Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Guests
- Various food items of your choice
Step1
Say yes. If your guests have any manners at all, they will undoubtedly ask if they can bring anything when they RSVP. Tell them they certainly can. Wine and beer are big ticket items--if only one person must supply it. Have guests bring drinks or desserts. Don't feel shy about asking, either. Even though you're hosting, your guests will want to contribute a little something to the day, too.
Step2
Save the Sunday circular. Sit down with the paper over the next few Sundays and look at the grocery store ads. Many stores have sales on typical Thanksgiving items such as squash, stuffing, potatoes or rolls. Some stores even give away a free turkey if you spend a certain amount of money. In other words...don't go grocery shopping for a while before Thanksgiving. Then do what you normally do... and get a free turkey. If they don't, consider buying a frozen turkey. Fresh turkeys are much more expensive. Clip any coupons for items you must think you may want. Plan your menu based on specials and coupons. You should have a pretty good idea of what items you'll serve when you're done with the Sunday paper.
Step3
Side dishes are where your budget could be blown. Sides require a lot of ingredients, some of which you won't need again until...well, next Thanksgiving. You need to determine which sides are cheaper to make (rolls, mashed potatoes) and which are cheaper to buy premade (stuffing). You also need to decide if its really necessary to have fresh vegetables, or if you can use canned or frozen (cranberries vs. cranberry sauce).
Step4
So now you have free drinks and desserts, and maybe even a free turkey! You've found which sides you'll make and which you'll buy. All you need to do now is get down to it, and do it. And of course, enjoy your friends and family on Thanksgiving.
Enthusiast 
