1. Plan your menu in advance
Start by deciding what dishes you want to serve and make a detailed shopping list. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and ensure you only buy what you need. If you are having trouble figuring out which dishes are the cheapest to make, chances are, the less complex the recipe, the cheaper the dish will be.
2. Compare prices
Before heading to the grocery store, compare prices at different supermarkets or local farmers' markets. Look for sales or discounts on Thanksgiving staples like turkey, cranberries, and potatoes. You will most likely find cheaper prices for generic non-organic brands. Feel free to buy your ingredients in non-branded stores as they usually don't inflate their prices.
3. Buy in bulk
If you have the storage space, consider buying non-perishable items in bulk. Staples like flour, sugar, and canned goods can often be purchased at a lower cost when bought in larger quantities. Staple items are also considered fundamental cooking ingredients, meaning that they will eventually be used over time if you decide to cook a lot. Only buy perishable items for main course dishes, since they can't be stored very long, making them main course dishes will persuade your guest to consume them first over other items.
4. Cook from scratch
Pre-packaged or pre-made foods can be convenient, but they often come with a higher price tag. Opting to cook from scratch not only allows you to control the ingredients but also helps you save money. However, this is not always the case depending on your lifestyle. Deciding to buy a premade cheap pizza for $6 is probably more cost-effective than making a pizza from scratch. However, if your goal is to make a personalized menu with specific high-quality ingredients, making dishes from scratch is most likely the best way to go when trying to save money.
5. Share the cost
If you're hosting a Thanksgiving gathering, consider asking your guests to contribute a dish or chip in for groceries. This not only lightens the financial burden but also adds variety to the gathering. You will also save time as your guest may be able to pick up certain things for you on the way to your Thanksgiving get-together.
6. Use coupons and discounts
Take advantage of coupons and discounts offered by grocery stores or online platforms. Sign up for loyalty programs and newsletters to receive exclusive deals and offers. Apps like Flipp are a good place to start in finding grocery sales for the holidays. Use it to also compare deals happening between different grocery store outlets as well.
7. Decorate on a budget
Thanksgiving decorations can be costly, but you don't need to break the bank to create a festive atmosphere. Use natural elements like leaves and pinecones, or repurpose items you already have at home. Budget stores usually have cheap decorations that will suffice. If you are handy enough, try a DYI project making hand-made decorations. If decorations can't be cheap, make sure to buy high-quality decorations that can be reused for years to come.
8. Limit alcohol consumption
Alcoholic beverages can quickly add up to your expenses. Consider serving a signature cocktail or offering a limited selection of drinks to keep costs down. Buying in bulk and mixing a specialized alcoholic concoction for all your guests is a good idea as it keeps the selection limited and everyone has alcohol to go around. Stores like Costco are a good source if you're looking for high-quality alcohol at cheap bulk prices. If you aren't interested in mixing drinks, buying alcohol by the can is also a good idea as the leftover unopened cans can be stored and used later.
9. Plan for leftovers
Don't let the leftovers go to waste. Plan ahead and use them to create new meals or freeze them for future use. This will help stretch your budget and reduce food waste. Non-perishables are the best types as they are easier to store for long periods of time. If you have leftover meats and bones, feel free to use them to make hearty soup for the following day. If you aren't interested in keeping the leftovers, feel free to have your guest take some home.
10. Focus on what matters
Remember that the true essence of Thanksgiving lies in spending time with loved ones and expressing gratitude. Focus on creating memorable experiences rather than spending excessive amounts of money. Bringing out old photos or board games is a good way to reconnect. Since life goes fast feel free to gather your thoughts and have meaningful conversations with loved ones, thanksgiving is the time to do it so don't let it go to waste.
