Christmas dinner on a budget: how to keep the costs under control

We’re all guilty of buying way more than we need for Christmas, but with these helpful tips you can avoid having to eat leftovers for weeks after the event – and have a bit more money left in your pocket…

• As a rough guide, allow 150g-200g of meat for each guest. Budget 200g for big eaters or if you want some leftovers for Boxing Day. A 2-2.5kg turkey crown or small bird weighing 3-4.5kg will be enough for six. Having extended family over too? A large 6-6.5kg turkey will feed 12-15 people.
• When it comes to trimmings, allow two to three pigs in blankets per person and the same for stuffing balls (or 100g stuffing). For veg, around 80g each of carrots, parsnips and sprouts will be ample, as will about 50g of
  red cabbage per guest. Allow around 120ml of gravy per person and for the all-important roasties, prepare about 225g-250g for each.

• Don’t forget to take children into account – allow roughly two-thirds of an adult portion for kids aged between five and 10.

• It’s better to buy fewer types of cheese, but larger pieces – this will prevent them drying out and make them last longer. Aim to have three to four types of cheese: a hard cheese, such as Cheddar; a soft option, perhaps brie; a blue cheese – for example, Stilton; and then add a show-stopper if you want something a little bit special. Allow around 100g-150g of cheese per person.

For more festive advice and recipes check out our Christmas food and drink section

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