As the holiday season fast approaches, many families are getting ready to reluctantly hand over their credit cards, cheque books and cash to a countless array of department stores, markets, specialty shops and on line merchandisers in order to obtain that perfect gift.

In the thrill of the moment, it is easy to go overboard, and after all the presents are unwrapped and the decorations are put away, comes the harsh reality of post holiday bills. Learn these smart and savvy tricks this holiday season, so come January you can breathe easy!

1. Budget

A downfall of many overzealous holiday shoppers is the mistake of not setting a budget. Before you venture out to complete any holiday shopping, ensure that you assess how many people you have jotted on your list, a spending limit per person, and weeding out any potential candidates who do not necessarily need a gift (your hairdressers assistant, the intern at your office who you see once a week, or your boyfriends third cousins baby).

2. Group Gifting

If you have a large family, or huge group of friends, try a “Secret Santa” gift giving adventure. Place everyone’s name in a large bowl or hat and each person draws a name. Set a limit the group is willing to spend on the name they have selected ($30, $50, $100 etc), and host a gift exchanging party during the holidays. This will save you the money and effort of buying for several individuals, while still enjoying the full experience of the season!

3. Online deals

Online auction sites are a gold mine for discounted new and used gifts. Many minimum bids never surpass a few dollars, and you can snatch up a great collectable, designer purse, or vintage collectable at a fraction of the retail price. If you are shopping online retail, look for stores that offer “free shipping” or a monetary amount of your purchase when you have an access code or spend a certain amount.

Remember only to shop at reputable online stores. For peace of mind on lesser-known sites consider using an online payment option like PayPal, where you can create an account linked to your credit card. Sites that let you pay with PayPal will never see your credit card number, only your PayPal account name. It'a always a good idea to check the URL (the www. address at the top of your browser) to make sure you are on the right site, on not an imposter site. Check out lesser-known online reatilers by doing a search for reviews of them by others.

4. Hosting a Party

Along with the holidays, comes dozens of parties, get togethers, lunches and reminiscing. If you are hosting a holiday function of your own, here are a few simple tricks to keep your budget in line, but your party guests raving about your soirée.

Thrify Party Food

Create a dazzling display of appetizers without breaking the bank. Avoid the pricey, pre packaged party trays from the grocery store. Instead, pick up a few Summer Fresh dips with some simple additions and create your own creative masterpiece

Mezze Platter: A European party staple has burst onto the North American table.

• One 227 g container of Summer Fresh Roasted Garlic Hummus • One 227 g container of Summer Fresh Tzatiki Dip
• One 227 g container of Summer Fresh Tapanade
• One French baquette
• One jar of Kalamata olives
• Assorted flatbread

Place three dips in separate bowls and place in the center of a large platter. Place olives, baguette and flatbreads in sections around the dips and serve.

Cranberry Bruschetta Bread: A festive twist on a traditional party favourite.

• One 227 g container of Summer Fresh Cranberry Bruschetta
• One whole grain or white baguette
• Olive oil

Cut the baguette in half and place face up on a large baking sheet. Brush the exposed side with olive oil and top with Summer Fresh Cranberry Bruschetta. Heat in the oven at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, or until bread is toasty. Cut and serve while warm.

Red and Green Gnocchi: Add a festive touch to a main dish

• One 180 g container of Summer Fresh Peri Peri Pestoz
• One 180 g container of Summer Fresh Chili Cilantro Pestoz
• One package of gnocchi

Prepare gnocchi according to directions on package, and allow to cool slightly. Mix 2-3 tablespoons of Summer Fresh Peri Peri Pestoz to 2 cups of gnocchi and toss until pasta is coated. In addition, mix 2 cups of gnocchi with 2-3 tablespoons of Summer Fresh Chili Cilantro Pestoz and toss. Spoon approximately ½ cup of each flavour of gnocchi into martini glasses and garnish with sprigs of rosemary and serve. Be creative and mix the flavors, or stick to one color per glass.

Baked Snowflakes with Cheesy Dip: A kid friendly idea the whole family can create!

• One 300g container of Summer Fresh Leek & Cheddar Cheesy Dip
• One package of soft flour tortilla shells
• Olive Oil
• Cheese powder (optional)

Lightly brush a thin coat of oil on each soft flour tortilla. With a pair of kitchen scissors, cut snowflake patterns out of the soft tortilla shells and lay flat on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees, or until golden brown (please watch carefully, as these will burn quickly). Remove from oven and dust with white cheese powder if desired. Set aside. Prepare Summer Fresh Leek & Cheddar Cheesy Dip as per direction on package. Dip baked “snowflakes into warm cheese dip and enjoy.

Easy Pastry Christmas Tree: Decorate this tree with delicious accessories

• Two tubes or packages of prepared pastry dough
• One 227 g container of Summer Fresh Roasted Garlic Hummus
• Red pepper
• Orange Pepper
• Broccoli

Cut the dough into 16 triangular pieces. Start arranging the dough to form the tree by placing one triangle at the top, arrange two slices just below with the sides touching. Continue to row three slices of dough, then four slices, ending with a row of five slices. Cut the remaining triangle to form the trunk of the tree. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes, or until tree is golden brown. Allow to cool, and spread Summer Fresh Garlic Hummus over base. Cut red pepper into thin strips and create a “garland” on the tree. Chop the remaining red pepper and orange pepper into bite size pieces and sprinkle all over. Repeat this with the broccoli. Use as a festive centerpiece, or cut into slices and serve.