Thanksgiving Dinner on a Budget

Thanksgiving is always an exciting holiday and we usually start to plan ahead for the Thanksgiving Dinner. But there are times that our budget is low for some unforeseen reason. Stop worrying! I’m here to share some tips about Thanksgiving dinner on a budget that will definitely work.

If you plan on serving Thanksgiving dinner this year, you probably have a lot of mixed feelings.

First, whether you’re serving dinner to just immediate family or everyone in a 50-mile radius, you’re probably thrilled. Who wouldn’t want to host the most important family meal of the year?

Second, maybe you’re a little overwhelmed. Hosting Thanksgiving dinner is great, but it’s a lot of work.

Third, once you add Thanksgiving dinner into your holiday budget, chances are you’re experiencing sticker shock. You could easily blow a week’s worth of grocery budget on a single meal.

It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Here’s how to serve up Thanksgiving dinner on a budget.

Go small.

Figure about a pound to a pound and a half of turkey for each person. That means if you’ve got 10 people for dinner, you only need a 10-15 lb turkey and not a 20-lb turkey. Your guests will fill up on all the side dishes anyway. The exception to this is that bigger birds mean more leftovers. Leftovers can be very budget-friendly, assuming you got a great price on the turkey.

Get a free turkey.

Many supermarkets run programs that allow you to get a free turkey after spending a certain amount of money. You’ve got to buy groceries anyway, so this can be a great incentive! Do your research, though – a lot of times stores will increase the prices of their merchandise to make up the difference.

Shop sales and use coupons.

Around the holidays, you can find coupons and sales for every single holiday dinner staple. You may have to visit two or three separate stores to do that, though, so weigh out the benefits vs. time invested. Time is money too. Also, visit the brand’s websites. If you only like one brand of cranberry sauce, visit their site to see if a coupon is available. There are also some websites that contain different websites that offer discounts and coupons. You may even try to call the company’s customer service number and ask for a coupon. Many times they’re happy to send you a few!

Check local farmer’s markets.

If you live in a warmer climate, you can probably still find fresh vegetables and fruits for a great price at farm stands and farmer’s markets. By supporting local farms, you’re boosting your community’s economy as well as serving Thanksgiving dinner on a budget. You can also find local food directories here in USDA Agricultural Marketing Service.

Don’t forget the thrift store.

Things like tablecloths, napkins, placemats, and decorations are abundant at thrift and secondhand stores during the holiday season. Check out the selection before you buy those items somewhere else.

Consider asking family and friends to bring something.

If your cousin Mary makes the best apple pie on the planet, don’t be too proud to ask her to bring one! She’ll be flattered that you asked and your guests will really enjoy dessert. Your budget will thank you.

Keep it natural.

Some of the prettiest Thanksgiving centerpieces come from items you’ll find in your own yard. Fill a basket with pinecones or gourds and mini pumpkins for a frugal yet beautiful table decoration.

The best advice for hosting Thanksgiving dinner on a budget is to not go overboard. Yes, it’s a special dinner, and yes, serving a big dinner will cost a little extra. However, the entire purpose of Thanksgiving is to be thankful. Your guests will remember your hospitality more than they’ll remember what was on their plates. They’re thankful to spend time with you – not for how much money you spend.

I hope you like it and able to help you with your next Thanksgiving dinner. Remember! Don’t forget to Pin this into your Pinterest board too so that the others may find this helpful article, too.