12 Days of Christmas Savings: Four Entertaining Birds

Get (pot)lucky. If people offer to bring something, let them. Don’t say, “Oh, no, it’s OK! I’ve got it all under control. My kids can’t go to college now, but I’ve got it all under control.” If you provide the main dish and the home, you can still play host.

BYOB. Note on invitations that the party is bring-your-own-booze. Nobody minds brining their own beer or wine (or tequila, I guess). Then they’ll have exactly what they want.

Bulk up your cooking. Focus on ingredients that are less expensive. Last winter, my husband and I had an imromptu soup party. We made potato soup for about a dozen people and paid hardly anything. Serve dishes with beans, rice, potatoes, eggs or other ingredients that don’t break the bank. Your guests don’t have to have steak to have fun.

Check your cupboards. There’s all kinds of stuff in there. How did it get there? Where did it come from? There is stuff in my cupboards that I have zero recollection of buying, but the expiration date is far away. Use the supplies you already have. If you do a good job checking your cabinets and pantry, you’ll be less likely to buy something you already have. (Hello, baking powder. Why do I buy a new box every year? My fridge smells amazing.)

Buy ahead. Just like you made a budget for your shopping, make a budget for your food. Give your party/parties a dollar amount. List all the ingredients you’ll need. Buy things ahead if they’re on sale. Clip coupons for things you already know you’ll need. Make food ahead and freeze if you need to. If you stock up as you go, you’re more likely to get better deals. And it will be easier to buy in bulk.