With the holidays approaching, you are about to be spending money on gifts, entertainment, your wardrobe, etc. The average person spends about $900+ on gifts every holiday season. If you are hosting a dinner party, you may need to find ways to cut back on your spending. We have included six ways you may be able to save some money this holiday season.  

1.Create a Guest List  

Inviting all your friends and family to your holiday gatherings can be very tempting but can be costly. Rather than inviting 60 people you haven’t seen in over a year, try inviting 20-25 of your closest friends and family. This can reduce costs drastically.   

2. Keep the Décor Simple  

Don’t go overboard with décor. There is no need to go out and purchase new holiday décor for every holiday because it can get expensive and the chances of you using them again are slim to none. All you need is a nice table runner, candles, natural accents and a touch of holiday cheer.    

3. Condense the Menu  

If you aren’t having a potluck, it can be tricky having a menu with a lot of variety. Instead of overexerting yourself and spending a lot of money on tons of food, try condensing the menu. Choose one main dish, two to three side dishes, and one dessert. If you feel like that isn’t enough food, add one or two appetizers to the menu.   

4. Set a Budget Before Grocery Shopping  

Before going grocery shopping, you should make a budget. Determine how much money you want to spend on each person. We recommend $5 to $12 per person. After you determine how much money to spend on each person, make a list of the ingredients you’ll need for the food on the menu and list each price next to the items. If you go over your budget, you may have to change the recipe for a specific meal. Just remember, it is important to know your estimated total before heading to the grocery store.  

5. Limit Your Booze Selection  

Beer, wine, and cocktails are expensive and at times, can be the most expensive part of entertaining. If you are serving wine, try buying it by the case because you will end up saving more per bottle. If you want to serve a cocktail, choose one drink for everyone to enjoy. You can also tell everyone to bring their favorites too.   

6. Use Items You Already Own  

Before going holiday shopping, it is important to see what items you already have in your house. Instead of buying more ingredients, you may be able to use up something you already have in your pantry. You may have dishes in your cupboards that will work great for your entertaining, therefore you won’t need to buy new ones. You may even have a brand-new outfit in your closet you haven’t worn that you could wear during the holiday season.  

We hope these suggestions will help you save money this holiday season. Stay safe and enjoy precious time with your family and friends.