I’m a butcher at Morrisons – the cuts to nab to save a fortune on your Christmas dinner & exactly when to buy a turkey
THE FESTIVE season is now right around the corner, and many of us will be frantically planning our Christmas shopping lists, and dragging our decorations down from the loft.
Christmas can be an incredibly pricey time of year, with Brits projected to spend a whopping £923 each on gifts, food, travel and socialising in 2024.
The cost of hosting Christmas dinner can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially with rising energy bill costs, and the Winter Fuel Payment being scrapped.
With this in mind, Morrisons butcher Steve Silkstone, who has run the butchers’ counter at the Huddersfield Morrisons store for the past 29 years shares with Fabulous these savvy strategies for celebrating without overspending.
Plan Ahead And Take Advantage Of Offers
Steve revealed that in order to save cash on your Christmas dinner, you should start planning early, to make the most of bargains.
He said: “Black Friday specials and loyalty card offers can cut costs on key items dramatically.
“From 6th December, Morrisons More Card customers can make market-leading savings on mulled wine, essential trimmings and seasonal snacks.
“Christmas dinner essentials in the offer include Morrisons own sage and onion stuffing, pigs in blankets, frozen roast potatoes, mince pies, double cream, cheeseboard cracker selection and cranberry sauce.”
Meat Needn’t Eat The Budget
Since meat freezes well, Steve suggested buying your Christmas turkey weeks in advance to avoid festive price hikes.
He added that if the cost of a turkey makes your eyes water, you could consider getting a smaller one instead, pairing it with hearty sides.
He added: “For ham, bone-in cuts are often better value and add great flavour.
“If you’re unsure, ask a butcher for advice —they should be able to cut joints to size and advise on best cuts for your recipes and as well as festive rubs that give a roast a gourmet feel for less.”
Wonky Veg
Wonky veg is so much cheaper than normal veg, and tastes exactly the same.
Steve said: “You can find wonky carrots, potatoes, and even turnips in wonky ranges and they are just as delicious.”
Easy With The Cheese
“A Christmas cheese board is typically built around the big three classics; Cheddar, Stilton, and Brie,” said Steve.
“It’s tempting to get too much cheese – smaller amounts as well as a classic selection of these crowd pleasers go further than most people think.
How to save money on Christmas shopping
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
“Seasonal chutneys or nuts make the spread feel special without needing dozens of varieties.”
On Trend Leftover Dishes
A great way to cut costs following Christmas dinner, is to use up all of your leftovers making delicious treats.
Steve said: “If you do go over ‘board’, cheese is a great ingredient in dishes that make the most of festive dish leftovers.
“Social media has kicked off trends for Festive Loaded Fries or Christmas Dinner Baguettes as an alternative to cold plates and a creative way to keep meals interesting, reduce waste and stretch costs further.”