Save Money at Christmas - Tips to Save Money on Christmas Food

Christmas is always expensive and never more so than this year. With everyone needing to watch the pennies here are a few simple tips to save on the expenditure.

• Use the Top Tips to Stress Free Christmas Cooking suggestion of planning ahead. By creating menus and thereby shopping lists, impulse shopping is less of a hazard as is dashing out last minute to buy ingredients.
• Having a shopping list well in advance also means being able to grab bargains, special offers and BOGO(F)'s (Buy One Get One Free) when they appear.
• Be hard on yourself. Set a budget and stick to it no matter how appealing the fresh lobster looks, if it's not in the budget or on the menu, NO.
• Set time aside to surf - not get the board out but surf the internet for on line stores that will deliver. This will not only save you money on petrol but on that precious commodity of time. Freeing up time from trawling around stores gives time to plan, create menus and cook. Buying on line also helps limit impulse buying
• Cook it. It is nearly always cheaper and more fun to cook a dish than dip into the chilled counter at the supermarket or deli.
• Build recipes for leftovers into your menus for suppers and lunches over the holiday season. There's always turkey left and it makes a great soup or curry. Even leftover vegetables can be fried up for a seasonal Bubble and Squeak. Have a look at these creative recipes for leftovers .
• A great way to save money is homemade food gifts like a jar of jam or marmalade or a box of homemade Christmas Cookies. Homemade gifts are always fun to make and lovely to receive.
• Don't be shy. Ask friends or family to bring a contribution to the table, many people love to contribute and an extra bottle of wine or a piece of Stilton is always handy.