prouder that I managed to do all of it on a very small budget. Here are a few of the tips that I keep in mind when preparing for a holiday event.

1. Coupons & Sales ? Keep your eyes peeled well ahead of time for coupons that would lighten the grocery load. Be sure to note the expiration date of the coupons, and if need be, store them filed by the expiry date. Also be on the lookout for sales. Generally the lowest prices on the popular items will be right before the holiday (you?d be amazed at turkey prices right before Thanksgiving!) So if you can hold off purchasing the big items until close to the event, then you will likely save some money. And keep in mind using your coupons on a good sale price with save you even more cash!
2. Scale Down Decor - I am always amazed at people who not only have the money to purchase the latest in season decor, but the space to store it! We have a very small house, and I generally try to work on a limited budget for all my festive activities, so I like to keep decor simple. I find bowls, baskets, and glass jars at thrift stores and garage sales, use items I find in nature or food and make simple but effective centerpieces and accent pieces for around the home. Here are a few examples of some simple centerpieces using the local harvest.
3. Keep the Recipes Simple - There is no reason you need to use the most expensive ingredients, and in many cases, you can swap out an expensive ingredient in a recipe without losing taste. Most people like to get-together over the holidays to spend time with friends and family ? food is an added bonus. As long as it tastes good and is filling, no one will complain that there was no caviar and escargot. Personally I find people always prefer the simplest dishes :)
4. Lunch instead of Dinner - Sometimes planning a big fancy meal can overwhelm you and your wallet. Consider having a gathering earlier in the day with a lighter meal or stick to hors d?oeuvres and drinks, or cut it right down to just dessert. I guarantee no one will complain about a dessert party!
5. Potluck - It might seem a little taboo to ask guests to bring a dish, but I think you can judge based on the crowd. In most cases people are happy to make one dish and bring it along, especially when someone else is supplying the main dish, the house, the clean-up, etc. And if you are a little too controlling to let others choose their dish, perhaps you could create a list, with a recipes included, and ask them to sign up.

And there you have it, a few tips to help you keep the costs low this holiday season! Happy Entertaining!

xox

Margot

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? Dessert With Friends: Owl Cupcakes from Duncan Hines

Source: http://www.afterninetofive.net/2012/11/money-saving-tips-for-your-holiday-entertaining/

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