Thanksgiving Dinner on a Budget

Thanksgiving approaches as families enjoy Autumn and the ever-changing leaves. It is a time to be with family, friends and loved ones and share good food.

The dinner families share on Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be expensive. There is a way to create a wonderful meal that won’t break the bank.

Here are some tips on how you can have Thanksgiving dinner on a budget:

Get a head count of the number of people you will be cooking for

It’s a good idea to know how many people you will be hosting for Thanksgiving dinner. By getting a good idea of how many people to expect, you can better anticipate how much food and supplies that you need and avoid overspending.

Make a budget

Before you plan your Thanksgiving menu, create a budget. Having a budget will help keep you focused.

Take inventory on what you have and what you need

Taking notes on what you already have in stock will help a great deal with your budget—as well as be helpful in keeping track of what you need for Thanksgiving dinner, so make that shopping list!

A shopping list will help you keep you on task and remind you of what you need. You can make a handwritten list, use a Notes app, Google doc or Microsoft Word or Excel to make your list.

Planning your menu: Keep things simple

Have fun with the planning and preparation but keep things simple with family favorites rather than springing for fancy ingredients or supplies you don’t already have that add to the cost of the meal.

 Shop early for essentials

Shopping ahead for essentials will save time and hassle for the big day.

Examples of Thanksgiving essentials include: gravy, plates, napkins, cooking bags, seasonings, plastic/paper utensils, paper towels, pans, butter and boxed/canned items (mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, vegetables).

Consider purchasing store-brand & off-brand items

Often store-brand and off-brand items are more reasonable in price than name-brand items. This can be helpful when you’re on a budget.

Sign up for rewards, apps, and memberships

If you have favorite stores or stores where you shop often, see if your store has rewards/membership programs. Often, stores will have these programs available for their customers.

Stores also have deals, specials and online coupons via apps. This can go a long way in saving money as well.

Keep an eye out for sales and deals

Look out for sales and deals during the month of November. Stores in preparation for Thanksgiving will often have items on sale and via discounts/deals.

Alternatives

Perhaps you want to do something different from a whole turkey, or can’t have a turkey. There are other meal alternatives to choose from, including turkey parts (drumsticks, breasts, wings), chicken (whole, drumsticks, breasts, wings), ham, organic foods, etc. These options are just as wonderful for Thanksgiving dinner, and budget-friendly.

Shop at farmer’s markets & in-season produce

A farmer’s market is a great place to purchase all sorts of fruits and vegetables at an affordable price. In-season produce would also add seasonal tastes, flavors and affordability to your meal.

Thanksgiving potluck

If you have a few guests, family members and friends over, why not have a Thanksgiving potluck? Each person can contribute to the dinner by bringing an item (side dish, dessert, drinks/beverages, etc.). Take note on who is bringing what item to avoid confusion.

Leftovers & making the most of them

Leftovers can be even better on Thanksgiving and afterwards, for lunch, snacks and other meals. Need ideas on what to do with leftovers? Try sandwiches, casseroles, desserts, soups and more.