How to Celebrate Thanksgiving on a Budget
It’s the season to give thanks—and to be horrified by your credit card bill. Along with the costs of food, decor and travel, there are so many other expenses to cover for Thanksgiving. But with a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy a festive holiday without breaking the bank. Here’s how to save on Thanksgiving costs while still embracing the spirit of the season.
Start your shopping early
It’s always a good idea to start your preparations well in advance. Retailers start putting out Thanksgiving staples early, so if you start ahead of time, you can progressively purchase all your needs while scouting the best deals on everything. If you have flexibility within your menu, you can plan your menu around these deals for even more savings.
Stick to your list and budget
Before starting your prep, take the time to create a Thanksgiving shopping list and a budget for all your expenses. Without a budget, it’s easy to go overboard with your shopping.
Be sure to list all Thanksgiving expenses in your budget, including:
- Dinnerware
- Beverages
- Cooking essentials
- Seating for every guest
- Decor and centerpieces
- Storage for leftover food
- Travel costs, if applicable
- Menu items from appetizer to dessert
Plan your travel wisely
If your Thanksgiving plans include traveling, follow these tips to ensure you keep costs as low as possible.
First, choose to fly on slower travel days. Flying the Monday before Thanksgiving will generally net you cheaper tickets than traveling on Tuesday or Wednesday. You’ll also want to book your ticket at least six weeks in advance so you don’t end up paying a premium for last-minute plans. Finally, consider traveling lightly to avoid baggage fees.
Go potluck
Save on your Thanksgiving dinner costs by sharing the load and going potluck. Ask each of your guests to bring along one dish for a dinner that’s easier to prepare and easy on the wallet. As a bonus, your dinner will have a lot more variety and will likely be more enjoyable as well.
For a perfectly organized potluck dinner, create a shared spreadsheet for all guests to input the dishes they plan to bring. This way, you won’t end up with three desserts and no mashed potatoes.
Keep it simple
Thanksgiving is all about spending time with the people who matter to you most and for expressing gratitude for all the blessings in your life. The elaborate — and expensive — feast is just an extra. Keep this in mind as you prepare for the holiday and resist the pressure to go overboard with food or décor. A simple meal served by a calm and present host can be more meaningful than an extravagant spread prepared by a cook who is frazzled and worn out. Focus on what’s most important to you and your family, and your holiday will be memorable, no matter how big or small your budget may be.
Make it from scratch
Convenience foods, like canned cranberry sauce and instant mashed potatoes, can seem like a lifesaver when you’re pressed for time. However, these foods tend to come with a higher price tag that can push you over budget. Try to make as much as you can from scratch this Thanksgiving. Raw ingredients are nearly always cheaper, and of course, nothing tastes as good as a truly homemade dish.
Homemade doesn’t have to mean endless hours in the kitchen. Look online for creative hacks and inspiration that can help you create your menu from scratch without the hassle. For example, you can make homemade stuffing with day-old bread and a few pantry staples in just a few minutes.
Decorate on a budget
Instead of spending boatloads of money on store-bought décor, get creative and make your own with items you already have around your house and yard. Beautiful fall leaves, pinecones and branches can be used to create striking centerpieces and table settings. You can also repurpose things you already own, like Mason jars, candles and baskets.
If DIY isn’t your thing, shop at your local dollar stores for affordable decorations. Remember, a little creativity goes a long way in creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
This Thanksgiving, impress your guests and celebrate without going into debt. Use these tips for a memorable Thanksgiving on a budget.