Hosting Thanksgiving on a Budget

Are you hosting a Thanksgiving feast this year? Family, friends and delicious food seems like a foolproof combination, but if you don’t plan for all the expenses, your budget can take a hit. It can be easy to spend a fortune on turkey, side dishes, beverages and decorations in an effort to be a good host.

So before you go shopping, check out these tips for having a fun, tasty and budget-friendly holiday.

Make it a potluck

Thanksgiving is all about coming together, so why not harness the spirit of the holiday and make your get-together a potluck? Coordinate with your guests ahead of time, and plan a menu based on what people want to make, or at the very least don’t mind purchasing. By divvying up the dishes, you can keep your costs down while making the day a more communal event.

Create a shopping list and stick to it

When cooking food for a group, it’s easy to go overboard at the supermarket if you aren’t prepared. That’s why it’s important to make your shopping list ahead of time. Actually, the earlier you compose it, the better. As you shop in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, you can pick up items for the big day if they go on sale.

It’s also helpful to set a budget early. If you find that you’re spending too much, you’ll have time to get creative about ingredients, or choose an equally tasty but more affordable alternative instead.

Use simple decorations

You don’t need to purchase a fake cornucopia or themed napkins to create a Thanksgiving vibe. Instead, embrace a less is more philosophy. Buy a small number of tasteful items such as decorative gourds. You can also combine ribbon with pine cones from your yard to create a festive door hanging. These items are wallet-friendly, versatile, and can be used year after year.

Content provided in part by BALANCE.