The economics of hosting a non-denominational holiday party

[haele]

11. Marinated Roast Chicken thighs in orange/chili baste

($6 for the 10 piece thigh pack, Cara Cara oranges from next door)
3 lb bag Mashed potato ($2.50) with added end of season hass avocados (neighbors tree), seasoned with a bit garlic and Gerhardts menudo powder mix, served with "drippings" gravy.
Steamed (frozen bag -$1.75) succotash with butter, thyme, and dill.
Arugula ($2.00)/garden herb salad with nuts, dried fruit, oil and balsamic vinegrette.
Homemade Cranberry sauce ($2 bag for cranberries)
2 local bakery Sourdough baguettes ($6.00)
Additional 1 lb butter - $4
Dozen large eggs $2.50
1 gallon Milk and 2 qt heavy cream for eggnog (home made), $10
2 gallons apple cider - $7
All spices and herbs, plus home made Gingerbread "pudding" (steamed cake) with rum sauce from whatever was left over, in the cabinets or pantry - free.

Total holiday dinner out of pocket for enough food to feed 7 (5 family + 1 moocher):
$47/$48 at the Commissary.

Pretty decent for a semi-formal dinner. Of course, between living in San Diego where produce can be grown in neighborhood yard round and using whatever is on hand from regular cooking saves a lot of money.