Thanksgiving is a day of gratitude but also one of abundance. And feasting in abundance usually requires parting with money in some way, shape or form. But with a little planning, organizing and knowing how to make Thanksgiving dinner on a budget, you might be able to feast with your wallet intact!
Tips
- Instead of jars of gravy or gravy prepared by a restaurant or grocery store, buy a mix. Butterball has a mix that you add to a cup of water. Mix and bring to a boil on the stove top - it’s that simple!
- Save money at Thanksgiving by asking some guests to provide the wine. If you must purchase it yourself, check out places like Costco or Trader Joes and pick up some inexpensive wines there.
- Check Sunday circulars for upcoming sales on turkeys and other items needed for preparing Thanksgiving dinner
Featured Video
After Thanksgiving, continue to stick to your budget by using up your leftovers for several after-holiday meals. And you don’t have to stick to plain turkey sandwiches either. This video from CityTV shows you how to make an Asian Salad, Jerk Turkey and Turkey and Cranberry Puff Pastry. Many of the ingredients may already be found in your pantry to include with your leftover turkey.
Introduction
One of the best ways to have a Thanksgiving dinner on a budget is to plan in advance. Decide early on your guest list and your menu. You may be able to assign side dishes and desserts to your guests so you won’t be responsible for all the dishes. And planning allows you to shop early and visit different stores to find the best sale prices.
Step 1: Get the Turkey in Advance
Check your Sunday circulars or your favorite grocery store’s website to see if there are special turkey deals going on in November. The Food Lion grocery chain has a free turkey giveaway during the months of October and November. Customers who purchase more than $45 worth of groceries each week for six of eight weeks in that period get a coupon which they can use towards a turkey.http://www.foodlion.com/promotions/turkey/
Check for upcoming sales too. If you find a turkey on sale, grab it while you can and freeze it. Just make sure to defrost it in plenty of time to roast it for the big day.
Step 2: Side Dishes
Keep side dishes simple if you’re on a budget this Thanksgiving. Make your own mashed potatoes with potatoes you purchase at the grocery store. This will save you on boxed potatoes or ones that are prepared in advance. Cook the potatoes on top of the stove in boiling water until very tender. Drain the water and mash the potatoes with a masher or hand-mixer. Then add butter, milk and salt to taste. Yum!
Green bean casserole is an easy and inexpensive dish to make for Thanksgiving. Mix:
- 1 can (10 ¾ oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 ¾ oz) green beans
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/3 cup French Fried Onions
- Pepper to taste
Mix the soup with the milk and pepper in a quart casserole dish. Add the green beans and 2/3 cup of the fried onions. Mix and bake in oven at 325 for 20 minutes. Add the rest of the fried onions on top of the casserole and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until they are brown.
Step 3: Desserts
Making easy desserts for Thanksgiving is one way to keep your budget under control. Make a few of the same recipes - apple or pumpkin pies, for instance. If you are buying ingredients in bulk, you will save money as opposed to buying supplies to make a large variety of desserts. Or ask everyone to bring a dessert - most guests would be happy to oblige.
