Enjoy the Bounty, Don’t Break the Bank
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Who doesn’t love the holidays? It’s a time of family, fellowship and, of course, food. And we believe that anyone can get in on the festivities—even if your budget isn’t much to celebrate. If you’re strapped for cash and hosting a big Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, here are some tips to get the most bang for your buck.
Host Dinner Potluck-Style
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If you’ve got a lot of mouths to feed, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner can quickly become expensive. If you’ve got extended family or friends joining you for dinner, ask them to bring a side dish or a dessert. Not only does this help keep the cost down for you, it’s a great way to try some new dishes!
Shop Early, Shop Smart
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When the holidays roll around, prices for common dinner components (think cranberry sauce and stuffing) go on sale in the weeks before Thanksgiving and Christmas. The key for taking advantage is to scour the weekly grocery store sales ads in your area and stock up on what you need when prices are lowest. Many of the non-pantry ingredients freeze well (including that turkey!) and will help you save when the big—as opposed to doing all your shopping the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, or on Christmas Eve.
Get Creative With Decor
The Budget Decorator
Skip store bought decorations in favor of something a little more natural. In this table setting, pumpkins and pinecones are spray painted gold for a stunning (yet inexpensive) look. Not naturally creative? Pinterest can be a great resource for DIY table inspiration.
Keep it Simple!
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Although it might be tempting to impress your guests with a smorgasbord of fancy dishes, there’s no need to have three kinds of pie or seven side dishes. Stick to tried-and-true favorites like sweet potato casserole and stuffing or share a family favorite. At the end of the day, it’s less about impressions and more about quality time.
Don’t Forget Those Leftovers!
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This might be the easiest way to save on Thanksgiving. Take advantage of the hundreds of ways to use that leftover food and feed your family the rest of the week! We love this Thanksgiving Grilled Cheese for a quick lunch idea!
