Low Cost Holiday Party Food

Any ideas for low cost holiday party food other than red and green Jello? What are your special tricks to save money on holiday party food?

Planning out a menu several weeks before the party allows you to not only scope out the best price in town on your menu items, but gives you time to scour the Internet and sales flyers for the best deals and coupons.

Some ideas include:
*Chili or vegetable soup (made with frozen veggies for the best price)
*Tacos
*In-season mixed fruit salad, if you live in a warmer climate
*Angel food cake with pudding or whipped topping
*Rice with mix-ins, like black beans and mushrooms
*Homemade mac and cheese
*Spaghetti (meatless for the most savings)

Just because a party is near a holiday doesn’t mean you have to go all out and serve a goose or prime rib. In fact, your guests might even enjoy a change of menu from what is expected!

If you do want to serve a turkey or ham at your party, one idea that I have for cutting costs is to look for special all-inclusive deals at grocery stores.  I know stores in my area sometimes offer a special deal where if you buy a turkey (or ham or roast), you might get potatoes, carrots, onions, gravy, a pie, and a foil baking pan for free.  Some stores also have rewards programs where you get a “turkey buck” every time you spend so much on your weekly groceries and can redeem them for a free turkey at the end of the program.  Ultimately, planning ahead and keeping an eye on the sale ads can take you far in saving money on your holiday party food.