How to Celebrate Thanksgiving Without Going Crazy

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By Cecilia
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Thanksgiving Dinner - Photo courtesy of the blog

Everyone looks forward to a nice and filling Thanksgiving meal. No one looks forward to the stress involved in preparing the meal. Here are some ways that you can save money, time and your sanity when preparing that special Thanksgiving meal.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Host a potluck Thanksgiving.
Step 2

Send out e-vites for your celebration.
Step 3

Simplify your menu. You'll need turkey, stuffing and gravy and dinner rolls; side dishes like cranberry sauce, mashed or sweet potatoes, creamed onions and green beans; and desserts like pecan, pumpkin or apple pie. That's all. Let your turkey shine.
Step 4

Say yes to contributions. If your family and friends ask what they can bring, give them an answer - whether it be appetizers, side dishes, desserts or drinks. It'll be one less item off your grocery and to-do lists.
Step 5

Make a grocery list. Nothing ruins a household budget than an unplanned grocery shopping expedition. Make sure you list all the ingredients you need for the meal.
Step 6

Buy fresh, locally grown and/or seasonal vegetables for your sides. Buying off-season produce adds up to the cost. Remember, Thanksgiving is a harvest festival.
Step 7

Use coupons when buying your ingredients. Every little bit of savings will go a long way.
Step 8

Clean your house thoroughly a week before Thanksgiving. That way, you only need to do minor cleaning the day before.
Step 9

Decorate a day or two before the holiday. Instead of buying Thanksgiving decorations, be creative. Better yet, let your kids prepare the decorations. Not only will they feel part of the celebration, they'll get to showcase their creativity. You will have one-of-a-kind decorations.
Step 10

Consider an edible centerpiece. Not only will the centerpiece serve a decorative purpose, having fruit centerpieces will give your guests something healthy to munch on.
Step 11

Use what you own - tablecloths, napkins, plates, utensils, glasses and platters. Mix and match for an eclectic look. Your Thanksgiving dinner table landscape doesn't have to look a certain way. It's your Thanksgiving dinner, after all.
Step 12

Buy roasted turkey. It will cost more, but it will save you time. Not a lot of guests? Buy turkey breasts, instead of a whole turkey.
Step 13

Short on time and manpower? Buy prepared Thanksgiving dinners complete with all the trimmings. We won't tell.
Step 14

Leftovers can be do-overs. Thankgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without leftovers. Tell your guests to bring their own reusable containers for after-party food.