Christmas dinner at $25 per person: Is it possible?

A budget Christmas requires careful planning but it can be done.

Nikki Birrell shares some ideas for keeping costs down this festive season.

Christmas in New Zealand means sunny skies, outdoor dining and family gatherings. But with the cost of groceries, can you host a festive dinner for $25 per person? With thoughtful planning and some smart swaps, the answer is yes.

The traditional feast

For those who love a classic Christmas meal, a prawn cocktail is an elegant starter that won’t break the bank. A 500g bag of frozen prawns is $11.99 at Pak’nSave, paired with fresh lettuce and a tangy dressing for a total of around $16.

Classic prawn cocktails can be an economical entree. Photo / Getty Images

The main dish could feature glazed ham alongside buttery potatoes and fresh asparagus. Half a ham from Pak’nSave costs $28 and serves as the centrepiece. Add 2kg of buttery potatoes for $7 at Woolworths and two bunches of asparagus at $4.50 each from New World. Together, these ingredients total $44 for the main course.

For dessert, a traditional trifle is both festive and economical. Use a packet of sponge cake ($6), custard, cream, and a medley of seasonal fruits for about $10, bringing dessert to $16.

This menu adds up to around $19-20 per person for a group of six, leaving room in the budget for extras like bread rolls, sauces or sparkling water.

A summer barbecue

If you’re opting for a relaxed outdoor vibe, fresh oysters are an impressive way to kick off the meal. A dozen oysters are $23 at New World, which can be shared as a light starter.

For the main, barbecued steak paired with a crisp garden salad offers a satisfying option. A 1kg pack of budget-friendly steak is $20 at Pak’nSave, while a mix of greens, tomatoes and dressing adds about $8.

Choose cheaper cuts of meat and make the barbecue your friend this Christmas. Photo / Unsplash

Finish on a sweet note with a pavlova topped with cream and kiwifruit. Ready-made pavlova bases are $6 at New World, and the toppings will cost approximately $9.

This summer barbecue menu costs about $22 per person, giving flexibility to include extras like garlic bread, grilled vegetables or a home-made iced tea.

Top tips for a budget-friendly Christmas

Plan ahead: Decide your menu early and focus on a few standout dishes rather than a sprawling spread. Use seasonal ingredients to keep costs down.

Shop smart: Watch for specials on holiday essentials like ham, seafood and fresh produce. Grocery stores often run discounts in the lead-up to Christmas.

DIY where you can: Making dressings or dessert components at home is often cheaper than buying pre-made.

Stretch your leftovers: A half-ham can provide days of meals after Christmas, from sandwiches to pasta dishes.

Avoid over-catering: It’s tempting to overdo it, but using an online portion calculator can help you stick to realistic quantities and avoid waste.

Keep drinks simple: Focus on a signature drink like sparkling punch or mulled wine and opt for affordable local wines or bulk-buy soft drinks.

By prioritising quality over quantity and embracing seasonal Kiwi favourites, you can create a memorable Christmas meal that’s full of festive flair without overspending.

Herald contributor Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years. From managing your kitchen to cutting costs, she’s shared some helpful advice recently, including tips for the perfect barbecue, elevating cheap ingredients with gourmet hacks and how to DIY your own salsas, pickles and spice blends – on a budget.