Between the turkey, ingredients for that luscious holiday meal and décor to set the ambiance, hosting a Thanksgiving dinner is not cheap. We’ve compiled a list of six easy ways for you to save on your Thanksgiving costs this year, continue reading to learn more!
1. Verify your guests’ attendance. Before you start writing up a spectacular menu or a detailed shopping list, check to make sure you have an accurate head count of the guests who will be joining you for Thanksgiving dinner. You don’t want to end up with a fridge full of leftovers. Verify that all who are invited are indeed planning on showing, and only then begin planning your menu.
2. Find out what your guests like. It’s important to ask for your guests’ individual tastes. You don’t want to forget that one of your friends or relatives are on a strict gluten-free food plan or a vegetarian diet. Aside from specialized diets, ask about particular foods your guests like to eat and those they won’t touch. If something on your menu isn’t very popular with your guests, skip it, even if you think it’s an “obligatory” Thanksgiving food. This way, you won’t slave over a pumpkin soup that nobody will touch or end your holiday meal with trays full of leftovers and hungry guests.
3. Serve on smaller plates. Most people will load up their plates to capacity, regardless of the plate’s size. Curb the wasting at your table by using smaller dinnerware. Let your guests load up all the way without leaving half-full plates. They can always refill if they still want to eat more later.
4. DIY décor. You can set a beautiful holiday tablescape without blowing your budget; all it takes is a little imagination. Shop the local dollar store for discounted décor that still packs a punch, like colored vases, artificial flower arrangements, and other centerpieces. Look for easy, inexpensive DIY ideas online. Finally, get creative by using things from around the house — or yard — as your décor. For instance, you can create a whimsical candleholder by affixing cinnamon sticks around a candle or design an autumn-themed centerpiece with leaves and pinecones from your own yard.
5. Shop the sales. Grocery stores and shopping centers tend to run specials on turkeys and other Thanksgiving staples starting as early as Halloween. Plan your menu several weeks in advance, so you can take advantage of these sales. Keep it flexible until you see the circulars and then base your dishes on the ingredients and produce that is cheapest.
Once you upgrade your basic checking account to a Benefits Plus® checking with SeaComm…you will gain exclusive access to a variety of retail discounts and savings – including gift and eGift cards at up to 15% off, and a free Grocery Coupon Club membership! Click here to learn more, or visit your nearest SeaComm branch location to upgrade your checking account, today.
For complete information, terms, conditions and exclusions please visit www.benefits-plus.org or call 866-329-7587.
6. Cook from scratch. Most everything is less expensive — and tastes better — when it is homemade. Think gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing and apple pie. Start your cooking well enough in advance so you don’t find yourself relying on too many convenience foods and paying the price both in cash and taste. Once the holiday has passed, there is no need to throw away your leftover food. Click here to read our blog article for creative ways to re-purpose your Thanksgiving leftovers!