Between wrapping gifts, preparing meals and decorating who doesn't get stressed over the holidays? Here are some ideas and resources for filling hungry stomachs without emptying out your piggy bank. Plan your menu, shop for your groceries and extra things needed, and begin making preparations early. View our page here on Holiday Grocery Shopping: How to Bring Home the Bacon Without Breaking the Pig.
Showing posts with label Holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holiday. Show all posts
Holiday Meals without the Stress
It's that time again! The carols, the holly, the mistletoe (oh la la!) and unfortunately the stress.
Between wrapping gifts, preparing meals and decorating who doesn't get stressed over the holidays? Here are some ideas and resources for filling hungry stomachs without emptying out your piggy bank. Plan your menu, shop for your groceries and extra things needed, and begin making preparations early. View our page here on Holiday Grocery Shopping: How to Bring Home the Bacon Without Breaking the Pig.
Between wrapping gifts, preparing meals and decorating who doesn't get stressed over the holidays? Here are some ideas and resources for filling hungry stomachs without emptying out your piggy bank. Plan your menu, shop for your groceries and extra things needed, and begin making preparations early. View our page here on Holiday Grocery Shopping: How to Bring Home the Bacon Without Breaking the Pig.
Holiday Gift Giving Resources
The holidays should be a time for happiness and celebration. Most families look forward to gift-giving, holiday activities, and visits with families. However, it can also be stressful with hectic shopping trips, budget planning, and the holiday “hustle and bustle”. Focus on alternative gifts to your family and friends without spending a fortune. For more information on how to save while giving, visit our full page Gift Giving Ideas for the Holidays: Gifts from the Heart
Quick and Easy Shopping Tips:
Interesting Gift Suggestions:
Quick and Easy Shopping Tips:
- Don’t wait until the day before the big event to shop
- Leave the credit cards at home
- Charge carefully
- Get organized
- Remember that online items may cost more due to shipping charges
Interesting Gift Suggestions:
- Create a brag book in minutes by uploading images to a CD and bringing them to a photo-printing kiosk.
- Prove that eco-cleaning does work and can smell nice, too. Fill a pretty bottle with a homemade cleaner scented with essential oils. Find easy-to-make formulas at ehow.com. On the home page, type in “how to make green cleaning supplies.”
- Make a recipe booklet with your favorites handwritten on cute cards. Punch a hole in the corner of each and tie together with a festive ribbon. Offer a dessert sample with the booklet.
- Dip pretzels in melted store-bought almond bark and lay them on wax paper. Decorate with red and green sugar crystals, then package in holiday-themed cellophane bags.
- Stocking stuffers can add up in addition to all the other purchases. Save by making a list and staying on top of costs. Christmas Stocking Stuffers: List what stocking gifts you have for each person. List cost and location of purchase as well.
- Gifts from the heart: Finding personal gifts can be a challenge, but here is a list to help you wow them this holiday season.
- Looking for a NO cost gift idea? Consider Gift Coupons – offer your valued services that will be appreciated more than any trinket you could purchase.
- Holiday Gift Giving Ideas: Great ideas for saving on holiday shopping and still give great gifts.
- My Holiday Spending Plan: This is a must-have. Plan your holiday spending including gifts, food, activities, utilities and more!
Holiday Decorating on a Budget
A lot of extra money is wasted over the holiday season. Conveniences such as professional gift wrapping and novelty attachments can really add up. By creating your own holiday spending plan, you can organize your inventory of items for each person on your list. Also, it becomes easy to see how much you are actually spending versus the estimated cost. For more information visit: Decking the Halls: Decorating on a Budget
When Decorating For the Holidays:
1. Decorate with holiday ribbon. The ribbon can be tied to curtains, banisters, windows, and placed on mantles with a few unlit candles.
2. Bring the outdoors indoors. Don't be afraid to use pine cones and needles for decorations. The cones can also be painted or dipped in glitter for unique ornaments
3. Want a unique table runner? Use an old holiday scarf instead!
4. Wrap your doors in Christmas wrapping paper and attach large bows make from fabric or purchased at your local craft store.
5. Use a holiday pop-up book as a centerpiece. Just open the book up to a desirable picture and place the open book in the center of your table.
6. Trim door frames, window frames and the edges of mirrors with Christmas garland.
7. For convincing "snow" on your tree, lay lengths of rolled cotton, available at drugstores, on the branches.
8. Stuffing potpourri into bowls or baskets is another great idea to make a beautiful centerpiece.
9. Tie cinnamon sticks with ribbons and hang them from the mantle, Christmas tree, etc.
10. Make your own garlands with the help of popcorn, buttons, beads, cranberries, charms, candies, etc. Use these garlands for decorating the house.
11. Consider inexpensive decorating strategies, such as children's artwork and crafts
12. Inspect and inventory holiday decorations and only purchase items to enhance current decorations
13. Check light strands for cracked or broken bulbs and replace bulbs. The bulbs are less expensive.
Staying organized with the things you have on hand will save you both time and money at Christmas. Christmas Decorating Chart: Document where Christmas Decorations are stored and the year they were added to your collection.
When Decorating For the Holidays:
1. Decorate with holiday ribbon. The ribbon can be tied to curtains, banisters, windows, and placed on mantles with a few unlit candles.
2. Bring the outdoors indoors. Don't be afraid to use pine cones and needles for decorations. The cones can also be painted or dipped in glitter for unique ornaments
3. Want a unique table runner? Use an old holiday scarf instead!
4. Wrap your doors in Christmas wrapping paper and attach large bows make from fabric or purchased at your local craft store.
5. Use a holiday pop-up book as a centerpiece. Just open the book up to a desirable picture and place the open book in the center of your table.
6. Trim door frames, window frames and the edges of mirrors with Christmas garland.
7. For convincing "snow" on your tree, lay lengths of rolled cotton, available at drugstores, on the branches.
8. Stuffing potpourri into bowls or baskets is another great idea to make a beautiful centerpiece.
9. Tie cinnamon sticks with ribbons and hang them from the mantle, Christmas tree, etc.
10. Make your own garlands with the help of popcorn, buttons, beads, cranberries, charms, candies, etc. Use these garlands for decorating the house.
11. Consider inexpensive decorating strategies, such as children's artwork and crafts
12. Inspect and inventory holiday decorations and only purchase items to enhance current decorations
13. Check light strands for cracked or broken bulbs and replace bulbs. The bulbs are less expensive.
Staying organized with the things you have on hand will save you both time and money at Christmas. Christmas Decorating Chart: Document where Christmas Decorations are stored and the year they were added to your collection.
Five Stress Busters for the Hoilday Season
Holidays can be stressful with family, friends, and co-workers. Planning ahead can help reduce stress, and give you peace of mind for the season. Here are some other tips to help make the holidays more manageable this season.
1. Plan, plan, plan. Don't wait until the last second. Be realistic about the holidays. Understand that you can't do everything, so choose the things that you can accomplish and enjoy.
2. Create a budget, stick to it, and limit the number of guests attending your holiday parties. Ask each person to RSVP ahead of time, a day or two before the party, so that you are aware of the number of guests that are attending.
3. Simplify. You don't need to have 20 pies sitting on the table or 10 different appetizers. Remember that the main course is the star of your show. Set your menu in advance and remember to say NO. If family members or friends want additional items on the table consider hosting a potluck.
With each guest responsible for a side-dish and their own beverage, you can enjoy the weather and company without sacrificing your pocketbook. Track your progress towards a savings goal by becoming a Virginia Saver, you can utilize the My Savings Tracker for free to record deposits and monitor your progress.
4. Set a schedule. There's a lot to do, and the best way to get it all done—and keep your cool—is to make a plan. Instead of keeping a to-do list in your head, write all your tasks down and then create a schedule so you can finish everything. Be tolerant of disappointment and changes in plans and remain flexible.
5. Remember: take a meditative moment at least once a day to breathe deeply, clear your mind of all the clutter. Also get good sleep. Six to eight hours of sleep is recommended to help rejuvenate your body, maintain proper immune function and aid indigestion.
1. Plan, plan, plan. Don't wait until the last second. Be realistic about the holidays. Understand that you can't do everything, so choose the things that you can accomplish and enjoy.
2. Create a budget, stick to it, and limit the number of guests attending your holiday parties. Ask each person to RSVP ahead of time, a day or two before the party, so that you are aware of the number of guests that are attending.
3. Simplify. You don't need to have 20 pies sitting on the table or 10 different appetizers. Remember that the main course is the star of your show. Set your menu in advance and remember to say NO. If family members or friends want additional items on the table consider hosting a potluck.
With each guest responsible for a side-dish and their own beverage, you can enjoy the weather and company without sacrificing your pocketbook. Track your progress towards a savings goal by becoming a Virginia Saver, you can utilize the My Savings Tracker for free to record deposits and monitor your progress.
4. Set a schedule. There's a lot to do, and the best way to get it all done—and keep your cool—is to make a plan. Instead of keeping a to-do list in your head, write all your tasks down and then create a schedule so you can finish everything. Be tolerant of disappointment and changes in plans and remain flexible.
5. Remember: take a meditative moment at least once a day to breathe deeply, clear your mind of all the clutter. Also get good sleep. Six to eight hours of sleep is recommended to help rejuvenate your body, maintain proper immune function and aid indigestion.
The Holiday Party Blues: How to Have a Great Party on a Budget
As we try to keep the holidays frugal and festive, there comes the question holiday parties. The idea is to have a great time with family and friends, but it is very hard not to overspend. The easiest ways to save is to create a budget, stick to it, and limit the number of guests attending the party. Ask each person to RSVP ahead of time, a day or two before the party, so that you are aware of the number of guests that are attending.
If you want to minimize the food costs, have a gathering at a time of the day when people have already eaten, such as mid afternoon and you will only need to provide snacks. How about an appetizer or dessert party? These ideas keep your food requirements to a minimum. Plan on making most of the food yourself to cut costs on catering. Or better yet have a potluck and have each person bring an item to the party!
You can also send your invitations via email. There is a great website, http://www.evite.com/, where you can create an online invite and email everyone on your list for free.
Kids ADORE the goodie bag, but there is no reason for sending out or bringing home a plastic bag full of items that broken or forgotte, in in seconds--and having to pay for it! It is 100x more worthwhile to give out one nice, memorable item. However, this item does not have to be expensive.
Doubling a craft as a favor is a great idea. Photographs make great party favors. Snap shots while at the party and have each child make and decorate their frames. Here are how-to links for popsicle stick crafts, which are inexpensive and fun to make- Craft Stick Picture Frames, Santa Ornaments, and Penguin Pals Ornaments.
If you want to minimize the food costs, have a gathering at a time of the day when people have already eaten, such as mid afternoon and you will only need to provide snacks. How about an appetizer or dessert party? These ideas keep your food requirements to a minimum. Plan on making most of the food yourself to cut costs on catering. Or better yet have a potluck and have each person bring an item to the party!
You can also send your invitations via email. There is a great website, http://www.evite.com/, where you can create an online invite and email everyone on your list for free.
Kids ADORE the goodie bag, but there is no reason for sending out or bringing home a plastic bag full of items that broken or forgotte, in in seconds--and having to pay for it! It is 100x more worthwhile to give out one nice, memorable item. However, this item does not have to be expensive.
Doubling a craft as a favor is a great idea. Photographs make great party favors. Snap shots while at the party and have each child make and decorate their frames. Here are how-to links for popsicle stick crafts, which are inexpensive and fun to make- Craft Stick Picture Frames, Santa Ornaments, and Penguin Pals Ornaments.
Feasting for Less
First the larger turkeys are cheaper than the smaller ones, so buy the largest one that you can. If you don't want tons of leftovers, the local national chain grocery store butcher will cut the turkey in half for you. Just freeze the other half for a later date. Without so many leftovers the family may be more willing to have turkey again. Also, that's one less thing to purchase for a later date when family and friends are gathering.
Frozen turkey is the least expensive kind to purchase since they have a longer shelf life than fresh turkeys. However frozen turkeys require more preparation time since the bird needs to be defrosted ahead of time which can take up to several days. You need to consider how busy you anticipate being on Thanksgiving Day to weigh if a fresh or pre-seasoned turkey's cost is worth the time it saves you in preparation.
Go potluck this year. Contact your guests to let them know the planned meal. If some of them offer to help, have them bring a portion of that meal. Not only is this a frugal time and money saver for you, your guests will more than likely be happy that they were able to contribute.
If you are open to considering a vegetarian holiday, it is a great way to save because rice, beans, and vegetables are a lot cheaper than meat and healthier for you too! Also, selecting recipes based on the ingredients already in your pantry, spice rack or refrigerator is a smart way to save. Balance "expensive" and "cheap" dishes. Limit the number of dishes requiring expensive ingredients. Choose your family's favorites and serve inexpensive dishes to complement them.
Boxed wine is dramatically cheaper than bottled wine. On average, one box of wine is equivalent to four bottles. Most boxed wine is $20 or less, which equates to $5 per bottle. Water, coffee (.03¢ per 8oz serving), tea (.04¢ per serving) and Kool-Aid (.05¢ per serving) are about the least expensive beverages available.
Shop smart, buy non-perishable items months in advance when they are on sale. Be a savvy shopper. Take advantage of each store's specials without falling into the extra spending trap. Watch those "giveaways". Don't let the idea of getting something free entice you to buy extras you wouldn't normally purchase.
Other Resources:
Frozen turkey is the least expensive kind to purchase since they have a longer shelf life than fresh turkeys. However frozen turkeys require more preparation time since the bird needs to be defrosted ahead of time which can take up to several days. You need to consider how busy you anticipate being on Thanksgiving Day to weigh if a fresh or pre-seasoned turkey's cost is worth the time it saves you in preparation.
Go potluck this year. Contact your guests to let them know the planned meal. If some of them offer to help, have them bring a portion of that meal. Not only is this a frugal time and money saver for you, your guests will more than likely be happy that they were able to contribute.
If you are open to considering a vegetarian holiday, it is a great way to save because rice, beans, and vegetables are a lot cheaper than meat and healthier for you too! Also, selecting recipes based on the ingredients already in your pantry, spice rack or refrigerator is a smart way to save. Balance "expensive" and "cheap" dishes. Limit the number of dishes requiring expensive ingredients. Choose your family's favorites and serve inexpensive dishes to complement them.
Boxed wine is dramatically cheaper than bottled wine. On average, one box of wine is equivalent to four bottles. Most boxed wine is $20 or less, which equates to $5 per bottle. Water, coffee (.03¢ per 8oz serving), tea (.04¢ per serving) and Kool-Aid (.05¢ per serving) are about the least expensive beverages available.
Shop smart, buy non-perishable items months in advance when they are on sale. Be a savvy shopper. Take advantage of each store's specials without falling into the extra spending trap. Watch those "giveaways". Don't let the idea of getting something free entice you to buy extras you wouldn't normally purchase.
Other Resources:
- A Vegetarian Thanksgiving- Recipes for a meatless holiday
- Frugal Thanksgiving Recipes
- Roasted Turkey and Mom's Sweet Potato Casserole
- Recipes on a Dime
- 19 Tips to Cut Costs By Using Your Oven Efficiently
The 25 Days of Holiday Savings: Decorating Ideas on a Budget
Decorating for the Holidays can be stressful, not to mention expensive. The tinsel, trappings, and thingamabobs start to add up. However, there are lots of other ways to decorate your home. Here are 25 easy ways to redecorate for the season.
- Decorate with holiday ribbon. The ribbon can be tied to curtains, banisters, windows, and placed on mantles with a few unlit candles.
- Bring the outdoors indoors. Don't be afraid to use pine cones and needles for decorations. The cones can also be painted or dipped in glitter for unique ornaments.
- Want a unique table runner? Use an old holiday scarf instead!
- Wrap your doors in Christmas wrapping paper and attach large bows make from fabric or purchased at your local craft store.
- Use a holiday pop-up book as a centerpiece. Just open the book up to a desirable picture and place the open book in the center of your table.
- Trim door frames, window frames and the edges of mirrors with Christmas garland.
- Create an red and green display in your kitchen using a collection standard food items. Jars of olives, sun dried tomatoes, pickles, red peppers, cans with red or green labels.
- For convincing "snow" on your tree lay lengths of rolled cotton, available at drugstores, on the branches.
- Stuffing potpourri in bowls or baskets is another great idea to make a beautiful centerpiece.
- Tie cinnamon sticks with ribbons and hang them from the mantle, Christmas tree, etc.
- Hang old greeting cards from the Christmas tree. You can also make a collage of the cards and decorate the wall behind the fireplace with it.
- Make your own garlands with the help of popcorn, buttons, beads, cranberries, charms, candies, etc. Use these garlands for decorating the house.
- Decorate with candy canes Place in a clear tall vase and tie with a ribbon for a festive centerpiece.
- Hang mistletoe everywhere.
- Many of us have collected small treasures over the years: knick-knacks that embody the memories of past Christmas festivities. One approach is to place them sparsely, one or two per room. This can turn the whole home into a memory lane.
- Take your throw pillows and tie them with holiday colored ribbons either once around the middle or like a holiday gift.
- Take soup, vegetable or peanut cans and create new places for gift stuffing. Decorate with holiday wrapping paper or children's drawings.
- Take household bottles and spray paint them in holiday colors. Place flowers, candles, or twigs inside for an inexpensive accent piece.
- Put metal cookie cutters into a bowl with a pretty Christmas ribbon.
- Put a teddy bear on a stack of holiday books
- Food is a large part of Christmas and you can use fruits and nuts as a natural way to decorate.Use apples, oranges, and nuts.
- Use helium balloons with fancy ribbons tied to little decorative sandbags. They are very inexpensive and look great.
- Make a gingerbread house for a beautiful centerpiece.
- Have a lot of scrap Christmas fabric from years past? Use it to make a simple square patchwork quilt as a throw for the couch, and add a lot of holiday spirit to the room!
- Take down your pictures and wrap them then hang them back on the wall for great holiday cheer!
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