Thanksgiving Dinner: How to Save on the Big Meal
- November 14, 2012
- by Melissa Lawrence
Hello, fellow parents!
Thanksgiving dinner is one of my absolute favorite meals of the year. From the turkey to the mashed potatoes to the stuffing…I’m getting hungry just thinking about it! But the costs can really add up, especially when you’re shopping for a big extended family like I am.
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In this video I share money-saving meal options for Thanksgiving dinner without sacrificing any of the deliciousness.
Saving on the Biggest Family Dinner of the Year
- Make, Don’t Buy…this is definitely one of the oldest tricks in the book. Store-bought, ready-to-eat meals and catering services can jack up the prices of any holiday festivity. Spend some quality time with your kids and husband and prepare a meal right at home. You’ll be so proud of yourself with the finished result, and you’ll be saving a lot of money at the same time!
- Potluck…if you don’t want to put a lot of pressure on yourself this year, ask your friends and family members who are coming over to bring their own favorite side dish for Thanksgiving! You can even share the great back stories about each dish and create your own tradition this way!
- Estimate…don’t go crazy with how much food you need. You definitely don’t want to be eating turkey sandwiches ‘til Christmas! I found a really great calculator online which helps you figure out how much turkey you’ll need for each guest! Here’s the link!
- Coupon…Couponing can save you a bunch this holiday season! A lot of stores will have special deals just in time for the big meal!
Plus, here’s one of the handy resources I found online that is a part of my plan:
Butterball Turkey Coupon: This deal is good for $6 off a Butterball turkey with the coupon and a mail-in rebate.
Please weigh in below sharing your money-saving meal ideas for the holidays, and thanks so much for watching! Happy Holidays!
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Comments
Tracy P
I find the best deals on turkey and my side items and try to stay simple but delicious. I also don’t forget coupons.
Kenia
Each year we take turns in hosting the Thanksgiving dinner. The family hosting makes the turkey and then the rest bring their favorite foods so in the end we have a huge family feast. I also use a coupon whenever I can =]
Happy Thanksgiving to everybody!!!
Katie Morison
I love Thanksgiving…I save money by letting my mom do the cooking, haha.
Kristi
Divide up dishes to bring between family members. Don’t feel like you have to do it all! Let people help, it’s your Thanksgiving too! Also put those kiddos to work; age appropriate jobs are good for them And you!
letha spickard
i shop at walmart for it is cheaper then the store where i live.
Kellie Rose Wilson
When I have hosted Thanksgiving, I agree to cook the turkey and stuffing but every guest brings at least one item so we all pitch in to make one meal. I think this is a great way to save money for the holiday and it’s also nice to be able to try out fantastic dishes from a variety of family members!
Sharon
I just love to shop at Walmart, that is one way I save.I shop the sale adds and I always use coupons. I freeze leftovers and I make my own dressing from scratch using leftover bread!
sharon
Its nice if family members pitch in and everyone brings a dish!
diane larson
Get all your last minute things done before company arrives- Fill your relish trays- your bed baskets- set the table- you will enjoy more time with your company
Ingrid S
I don’t have anything different then already posted. Share the duties and use coupons.
Stephanie Ford-Smith
This is the 1st year I am hosting Thanksgiving but my I’ve learned to shop the Sunday paper deals 1-2 weeks before for the best Turkey price!
Kathy
Here is how we are saving money on Thanksgiving dinner. We started a garden last fall and we have plenty of pumpkins for pumpkin pie and onions for dressing. I get bread from Panera bread and freeze and I am going to use it for dressing. I use leftover spaghetti sauce for chilli too and meatloaf.
Janice
I transferred a prescription to Publix and I received a coupon for a free turkey!!!!
I also shop at Sam’s they have great prices and I love saving money.
Denise L
As always, it’s great to combine sales with coupons. But I think the best way to save at Thanksgiving is to make everything from scratch. You can really save that way and it tastes so much better. Our family also does it pot luck style so the cost of the meal is spread out and it’s not too much for any one of us.
Have a wonderful holiday!
Melissa Lawrence
Congratulations to Sharon for winning this giveaway! I hope the Walmart gift card comes in handy with your holiday shopping…and best of luck with that homemade stuffing tomorrow.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Thanks for your wonderful comments and ideas.