Morrisons butcher shares 5 smart tips to save hundreds of euros on your Christmas dinner
THE PARTY season is now upon us, and many of us will be frantically planning our Christmas shopping lists and dragging down our decorations from the attic.
Christmas can be an incredibly expensive time of year, with Brits expected to spend as much as £50 €923 each about gifts, food, travel and fun in 2024.
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The cost of hosting a Christmas dinner can sometimes seem overwhelming, especially with energy bills rising and the winter fuel payment being scrapped.
With this in mind, Morrisons butcher Steve Silkstone, who has run the butcher counter in the Huddersfield Morrisons store for the past 29 years, shares with Fabulous these clever strategies for celebrating without breaking the bank.
Plan ahead and take advantage of offers
Steve revealed that to save money on your Christmas dinner, you need to start planning early so you can make the most of the bargains.
He said: “Black Friday specials and loyalty card offers can dramatically reduce costs on key items.
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“From December 6, Morrisons More Card customers can enjoy market-leading savings on mulled wine, essential garnishes and seasonal snacks.
“Christmas dinner essentials on offer include Morrison’s own sage and onion stuffing, pigs in blankets, frozen baked potatoes, mince pies, whipped cream, cheese board cracker selection and cranberry sauce.”
Meat doesn’t have to eat up the budget
Because meat freezes well, Steve suggested buying your Christmas gift turkey weeks in advance to avoid festive price increases.
He added that if the price of a turkey makes your eyes water, you might consider buying a smaller one instead, paired with hearty side dishes.
He added: “For ham, bone-in cuts are often more beneficial and add great flavor.
“If you’re unsure, ask a butcher for advice. They should be able to cut the cuts to size and advise you on the best cuts for your recipes, as well as festive rubs that will give a roast a gourmet feel give for less money.”
Wonky Vegetarian
Wonky veggies are so much cheaper than regular veggies and taste exactly the same.
Steve said: “You can find wonky carrots, potatoes and even turnips in wonky ranges and they are just as tasty.”
Easy with the cheese
“A Christmas cheese board is usually built around the three great classics: Cheddar, Stilton and Brie,” says Steve.
“It’s tempting to get too much cheese; both smaller quantities and a classic selection of these crowd-pleasers go further than most people think.
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Limit the number of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not host a Secret Santa among your inner circles so you don’t have to buy multiple presents?
Plan ahead – if you have the stamina and the budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for next year during the January sales.
Make sure you shop for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you don’t spend more than you need to.
Buy on sale on Boxing Day – some retailers are starting their Christmas sales early so you can actually score a bargain before December 25th.
Delivery may cost you a little more, but it could be worth it if the savings are significant.
Shop through outlet stores – you can save a lot of money by shopping through outlet stores such as Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually the wear and tear is minor.
“Seasonal chutneys or nuts give the spread a special feel without the need for dozens of variations.”
Dishes left on trend
A great way to cut costs after Christmas dinner is to use all your leftovers for delicious treats.
Steve said: “If you get over the line, cheese is a great ingredient in dishes that make the most of leftovers from festive dishes.
“Social media has started trends for festive chips or baguettes for Christmas dinner as an alternative to cold dishes and a creative way to keep meals interesting, reduce waste and drive up costs further.”
