Hosting Thanksgiving can be a lot of work, not to mention, it can be fairly expensive! If you’re looking to save some money this year, we’ve got some great tips for you. From what to make to decorating your home on a dime, we have you covered! Check out our list of ways to host Thanksgiving on a budget below!
Buy a Frozen Turkey
One way to save money on your Thanksgiving feast is to buy a frozen turkey instead of a fresh one. Frozen turkeys are usually cheaper, and they taste just as good! Just make sure you give yourself enough time to thaw the turkey properly before cooking it and read up on the best ways to prepare it. If you’re worried about dry meat, try brining your bird first. You’ll be surprised at what a difference it makes!
Plan Ahead
Another great way to save money on Thanksgiving is to plan ahead. Not only will this help you save money by not overbuying, but it will also help you stay organized and avoid last-minute stress. Make a list of all the dishes you want to make and then take inventory of what you already have in your pantry. This will help you avoid buying things you don’t need and spending too much money at the store.
Be a Smart Shopper
When it comes to buying food these days, being a smart shopper can make all the difference. Take advantage of sales and coupons, and don’t be afraid to buy generic brands. Join your favorite grocery store’s frequent shopper program and be on the lookout for sales and holiday specials. Some popular chains often offer huge savings on Thanksgiving staples like cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, and pumpkin pie.
Make it a Potluck
This might be my most favorite thing to do for holiday meals. Why do it all yourself when you can ask each of your guests to bring their favorite dish? You can focus on making the turkey or ham and assign things like drinks and appetizers to your guests. Not only will you cut down on your expenses and time spent, but you’ll get a wonderful variety of side dishes and desserts to enjoy. Depending on the number of guests, you may even end up with a larger spread than you could have ever pulled off on your own.
Decorate with Nature
There’s no need to go out and buy all new decorations for your Thanksgiving feast. If you’re looking for cheap (and beautiful!) decorations for your home, look no further than nature! You can make centerpieces out of pumpkins and gourds, or use leaves and branches to create a festive garland. If you have some extra time, get the kids involved and make Thanksgiving crafts together! There are tons of ideas online that are both fun and inexpensive.
We hope these tips help you save money while still enjoying a wonderful Thanksgiving feast with your family and friends. What are your favorite ways to save money on holiday meals? Let us know in the comments below! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!