New research from NetVoucherCodes has looked at the elements of hosting friends and family over the festive season, taking into account decorations, utilities and food while a consumer expert has revealed five ways to cut back on costs
It will cost an average of £136.16 to host Christmas for eight people at your own home this year, a new report has revealed.
NetVoucherCodes analysed the cost of a Christmas dinner, decorations and utilities to find the true cost of hosting. It found it will cost £49.33 to feed eight people a festive feast, with this number including the average price of a turkey, roast potatoes and vegetable trimmings.
Kitting your home out with decorations for Christmas will cost the most, at an average of £79.64. Out of this, the largest costs are for a 6-foot artificial tree which sells at an average of £21.30 and garlands averaging at £14.50. Utilities, including electricity, gas, water and broadband will cost £7.14 for the day – up 1.96% from prices in December 2023.
Five top tips for cutting Christmas costs from Rebecca Bebbington, consumer champion at NetVoucherCodes
1. Plan your menu in advance: Planning your menu ahead of time helps avoid unnecessary last-minute shopping trips and impulse buys. It also allows you to assess what ingredients you already have in your kitchen, minimising waste and reducing the amount you need to purchase. By sticking to a well-thought-out menu, you can also choose recipes that are more affordable, rather than splurging on expensive ingredients for elaborate dishes.
2. Buy in bulk: Buying ingredients in bulk, especially for common Christmas items like potatoes, carrots, or flour, can save you a lot of money. Bulk purchases are often cheaper per unit, and you can store unused items for future use. Look for sales or warehouse stores where bulk items are discounted, and plan your menu around these cost-effective ingredients to make the most out of your purchase.
3. Limit alcohol purchases: Alcohol can be one of the biggest expenses when hosting Christmas, so consider limiting your purchases. You don’t need a wide variety of drinks—choose a couple of cheap crowd-pleasers such as your family’s favourite beer or make your own bucks fizz. You can also make a festive punch or cocktail that uses fewer ingredients but still feels special. If you have guests bringing drinks, ask them to contribute.
4. Use reusable decorations: Reusable decorations are not only eco-friendly but also a great way to save money year after year. Instead of buying new items every season, invest in quality decorations that can last multiple holidays. You can also get creative by crafting your own ornaments or repurposing old decorations, which gives a personal touch to your home without the added expense.
5. Host a potluck-style meal: Hosting a potluck-style Christmas dinner can help significantly reduce the cost of catering for a large group. This way, your guests bring dishes, sharing the responsibility of the meal. You can assign different categories (like appetisers, sides, or desserts) to ensure a balanced spread. Not only does this ease the financial burden, but it also creates a sense of community, as everyone contributes to the celebration.