Triple-Tested recipes
Entertaining doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Here are more of our GH SAVE tips and tricks to ensure your season sparkles – no matter how much you spend…
Pick your favourites
Before you write your shopping list, ask your family and guests what they really like to eat at Christmas and, more importantly, what they don’t. It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to feel pressured into serving certain things (sprouts, say, or red cabbage), but it’s a waste of money if nobody actually enjoys eating them.
The early bird
Seek out multi-buy offers on high‐value items, such as wine, and start buying early. This helps spread the cost and you’re more likely to get good deals earlier in the season. Search online to find bargains – and not just in supermarkets. Check out Majestic, Laithwaites and Virgin Wines, too.
Crow n it
If serving smaller numbers, a turkey crown is a far more economical option. A bone-in crown still looks magnificent as a centrepiece, or choose a boneless one and make it go even further with a tasty sausage and breadcrumb stuffing. Visit goodhousekeeping.com/uk/ turkey-crown for recipe inspiration.
Meaty mains
For the confirmed carnivores looking for a festive roast, be that poultry or meat, it’s easy to overbuy to impress. Be guided by how much you’ll actually need per person, to minimise overspending. Aim to buy the highest-welfare poultry or meat you can afford, and make up those costs by choosing cheaper and fewer sides. Alternatively, make those sides work harder and portion less meat.
Be drink aware
Don’t go overboard on your drinks selection. Alcohol is a major expense when entertaining and quickly adds up. You really don’t need to offer a cocktail cabinet full of options – plus guests will usually bring a bottle or two as well. See page 182 for our top tipple recipes.
Plan for success
It’s no surprise that planning meals helps you stick to a budget. Write a list of what you’ll need to prevent impulse buying at the supermarket and putting tempting but unnecessary festive fare into your shopping basket. Don’t just include suppers either – plan your breakfasts and lunches, and shop accordingly to avoid last-minute panic buying and splurging. Don’t forget to factor in using up leftover ingredients.
RSVPs
If you’re planning on hosting a larger party, get an accurate headcount so that you can cater drinks and food accordingly, otherwise the temptation will be to over-cater and overspend.
Rent, don’t spend
Hosting a canapé party? Look
