More ways to save on Christmas food and drink

Need more inspiration on how to save money on Christmas food and drink? Here are five more clever ideas.

6. Don't overbuy 'just in case'
Christmas is such a social time and when you have guests you'll want to give them food and drink, especially when people pop round. But don't forget that chances are you'll be going out more than usual too to parties and other social gatherings, so be realistic and think carefully when you're buying for guests.

7. Look out for special drinks deals
Drinks are one thing you can buy in advance as and when you see the deals. Try not to be seduced by posh champagne labels, even if they're heavily discounted, supermarket-label wines and champagnes can be just as good and you'll save even more money. If you're having a party, don't buy your Christmas Eve/Day drinks until that's out of the way - you may have enough left over to get you through Christmas without spending any more cash!

8. Don't buy too big a turkey
If you do buy one (see tip 3), work out how much turkey you'll need for the exact amount of people you're feeding so you're not eating turkey for the rest of December. Take a look at our guide to help you.

9. Don't be sucked in by special offers
Special offers do, of course, save you money, but you often end up buying more items simply because they're cheaper than usual. And, in the run-up to Christmas, supermarkets will be filling their stores with bright, cheery decorations, music and money-saving offers to make you spend more. Stay focused and only buy things on special offer you were going to buy anyway.

10. Buy own-brand
Supermarkets offer their own ranges of popular products at cheaper prices, so think before you reach for branded items. For example, if you're buying biscuits to go with your cheese, if you lay them out on a plate and throw away the packaging, none of your guests will know you've bought the cheaper own-brand version.

With thanks to www.thisismoney.co.uk


Where to next?
Christmas money saving tips
Christmas leftovers recipes
Stay within budget this year with our Christmas budget calculator
How to choose a Christmas tree

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