One bill that everyone dreads this time of year is the grocery bill. All of those get-togethers with family and friends to pay for and cook for, it can get overwhelming. Here are six ways to help you with that headache:
- Make it a potluck. No one says you have to cook for the whole crowd. When having a meal with family or friends, have everyone bring a dish or two to share so no one person is carrying the whole load.
- Look in your pantry. I don’t know about you, but I have several spices and other items in my cupboards that I only use at this time of year. Take note of what you do have to avoid wasting money on things you already own.
- Stick to your grocery list. This is good advice all year-round. Only buy what you have listed.
- Stay in season. When planning your meal, make dishes that use ingredients that are in season. This will make your ingredients less expensive.
- Make your party BYOB. Liquor can get very expensive, and everyone has different tastes. Invite your guests to bring their own beverages and maybe some extra to share some of their favorites. Oh, and parents, bring whatever your kids drink, too!
- Use your leftovers. Every holiday gathering will produce leftovers. Look up your ingredients online and see what recipes you can find for them. Some good standbys include casseroles (you can make just about anything into a casserole) or soup.
Holiday meals do not need to be overwhelming. With some planning ahead and smart thinking, your holidays can be easy on your stress levels and on your wallet.
By Bethanie Ryan