Until we moved away my house used to be the gathering point for the family Thanksgiving dinner. Despite the work, I got a kick out of having everyone over. It was the one day of year where everyone got along and we could marvel at how the children had grown.
But with this enjoyment came an expense. Thanksgiving day meant dinner, soft drinks, desserts, snacks and paper goods. The crowd would vary from between 20 – 35 people. Through the years I learned some great ways to reduce the costs. Now, I pass my knowledge on to you.
How to Save Money on Thanksgiving Dinner Idea #1
Plan ahead. Consider who will be coming and plan to avoid any food allergies and decide on a menu. Write everything down and let it sit for a few days. Come back to the list and look at it to see if you are still satisfied with it.
Next, beside each dish and food item write down everything you need for the dish. Don’t forget to include spices and any flavoring that you might need. Check this against what you have in your cabinets. Cross off anything that you won’t need to buy.
How to Save Money on Thanksgiving Dinner Idea #2
Look for deals and money saving coupons. Once your menu is ready you can be on the lookout for coupons and sales.
Before you go to the store, look at the newspaper ads and coupons. Go online and visit the websites of your local grocery stores. Check out the websites of manufacturers. They will often have coupons for items that they produce so check those websites too. Clip anything that you will use.
At the store, check for coupon dispensers for the products that you want to buy. Compare the brand names items with their generic equivalent. Generics may be less expensive on the shelf but may not be the better deal once you deduct a coupon from the cost of the name brand.
How to Save Money on Thanksgiving Dinner Idea #3
Buy paper goods and plastic ware at Halloween. Plain black or orange forks and spoons and orange cups, plates and napkins can be purchased for pennies on the dollar at the after Halloween sales. These can be used for Thanksgiving. Roll black forks and spoons in an orange napkin. Tie with yellow and gold curling ribbon. You will have a pretty fall setting for only a few cents each.
How to Save Money on Thanksgiving Dinner Idea #4
When it comes to soda, just say no. Tea, coffee, water and lemonade are less expensive options. If someone insists on soda ask them to bring enough for everyone with them as they come.
How to Save Money on Thanksgiving Dinner Idea #5
Make as much as possible from scratch. A frozen apple pie from the store may cost as much a $4.50 or more. A homemade apple pie with the same number of servings may cost about $1.50 and have a better flavor. The same thing goes for stuffing or dressing and casseroles.
How to Save Money on Thanksgiving Dinner Idea #6
Ask others to chip in with a casserole, soft drinks or dish or accept their contribution if offered. This not only reduces the bill for Thanksgiving Dinner but makes for good conversation starters.
