The holidays are always a very expensive time of year. Luckily, there are quite a few ways you can cut back and save a little bit this year. Check out these 14 festive things that are a waste of money. How many are you guilty of?
Massive Turkeys
Almost everyone buys a holida turkey that is way too big. You should estimate about 1.25 pounds of turkey per person according to master chefs. This accounts for bones and other inedible parts of the bird (not many people are actually eating 1.25 pounds of turkey). So, if you are serving 12 people, grab a 15-pound turkey. There is no need to spend money on a 25-pound beast. It will just get wasted!
Disposable Plates
Christmas dinner should be served on the nice China. You need a plate that is sturdy and also pretty. So why is everyone buying disposable dishes? It just downgrades Christmas! Don’t waste your money, use the real thing and you will be credited by your family for making a memorable meal.
Bakery Pies
Yes, bakery pies probably taste very good. But you are likely paying a whole lot of money for a basic pie that you could easily make at home. Pie may just be one of the easiest desserts to make so, instead of spending way too much money at the bakery, just grab a grocery store pie crust and a good filling recipe and have a little fun! You will save money and we bet that the pie comes out better anyway. Check out this amazing collection of home homemade holiday pies!
Canned Cranberry Sauce
If you aren’t going to put in the effort to make cranberry sauce, you might as well skip it altogether. Cranberry sauce is only good if it is homemade. If you just open a can and pop the cranberry sauce onto a plate, no one will eat it. Don’t waste your money on canned cranberry sauce. Just save your dollar instead.
Airfare
Airplane tickets at Christmas cost an insane amount. You are better off flying to visit family the week before Christmas and just pretending it is the real holiday. Those extremely high prices are just a complete waste. Try to visit your family and friends a little earlier and you will save hundreds of dollars and a whole lot of stress.
Place Cards
Whoever decided that fancy place cards are a Christmas table requirement was very wrong. Why are we all spending money on pretty little nameplates that tell everyone where to sit? Can’t we all just sit wherever we want? Or just fold a little piece of paper in half and write everyones name in pencil? Don’t spend money on those gold place cards that you see on TikTok. They aren’t worth the money.
Pricey Wine
You may think that you need expensive wine on the holidays. Think again. Not many people will notice if you serve expensive wine or the cheaper stuff. They will all be too busy admiring the dessert buffet and arguing with relatives to notice what is in their wine glasses. Save your money and get yourself a nice bottle after Christmas to celebrate getting through yet another holiday with the inlaws.
Shellfish
Since turkey is the main course, a lot of people like to serve seafood appetizers. From shrimp to oysters, it is all just a waste of money. Shellfish is not cheap and, to be honest, no one really needs to eat all of that on Thanksgiving. They have a huge meal coming their way! There is no need for fancy appetizers on top of all of that.
Pumpkin Anything
The price of pumpkins has gone way up in the last year. That means that everything pumpkin-related costs a whole lot these days. Why not skip the pumpkin foods and focus on apples, pears or even squash instead? We doubt anyone will miss the lack of pumpkin and you will be able to save a little bit of money.
Real Flowers
Yes, real flowers look good on the Christmas table but they cost a lot. This is especially true if you try to pick out fall-colored flowers on Christmas as those specific flowers are marked up quite a bit. Why not just head to your local craft store and buy some pretty fake flowers to make a centerpiece? Then, you can save it for years to come!
Scented Candles
Candles are another tabletop item that may not seem expensive but they really are. Candles also are not needed. First of all, they are a fire hazard which can be very dangerous, especially with kids or drunk relatives. Secondly, scented candles are a terrible idea! They will cover up the smell of your delicious food. Skip the candles, save some money, and let the natural scent of Christmas shine through.
Balloon Arches
We have seen a lot of influencers promoting fall balloon arches for Thanksgiving this year. This is a complete waste of money! Yes, it may look nice, but balloon arches are pricey. You will be shocked by how much it costs to get a balloon arch delivered to your door. All of that money just to get a few pictures with your family in front of some balloons seems like a waste. There are many other, less expensive ways to create a beautiful Christmas photo.
Alcohol
You shouldn't need a ton of alcohol to enjoy the holidays. In fact, drinking less alcohol may help make your Christmas more enjoyable. You will be more present, remember more and probably be a much nicer person. Try some tasty non-alcoholic drinks instead. They will taste good and cost so much less.
Huge Christmas Trees
A giant Christmas tree is not necessary. Sure, they look nice, but most tree farms charge by the foot. That extra two feet of Christmas tree may cost you quite a bit more. Get a smaller tree with a perfect shape or invest in a fake tree that will last years and years. Now there is a way to save money!
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This article was first published at Spatula Desserts.
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