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    6 Ways to Save Money on Easter Dinner

    The warmth and sunshine of springtime has finally arrived, accompanied by the excitement and stress of planning the perfect Easter dinner for your family and friends. When the time comes to sit and feast, we want you to relax and enjoy the festivities without having to worry about the money spent leading up to the big dinner. Thankfully, keeping the expenses to a minimum and the celebrations to a maximum just takes a bit of preparation and thinking ahead. Here are 6 ways to save money on Easter dinner!




    Make your own centerpiecesMake your own centerpieces1. Make Your Own Centerpieces
    Making your own centerpieces can save a lot of money. Instead of a $50 bouquet, these oranges cost less than $5, stud them with cloves and pile them in an attractive bowl.
    Make orange pomander centerpieces









    Related: 7 refreshing drinks to sip on this spring



    Bake your own cakeBake your own cake2. Bake Your Own Cake

    The ingredients for making this cake from scratch are $10 less than the cost of the average store-bought cake. Baking your desserts will both save money and increase flavor!
    Make your own Peeps sunflower cake















    Serve sangriaServe sangria3. Be Wise with Wine, Serve Sangria
    Serving wine can make any dinner party a pricy one. Instead of grabbing several expensive bottles that may not last long, opt for a festive alternative instead - sangria. All you need is inexpensive wine, ginger ale and fruit for enough to last the whole meal. It's tasty, and it will make your wine reserve last much longer, saving you money.
    Make this tasty red wine sangria













    Related: 10 homemade Peeps recipes even YOU can make




    4. Plan Your Menu in Advance

    Get a head start on planning the big meal! That way, you'll have more time to look out for coupons and deals at your local grocery store. The earlier you start planning the menu, the more time you'll have to catch the best deals at the supermarket.
    Check out this awesome Easter menu




    Make it a potluckMake it a potluck5. Make it a Potluck

    An easy way to save time, energy and, most importantly, money is to share dinner responsibilities with your family and friends. Have guests volunteer to bring a side, dessert or beverage to your meal. Once you've established who is bringing what, you can focus on what's left and enjoy the extra time and money on your hands.
    Make french apple potluck salad







    Related: 7 tasty roasted veggie dishes to serve on Easter Sunday




    Buy fresh, not frozenBuy fresh, not frozen6. Buy Fresh, Not Frozen

    The best way to save money while getting food at the peak of its flavor is buying fresh produce. See what's in season in your area - fresh broccoli, zucchini, lettuce, artichoke and spring peas should be available at your local store.
    Check out these 20 great artichoke recipes








    - By Kelsey Banfield
    Follow Kelsey on Babble

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