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Step 1
Thanksgiving dinner is about spending time with family and friends while enjoying good food. Here are some tips that will save you time and money so you can focus on celebrating this holiday and not worry about going broke.
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Step 2
Plan ahead. Make a list of items you'll need to buy, how many people will be coming, how many place settings of dishes you'll need etc. This way you can set a budget and are less likely to be caught off guard having to make a last minute overpriced purchase.
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Step 3
Make the Thanksgiving dinner potluck. Have each guest bring a dish. Not only does this save money for the host, but will also save time and each person feels like they are involved in the celebration. Make sure to delegate a dish to each guest or some how keep track of what each party is bringing to avoid too many, or not enough, of each item.
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Step 4
Buy a larger turkey. Butchers at most grocery stores will cut these in half for you, even if it is frozen. Buying a larger piece of meat is cheaper per pound, so you can save money by either sharing the remainder with a friend or relative, or saving the other half for another meal.
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Step 5
Shop early and take advantage of pre Thanksgiving sales. Stick to your menu plan and buy only what you'll need. Start looking at local grocery store flyers and websites to see if there are any good deals or coupons offered. There is a link on ways to get coupons and save money below in the resources section.
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Step 6
Do not buy unnecessary decorations. Make your decor from things you already have or nature using twigs, leaves, pine cones etc. If you must buy items like a tablecloth, search your local thrift stores and try not to make it too holiday specific so you can use it over again after the holidays.
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Step 7
If you really want to save money and contribute to the meaning of Thanksgiving, consider spending this holiday volunteering at a local soup kitchen. You will be helping people less fortunate while sharing in the meal. This may become a new tradition for your family.
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Step 8
Finally, think about inviting an elderly neighbor, military family or member, or other people who have no one to share dinner with to join you. This is in the true spirit of the holiday and you'll get more from this than any amount of money could buy.
Comments
StarrySkye said
on 11/19/2008 Well, it looks like dinner is at my house this year...so this will come in handy...Thanks!
Thims said
on 11/9/2008 Every morning I look out my window to find about ten to twelve turkey's gobbling around. I'll have no problemsaving for Thangiving this year. Good article.
veryirie said
on 10/29/2008 LOVE steps 6, 7 and 8. Good article!