An illustration displaying an orange pick up truck with a pumpkin in the rear, and Thanksgiving Foods behind it on the right

13 Suggestions for Hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner on a Budget

Maybe you’ve always wanted to host Thanksgiving but were concerned about the cost of feeding a small army's largest meal of the year. The holidays and excess seem to go hand in hand. The economy is improving, but food prices remain stubbornly high. Fortunately, a great Thanksgiving meal can be created with a limited budget.

Get the top 13 expert tips and insights for hosting an affordable and satisfying Thanksgiving Dinner with side dishes and other tasty holiday food on a budget.

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Implement these Suggestions to Create a Wonderful, Affordable Thanksgiving Dinner Experience

Start Early

Experts say a turkey costs almost half the total for a typical Thanksgiving meal. A frozen turkey can be purchased a month or so ahead of time. Avoid waiting until close to the holidays to shop for your turkey because the prices and demand may increase. Shop around early for the best deals, and you’ll be ahead.

Consider Non-Traditional Shopping Channels

We are familiar with chain stores because of their market-wide advertisements and other promotions. When feeding larger crowds on a budget, consider other nearby stores. Products sold at steep discounts can often be found at local close-out, dollar, and private label-only stores. Just pay attention to the sell-by dates. The satisfaction of finding these deals will make your Thanksgiving Dinner even more enjoyable.

Purchase Thanksgiving Food in Bulk

 

 

Buying in bulk can be smart if you're feeding a large group. Many larger stores promote bulk items on dedicated aisles and spaces, and club stores specialize in bulk quantities. The potential savings from buying in bulk can make your Thanksgiving Dinner more budget-friendly, and you'll feel financially savvy for making such a smart choice.

Use Coupons

Grocery stores are fighting for your dollars this time of year. Using digital coupons through store apps can be a great way to save money. Start looking for the best deals a month and weeks before the big day, and pay attention to prices per unit to get the most out of coupons. Store brands usually, but do not always, have the lowest price per unit when using coupons. By using digital coupons, you'll feel resourceful and be able to stretch your budget to create a delicious Thanksgiving Dinner.

Consider Non-Organically-Grown Produce

Supermarkets rely heavily on a higher dollar ring from more customers, especially during the holidays. Whether buying for a large group or preparing routine meals, buyers can serve non-organic fruits and vegetables that are just as healthy without paying more by thoroughly washing produce before consuming it.

Skip the Appetizers

Most appetizers are expensive, usually intended to compensate for a smaller main course, and often result in many leftovers. Soon enough, everyone will be well-fed. Invite guests to bring their shareable appetizers while you focus on a satisfying main meal.

Include Seasonal Items on the Menu

Brussels sprouts are abundantly available in November, while asparagus is not. Look for items harvested late in the year.

Be Reasonable

Most Thanksgiving meals have excessive leftovers. Try to make a realistic prediction of how much food you’ll need. Use the online calculators to help you accurately estimate the food requirements for the group size. Being mindful of your food planning can reduce waste and save money.

Do It Yourself

Dinner rolls are affordable in the store, but you can save even more money by baking them yourself. Some items, such as pecan pie, can be expensive to purchase but cheaper to make. Use the Southern Cookbook eBook to find great recipes for Southern Butter Rolls, Pecan Pie, and other tasty holiday favorites.

A book displaying a bowl of seafood

Stick with the Basics

Many amateur chefs try new dishes that require special skills, expensive ingredients, or both. They rarely turn out well, and the food may be wasted. There’s a reason why the classics became classics. Nearly everyone enjoys eating them, and the cost is minimal. A menu of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, seasonal vegetables, and pumpkin pie can be simple. Consider buying store brands since the same manufacturers make many well-known branded products.

Encourage Guests to Bring Specialties

Use the Turkey Cookbook for ideas when preparing a delicious turkey while guests prepare the other dishes. Assign responsibilities for the core items and take the time and cost burdens off your shoulders. Someone is sure to bring something unique and exciting.

A prepared roasted turkey on a serving dish

Use Leftovers to Your Advantage

If you have overnight guests, they must be fed the following day. Push that leftover turkey on them! Who doesn’t like a turkey sandwich? You already have the food, so put it to good use.

In Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a time to create and share memories with your loved ones. As experienced shoppers know, that can usually be accomplished without a significant financial investment. Start planning early and stick to the classic dishes everyone enjoys at Thanksgiving dinner. You can host a memorable Thanksgiving and keep your budget intact.

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