Save money and still be luxurious this Christmas

If you're not crazy for tradition, alter your Christmas dinner menu this year and see how much you could save whilst still eating luxuriously

12:22 12 December 2011

If you arenÂ’t crazy for tradition, why not alter your Christmas dinner menu this year and see how much you could save whilst still eating a luxurious feast.

Turkey is expensive and even more so when they are in high demand, but think, do you only ever have it at Christmas and do you even really like it as much as other meats? The same goes for the rest of your Christmas dinner. You could enjoy a meal you wouldnÂ’t normally have at any other time of the year whilst saving money for extra gifts.

Instead of the traditional prawn cocktail to begin with, a cheap, easy and warming alternative is homemade vegetable soup. To make this dish festive add spices and use winter vegetables such as butternut squash and asparagus. Alternatively, if youÂ’re after a lighter starter use salmon trimmings from your local deli to create a salmon pate served with water biscuits, this not only tastes wonderful but adds a touch of luxury to the table.

Boxing Day buffet
A twist on the usual
festive fayre

If you donÂ’t want to stray away from the traditional turkey, shop for yours in advance to compare prices and local deals. If you order early your local butcher may be able to offer a discount or alternatively, to save money you could use turkey steaks instead. 

However, even cheaper and equally as delicious gammon has become increasingly popular at the Christmas dinner table as an accompaniment to the turkey or by itself. This can still be served with the traditional parsnips, roast potatoes and pigs in blankets but is a cheaper and perhaps even tastier substitute.

For a luxurious and tasty side to gammon, try leek and potato gratin or sausage, apple and cranberry stuffing, this not only tastes sensational but looks impressive too and your guests will never guess how little it all cost.

If you donÂ’t like Christmas pudding or donÂ’t want to splash out a cheap and light way to finish the meal is with a pavlova. Pavlovas are quick and simple to make and all you need is eggs, sugar and a filling of your choice.  Another cheap alternative is a spin on the traditional bread and butter pudding; add butterscotch sauce for a sweet end to your Christmas dinner.

All the recipes in this article can be found in full at allrecipes.co.uk.