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MAIN  Holidays Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving on a Budget
For cash-strapped
families who want to keep costs down on this year's Thanksgiving
celebration, there is a cornucopia of ways to plan and organize
a fun-filled feast without breaking the bank.
Just follow
these money-saving and time-saving ideas for Thanksgiving
on a budget:
- "Hire"
help. Have a potluck dinner by assigning appetizers,
desserts and side dishes to various family members who are
usually more than happy to pitch in and participate. For
really large gatherings, don't forget to assign who is bringing
the extra cutlery, tablecloths and napkins, extra chairs
or tables.
- Plan
your menu, and then make a list of everything you need.
As always, don't do your Thanksgiving shopping on an empty
stomach to help avoid those impulse purchases. Plan your
shopping as if it were a military operation, and have your
items listed by section to speed up shopping. To head-off
any Thanksgiving drama ("I forgot the rosemary and
sage!") carefully check each item off the list as it
gets added to the cart.
- Look
for special sales in supermarket
circulars online this time of year on aluminum foil
and roasting pans, as well as plastic bags ... to store
the extra turkey on its way to becoming turkey
soup. Also check out bulk purchases at wholesale
warehouses like Costco for deals on party platters, paper
towels, or even folding chairs and tables if you're expecting
a big crowd.
- For
smaller families, spend money wisely by buying a turkey
breast to save on costs and to avoid waste. Many grocers
and supermarkets now stock turkey parts throughout the year,
including legs and thighs for dark meat lovers.
- Save
time - keep it simple. By all means opt for fresh when
it comes to making the mashed
potatoes or turnips, but other side dishes like
green beans, yams, corn or peas can be just as easily prepared
from canned or frozen.
- For
decorations, enlist the kids the week before by assigning
fun and easy Thanksgiving
craft projects such as table centerpieces, door
hangings, or even coloring pages that will add folksiness
and charm to your family celebration. And the kids will
love it...
also
see -> How
to cook a turkey | How
to make stuffing
Black
Friday sales | Cyber
Monday sales
Budget
meals | Make
ahead meals
More
budget Thanksgiving ideas around the Web:
Celebrating
Thanksgiving on a Budget
Save
Money on Your Thanksgiving Decorations
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