Do you want to host Thanksgiving this year? Is your budget a little tight for November. Celebrating Thanksgiving on a budget can be cheerful, inviting, and rich in gratitude. Achieving this goal takes some creativity and thoughtful planning. If you are searching for affordable ideas to make the holiday unforgettable, check out the following suggestions.
Food
- Potluck Style: Ask family and friends to bring a dish to your Thanksgiving meal. You provide the turkey (or main dish). Ask others to bring sides, drinks, or dessert. Create a private event page on your social media platform to keep track of the food list.
- Simplify the Menu: If you do not ask others to help furnish the meal, simplify your menu. For example, you do not need 10 side dishes. Scale back to 3 or 4 family favorites.
- Buy Seasonal and Store Brands: Sweet potatoes, squash, apples, and cranberries are cheaper when in season.
- Frozen Over Fresh: Frozen veggies, pie crusts, and rolls can be much more affordable.
- DIY Desserts: Bake a pumpkin pie or apple crisp at home. Baking your own desserts is cheaper and tastier than store-bought. For something extra, make sugar cookies with your family.
Atmosphere & Decorations
- Nature-Inspired Decorations: Before Thanksgiving, go on a nature walk to collect items. Use Pinecones, colorful leaves, and branches from your yard as table decorations.
- DIY Centerpieces: Mason jars with candles, or bowls of apples and nuts, make simple, rustic decorations.
- Repurpose: Use neutral linens, baskets, and vases you already own.
- Create: If you have children, make decorations as a family. Create placemats out of construction paper. Draw photos of Thanksgiving. Let your creativity flow.
- Thrift Store: Visit your local thrift or dollar store to find inexpensive decorations. Often with a little paint and glitter, you can create a decorative centerpiece for your table.
Entertainment
- Gratitude Jar or Tree: Ask everyone to write something they are thankful for on a slip of paper. Share the answers during dessert time.
- Board Games or Cards: Skip expensive entertainment. Use board games or play video games that you already own.
- Parade or Football on TV: Watch your favorite team play or enjoy the parades. These are free traditions to enjoy together. If you are not interested in sports, play or stream Christmas shows to get your family ready for the season.
Extra Tips for Your Thanksgiving Dinner
- Shop Sales Early: Many grocery stores run turkey and side dish sales in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Go to different stores to find the best deals.
- Leftover Plan: If you find good deals on food, stretch your meals further. Use your left overs for soups, sandwiches, casseroles. Planning and prepping your meals with Thanksgiving left overs is a cost saving method.
Enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving!
