Heading out for your Holiday meals shopping trip? Keep reading. I have compiled a list of tips that will save you money, time and some calories this Holiday season.
Plan your Holiday meals
Sit down and plan the meals a few weeks ahead, if possible. Call your guests and see if anyone is willing to make their favorite holiday recipes. I love it when my family and friends bring their family favorites. It makes me feel more comfortable knowing their family will be eating a favorite holiday dish while helping me make one less dish.
Save time with one-stop shopping
Make your holiday shopping easier by shopping for as much as you can in one trip. My stop for efficient and affordable shopping is Walmart. You can find everything from ingredients for your holiday meals and prepared foods for parties to festive holiday decorations for your home and presents for your family. It’s an easy way to finish up your to-do list!
Look for seasonal deals
During the holidays, there are lots of smart buys for holiday foods. Stock up on flour, sugar, and spices for your baking, or look for deals on party foods like crackers or nuts. In the produce section, you’ll find great prices on seasonal favorites like sweet potatoes, oranges and dried fruits. Walmart is my destination for all food and holiday entertaining needs because of the quality, assortment and everyday low price.
Rethink your party plans
Dinner isn’t the only option for entertaining. Consider tweaking your party plans to stretch your budget. Brunch or lunch can be an affordable, fun way to entertain friends and family. Invite everyone to an elegant evening with holiday desserts and coffee. Or try a casual supper after shopping or sledding – with make-ahead chili, soup, or macaroni and cheese.
Set the table a few days before
Setting the table earlier will make you feel like you are ready for your guests. It will also give you time to think about your table decorations and dishes. Do you want to use china or paper plates? What type of silverware and table decorations will you use?
Plan fun, simple entertainment
If you want to have a memorable night, pull out some table games your family and friends may enjoy. Dominos is a family favorite game that can be played anywhere. Also, a few decks of cards can entertain the entire family.
Go easy on the drinks
Not many people like to drink plain water and alcoholic beverages can be expensive so look for sales or inexpensive alternatives such as making your own sangria by mixing red wine (available at Walmart), with or for a nonalcoholic refreshing beverage try making spritzers with sparkling water and a splash of juice and sliced fruit.
Give your hostess a helping hand
If you’re invited to a holiday party, Walmart has great gifts that are perfect for your hostess. Look for fun items for entertaining like cocktail-inspired gift sets, gourmet coffees or teas, festive candles, or holiday guest towels.
Don’t skip meals
If you’re going to a holiday party, eat something small and light earlier in the day such as a piece of fruit, but don’t go without eating anything prior to meal time.
Fill up on vegetables
If the party buffet is filled with tempting foods, eat your fresh veggies first. Look for celery, carrots, bell peppers, jicama or mushrooms, they’re low in calories and will fill you up. Then, if you’re still feeling hungry, have a small portion of your favorite holiday treats.
Must-have pantry ingredients
There are a number of ingredients that can help you make an inexpensive dinner in a snap. Here is my go-to list:
- Seasoned canned tomatoes
- Canned beans
- Powdered milk
- Skim evaporated milk
- Frozen fruit
- Frozen or canned vegetables
- Salsa
- Ketchup
- Olive oil
- Flour
- Butter
- Eggs
- Canned fish (salmon or tuna fish)
- Dried pasta – penne, fettuccini or good old spaghetti
- Rice (brown or white)
- Frozen garlic bread
- Tortillas or tostada
- Salad dressing
- Plain and vanilla yogurt
- Peanut butter
Here are a few of my favorite holiday recipes. Enjoy!
Favorite Mango Black Bean Salsa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
1 seedless cucumber, peeled and diced
½ cup of canned whole kernel corn, drained
¼ cup of green or red bell pepper, diced
1/2 of 1 medium mango, peeled and diced
1/2 cup of black beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh cilantro
3/4 teaspoon of salt (optional)
1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped, optional
Gently toss all ingredients together. For a beautiful presentation, serve over your Holiday ham.
Yield: 4 cups
Spanish Sangria
Prep Time: 5 minutes
1 (750 ml) bottle of red Spanish wine, available at Walmart (For a non-alcoholic sangria, use grape juice instead of wine)
1 cup of fresh orange juice
½ pineapple, cubed to about 1 to 1-1/2 cups
1 orange, sliced into thin rounds and then halved
½ pear, cubed
- In a large pitcher, add fruit followed by the wine and orange juice and stir all the ingredients together.
- Refrigerate for about 4 to 6 hours so the flavors can blend together. Use within 1 to 2 days.
Makes: 4 servings
Famous Cuban Grilled Sandwich
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 to 2 minutes
4 slices of prepared Sam’s Choice Ham, available at Walmart
4 slices of roast pork, optional
2 slices of Swiss cheese
4 pickle slices
1 to 1-1/2 tablespoons of yellow mustard
1 6-inch piece of Cuban or French bread, cut lengthwise into two pieces
- Spread mustard on each side of the bread. Layer the ham slices on one piece of bread, then top with the roasted pork. You may substitute pork roast slices for pulled roast pork. Add Swiss cheese and pickles. Top with the other side of bread and for a delicious crispy option, brush melted butter on the outside of both pieces of bread, which you can do before adding the meat.
- Place the prepared sandwich inside a pre-heated sandwich grill. Press firmly until the cheese is melted, the pork is hot and the bread is golden brown and crispy. The sandwich should be flattened down to less than half the original size. Cut the bread diagonally across the middle, so that you end up with two triangle sized wedges.
- Serve with more pickles on the side and fried crispy plantains.
Makes: 1 sandwich
