Save on Christmas dinner

FINANCE AND CONSUMER EXPERT CAROLINE BLOOR CAN HELP YOU SAVE £££s

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Are you hosting festive celebrations this year? With household spending on groceries hitting a record £460 last Christmas period (Kantar*), and food inflation predicted to reach 6% by year-end**, the bill for doing so could be a hefty one! But with planning ahead and savvy hacks, you can serve a feast to your loved ones without overspending. Here's how...

WHAT'S A MUST-HAVE AND WHAT'S A NICE-TO-HAVE?

As Martin Lewis says: 'Budget what you can comfortably afford on Christmas, then ask: how do I have the best time on that?'

PLAN EVERY MEAL OVER THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD, INCLUDING BREAKFAST, SNACKS AND DRINKS.

Draw up a detailed shopping list to keep you on track and prevent panic-buys. Use the Trolley app to find the cheapest supermarket and check what you already have in the cupboard.