How to host an affordable Christmas lunch

It wouldn’t be Christmas without your family’s favourite dishes - perhaps your famous pork roast and homemade pudding. But with the ever-rising cost of food and petrol, it’s wise to consider your budget.

We have a look at three inexpensive options for hosting Christmas lunch, and we find out how you can reduce your overall Christmas spending.   

Tip: Get to know your credit score this festive season by joining CreditSav.

Cutting your Christmas lunch expenses

Even at the best of times, it’s important to curb your Christmas spending and make sure you don’t overindulge. Lee Hancox, head of channel and segment marketing at SanlamConnect, notes that you can achieve this goal without becoming a modern-day Scrooge.

“There are some wonderfully imaginative and artistic ways to save money and make Christmas enjoyable for both you and your family,” says Hancox.

This can be particularly true for Christmas lunch, which is often the highlight of household celebrations. Hancox outlines three ways in which you can prepare for this feast. 

1. Do some financial planning

You should prepare your festive budget to ensure you have enough left to survive January’s expenses, says Hancox.  

“Once this is done, make a list of what you need to buy for your Christmas lunch. If your costs exceed your budget, it’s time to get the creative juices flowing to scale back on extra expenses,” says Hancox.

For example, you can include fewer meat items in your lunch, or prepare a dessert at home rather than ordering a cake online, which will allow you to avoid a delivery fee.

Hancox says that there are numerous creative ways to create a memorable Christmas and, if you put your mind to it, your budget should be on track.

2. There’s no need to splurge on food

Before shopping, do a thorough audit of your food reserves, Hancox suggests.

“Check every cupboard and deep freeze,” says Hancox. “The amount of food we hoard is extraordinary, so you should first find out what you have.”

Once your list is sorted and you’re at the shops, you should keep in mind that you’re not obliged to purchase brand items. No-brand foods are often as good as their more expensive counterparts.   

To further save, you could propose a potluck Christmas lunch. Instead of buying and making everything yourself, you can ask guests to bring a dish of their choosing. This is a fun way for everyone to share their culinary flair without breaking the bank.

3. Make sure no food goes to waste

One of the potential benefits of hosting Christmas lunch is an exquisite array of leftovers.

“Become the leftovers expert,” says Hancox. “Learn how to turn bits and bobs into delicious, second meals. It’s so easy, and you can use Google as your guide.”

However, if you have a large excess of leftovers, it may be a sign that you have overspent on your Christmas lunch. Make sure you create a realistic plan at the beginning, and that you don’t indulge in impulse purchases while shopping.  

READ MORE: What are the dangers of taking out a “Christmas loan”?

How to make your money go further

By reducing your other Christmas expenses, you may have more to save towards new year expenses. Hancox points out some creative ways to be frugal.

• You can give unique family recipes as gifts. If a friend commented on your mom’s baked custard, you could present the recipe to them as a Christmas gift.
• You could buy attractive glass containers, create a customised tag for each loved one, and fill them with your finest homemade chutneys or jam.
• Make use of old photos for a thoughtful gift, framing a photo of the recipient that you have taken during the year.
• For those who like a little vintage chic, pick up a vintage teacup and saucer from a second-hand store, and add a small, planted aloe to finish off the present. This is a great table decoration.
• Wrapping presents can be a big expense. You could make your own wrapping paper, by using brown paper or newspaper that you can cover in potato stamps,” says Hancox.
• If you can’t afford to go away this holiday, make the most of your neighbourhood. Visit the nearest park or beach, or hit a hiking trail in your area – it’s a good way to save money and work off the Christmas pudding.

Treat yourself this Christmas by opening a savings and investment account.