Thanksgiving Entertaining Without Breaking the Bank

1. Keep an eye out for local deals. Local newspapers and TV stations often post updated lists the weeks before Thanksgiving on food prices at various grocery stores. Cross referencing with your grocery list is one way to shave a few extra dollars off your shopping trip.

2. Buy in bulk. If you’re going to host a large group, take advantage of bulk deals at grocery stores or make a trip to a warehouse retailer for nonperishable items such as alcohol or canned foods. Stocks, canned soup and vegetables are often on sale this time of year and can be used in dishes for many months to come.

3. Shop around for your turkey. It is the star of the show, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative to save some money. One way is getting a smaller turkey and supplementing the meal with additional side dishes. Opt for a grocery store turkey (it doesn’t have to be a name brand turkey) which will cost about $2 a pound, and for an even better deal, visit your grocery store early and store the turkey in your freezer.

4. Share the Cost. Make it a potluck meal by offering to cook the main dish and asking guests to contribute the rest. Everyone can bring a side dish, dessert or bottle of wine without breaking their budgets.

5. Be smart about beverages. Visit a wholesale alcohol retailer, and take advantage of sales. Don’t overlook boxed wine either – on average, one box of wine is equivalent to four bottles. Boxed wine often costs $20 or less, which is the equivalent price of $5 per bottle. Serve it in a decanter, and no one will know the difference.

6. Shop early, save big! You should start shopping for Thanksgiving dinner weeks ahead of time. The reason why it’s so smart to plan ahead for Thanksgiving is because you can start shopping early for deals, and you can use discount coupons for groceries way ahead of time. This can help you save big time!

7. I know how tempting it is to make complicated meals with expensive ingredients to give your guests the ultimate Thanksgiving dinner. But all this does is add money, time, and stress to your Thanksgiving. Why not keep things simple? Fall stews, homemade rolls, and good company…that sounds like a great time to me!

And lastly, continue the savings by really using those leftovers. Turkey sandwiches, soups and stews, salads for lunch. Stretch the savings!