3 financially friendly ways to cook your Thanksgiving feast
Believe it or not, Thanksgiving is right around the corner. It's a wonderful holiday to celebrate with friends and family, but it can also be expensive one to cook for. While we all try to go above and beyond during the holiday season, there are financially friendly ways to cook your Thanksgiving feast without breaking the bank.
Plan ahead.
Starting November 1, get out the calendar and start prepping your meal. If you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner with friends and family, divide and conquer the menu by having other guests bring dishes. Once you've planned the menu, see what you already have in your pantry so that you don't purchase unnecessary items. And don't forget to coupon and take advantage of sale items; this will definitely help cut the cost of your Turkey Day dinner.
Cook the Classics.
Don't use the Thanksgiving holiday as a day to taste test new recipes. What happens if your side dish turns out to be a disaster? Now you've wasted food and doubled the cost of your budget! Instead, cook what you know and stick to classic Thanksgiving dishes and family favorites. If your heart is set on a new recipe, try it well in advance to avoid any Thanksgiving day disasters.
Limit the décor.
While a fancy cornucopia centerpiece is nice, it's not necessary for your Thanksgiving dinner. You can purchase discounted or used decorations at a thrift store, or make them yourself. If money is tight this year, use what decorations you have and focus on the food and family instead. After all, being together and enjoying each other's company is what matters most.
