15+ Cost Cutting Ideas for Thanksgiving Dinner AND How to Prepare a Thanksgiving Dinner for Less Than $80!

15 Ways to Cut Costs on Thanksgiving Dinner &
This post contains a link to show you how to prepare a Thanksgiving Dinner for Under $80! 
 

Read On....

1). Take inventory! Before you leave the house, check and double-check your cabinets, pantry, refrigerator, freezer,  and anyplace you store food. Don't forget the spice rack and the liquor cabinet. You may have forgotten that you already had at item hiding behind an old cereal box. This will eliminate the aggravation of purchasing an item twice. 

2). Make a List - It avoids the time-eater of back-tracking to the store for a forgotten item. 

3). Check Out Low-Cost Produce Stands. Some farmers markets
are pricey, but if you scour around, you will find a market that's willing to beat the price of the local grocers. Check all products for freshness and wash produce thoroughly. 

 4). Stuffing - If you have adequate spices and some bread laying around the house, you can make your own stuffing using a variety of different methods. Poultry Seasoning provides an excellent flavor, especially if you are shorthanded on other flavorings. Adding ground pork, ground turkey, bacon, bacon bits, chicken/turkey broth, apples, cranberries, minced carrots, minced celery, and orange zest, are all items you can use to enhance the flavor of your stuffing. 

5). Combine ingredients w/ multiple recipes - Once you have stocked your kitchen with all the basics; try to re-use similar items
in all of your dishes. Trim off a section of some of the

fruits & veggies from your side dishes and use it for the stuffing. If you are baking an apple pie, you dice up part of the raw apple that you are Not using in the pie, and an use it in the stuffing. Or, if you make candied sweet potatoes, you can mash up the remaining sweet potato and combine it into your pumpkin pie to make a delicious pumpkin sweet potato pie. You can also combine it with baked apples, carrots, or cranberries. Use your creativity! Be sure the ratio's are the consistent. For example, candied sweet potatoes add more moisture and sweetness to any dish, therefore, you will need to omit some of the sugar in the recipe. Try to salvage any leftover ingredients and combine it with items you already have on hand. 

 6). Stick to "The List" - Once you've prepared your shopping list, stick to it.  It is easy to get trapped into picking up things that you didn't intend to buy. Also, your shopping list helps to avoid impulse buying.


7). Adjust your thermostat- While using the oven or multiple burners on the stovetop, adjust the themostat accordingly ahead of time to save a few $$$ on your enegy bill. Just remember to set it back when you're guests arrive so that they remain comfortable.


 8). Stay with Tradition - While steak may sound great, the price adds up. In some grocery stores, you can get a free turkey after spending a certain amount money in that particular store or chain.

9) What if pork or ham is cheaper than the turkey? 
     ** See Below

10). Size it Up! If you are purchasing a turkey, veggies and side dishes; size up the number of people to the pounds of turkey and the overall serving portions. You won't need a 26 pound turkey for a party of 6. Most recipes and store bought items will give you a

serving size. Go with the one that gives you the best bang for your buck! Again, you may be able to (a). combine ingredients or (b). add in the remaining ingredients from another dish you are preparing to stretch the recipe! Think about flavors that enhance each other while you are doing this. If you are uncertain, stick with the standard recipe.

11). Ask your guests to bring a Dish - Along with your Happy

Holiday invitation, email a list of all the items that you are planning to prepare. Let them know that you would be grateful if they could bring a dish. Even if you don't ask them directly, let people know what  items you are making.  Most people will offer to bring at least one dish, if Not 2 or 3! Enjoy the Feast! 

12). Back to Basics -- If you can't get the "free" turkey, consider buying a basic turkey that hasn't been injected with artificial flavorings. If you have the basics including chicken/poultry stock, poultry seasoning and a few other other herbs and spices, you can save yourself a lot of money by seasoning the turkey yourself. If you are in a pinch;

salt, pepper, onion powder (or diced onion) and chicken stock is all you really need. A little celery goes a long way as well! Think like a Pilgrim and make do with what you've got!
  
13). Use Coupons & Circulars Carefully - Only use coupons and discounted items advertised in the store circulars for items that you already have on your shopping list, (with one exception), it's a much needed item that you forgot about. Put a check next to the items on your shopping list that are on sale and the letter "C" next to the coupon items. Put the coupons in your wallet so you don't forget them!

 14). Call a Friend - Oh No!..You just ran out of butter for the mashed potatoes and you also forgot the "Special" Wine for Aunt Suzie. The guests will be arriving in an hour. You have yet to

shower, you're still wrapping up the crescent rolls and you still have some "touch-up" cleaning to do before the guests arrive. There is No Time to run to the store!   Call a neighbor, friend, family member or guest on their way to your Holiday Bash! If all else fails, get yourself ready, put the last finishing touches on the house, and set the table. Don't let the one missing item spoil your holiday. When the guests arrive, smile and have confidence. After all, you worked hard to prepare for this event.

15). Make a Thanksgiving Dinner for Under $80, check out this website:
http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/holidays/thanksgiving/budgetmenu



**  What if pork or ham is cheaper than the turkey? Roast beef, honey baked ham and pork loin are all options. However, different types of meat will require a different set of side dishes which may

take away from the "traditional" Thanksgiving theme. Therefore, it's a good idea to run the idea past your guests first. While most folks prefer turkey, graving, stuffing and mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving; if you're really on a budget, you can always prepare a barbeque chicken, or bbq pork on the grill. You can add some corn on the cob, baked beans, potato salad, etc. If you live in a warm climate, you can also provide some comfortable outdoor seating, or borrow some comfy chairs from a friend or neighbor. This could be a cost effective way of enjoying your holiday.