Stop Wasting Money This Thanksgiving

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Homemade Turkey Thanksgiving Dinner

If you have ever hosted a Thanksgiving dinner, you know that throwing that all together and sticking to your budget is near impossible. Hopefully you put a little extra in your grocery budget for that big meal this year, but here are some tips to keep in mind to help you save a little more.

What Can I Bring?

You hear the question from just about everyone you invite to dinner – What can I bring? Instead of telling them you have it all covered, ask them to bring something. Mashed potatoes are easy to make and bring. Need a salad? Assign that to someone on your invite list.

Cut Back on the Food

Almost everyone makes way too much food each year and then struggles to fit it all in your fridge. Cut back on the menu or at least on the amount you make this year and I’m sure you’ll find you have plenty.

Limit the Menu to the Good Stuff

Do you feel that every year you make a dish that no one really eats? This year try to eliminate the one or two dishes that are the least favorites and just stick with the tried and true ones.

Cut Back on the Apps

As if the huge dinner wasn’t enough, many people go crazy serving tons of appetizers to their guests before the big meal. Cut this back to one or two simple appetizers if you still want to have something to offer them.

Decorations and Centerpieces

Everyone loves a gorgeous centerpiece in the middle of the Thanksgiving Dinner table, but one from the floral shop could cost $50 or more. Try a DIY one this year that you can maybe store and use each year. Enlist the kids’ help and it can become a new tradition.

And many people go over the top spending money on cute and elaborate place settings. But most guests don’t care and are just there to enjoy some food and company. So don’t fret the small stuff.