How to do a luxury Christmas lunch spread for just $100

Christmas food budgets are tighter than ever this year, with 37 per cent of Aussies saying they'll be spending less on food than previous years, according to a survey by Australian Pork.

And when it comes to how much we’re willing to spend, most people (36%) are setting aside between $100-$200 for their main Christmas meal.

Thankfully, with a few simple tricks and choice supermarket buys, organising a luxury Christmas lunch or dinner can be done for under $200.

Lifestyle blogger and Woolies ambassador Paula Joye has shared with us her delicious go-to staples, revealing she only had $150 to spend on food and decorations.

“You don’t have to spend a fortune to create a delicious a luxurious Christmas Day feast on a budget,” she wrote in a post title Xmas Luxe for Less, which has been shared here with permission.

“With a little preparation, some clever DIY and shopping the seasonal specials, you can enjoy a special Christmas on a budget.”

Paula had $150 to spend on food and decorations and here’s what she came up with.

Pretty Pavlova Tower - $24

Using three pavlova bases, thickened cream and yellow nectarines.

Cranberry Muffins - $5

Using many pantry staples like sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, oil. Add dried cranberries, eggs, milk, and lemon zest.

Perfect Pork & Apple Sauce - $25

Paula says the most affordable and delicious roast option is pork. She then suggested to make your own apple sauce by adding cored, whole apples to the roasting pan.

Prawn Cocktails - $10

Mini Prawn Cocktails could not be simpler and are a great way to add seafood without blowing the budget.

Assemble a couple of Cos Lettuce Leaves; one quarter skinned of Avocados (“the woolies Odd Bunch pack is great value just buy them a few days ahead to ripen”); a wedge of lemon or lime and three peeled and deveined Cooked Tiger Prawns.

Stand Alone Stuffing - $5

She used Sourdough Bread, Cranberries, Macro Currants, Salted Butter (melted), fresh sage and thyme (chopped), Pistachios (chopped), and Chicken Stock.

Simple Affordable Sides - $20

Paula made roast carrots with maple syrup and hazelnuts for just $4, used two bags of the $2 microwavable mini potatoes, and chopped up some tomatoes with fresh basil, olives and olive oil, for $6. Add some peas and garlic butter for another $6.

Rich Fruit & Nut Christmas Cake - $10

Paula bought a ready-made variety from the fresh bakery section at Woolworths.

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com.