It's that time of year again where we gather with family and friends to celebrate the holiday season. It's also a time for us to take stock of all we have, be grateful, and give thanks. But there is one thing I've noticed about Thanksgiving: it can get expensive! Fortunately, you don't need to break the bank in order to host a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner this year. Here are 5 ways you can save money when hosting your own special celebration on Thanksgiving!
1. Plan Your Menu Ahead of Time
Planning out your menu before you go shopping can help to avoid buying things that you won't use on Thanksgiving. Use sites such as Pinterest or Supercook, which have great databases of recipes. For example, if you type "butternut squash soup" into the search box, it will offer similar recipes using the same main ingredient. Planning your meal also allows you to shop around and see what prices are the best for the meal, as well as any promotions or discounts are available.
2. Shop at Stores with Coupons
Pay special attention to coupons you get in the mail a couple of weeks leading up to Thanksgiving! Retailers will send out coupons to people about 2 weeks before Thanksgiving, so be sure to pay attention to these to save money! Also, be sure to check out your local grocery store's website before Thanksgiving so that you can see what kinds of specials they may have going on leading up to the holiday! Check out Grocery Outlet or other bargain grocery stores for ingredients that you might need that are either non-perishable or you can freeze.
3. Use Recipes That are Simple
Simple recipes often require fewer ingredients. This in turn will lead to needing to purchase less groceries saving you money in the long haul. It also helps alleviate the stress of cooking a complicated Thanksgiving meal.
4. Ask Guests to Bring a Dish
Here's a way to help you save money: by asking your guests to bring a side dish, dessert, or beverage. Thanksgiving can often be very expensive and if you were to ask your guests to bring one of the three items above, it could save you a few bucks on your grocery bill.
Asking your guests to bring a side menu item is a great way for them to feel more invested in the meal with their contribution. If you're going with the traditional turkey and all the fixings, having a guest bring a dessert or a flavorful drink or fruit salad can be an excellent addition. It will also provide another enticing option for everyone at the table.
5. Buy Ingredients in Bulk
One of the best ways to save money on your grocery bill is by buying ingredients in bulk. This will not only save you money, but it can also help those who are cost-conscious with how much they spend on things like Thanksgiving dinner. Costco, Walmart, and Winco are great places to buy in bulk. Just make sure you price check to be certain you're getting a better deal. And if you are, then you can always freeze leftovers or send leftovers home with your guests!
Make sure that you shop around and compare the prices for what you want at different stores. If one store offers a sale and another does not, then of course you should buy your items from the store that's on sale. Furthermore, many grocery stores offer coupons and discounts that can be used before Thanksgiving or if you're planning on hosting a big gathering for Thanksgiving dinner! If it's a smaller gathering, consider alternatives to Turkey, such as baked duck or honey-glazed ham.
