37 Ideas for Doing Thanksgiving Inexpensively

Thanksgiving is a great time to gather with loved ones, but it can certainly come with a steep price tag. Maybe you’re flying home for the holiday.

Or perhaps you’re staying behind on campus and cooking with friends, or hosting at your first-ever apartment. No matter where the turkey is roasting, it will involve considerable time, effort, and cash.

Thanksgiving on a Budget

Stocking Up as Stuff Goes on Sale

Grabbing nonperishables whenever you see them on discount can save a bundle, and also help spread out the cost of the meal.

Making It a Potluck

You can coordinate who is bringing what in advance to make sure there are no overlaps or gaps.

Skipping Appetizers

When hosting, you may be tempted to splash out on a fancy cheese plate or other hors d’oeuvres to start with.

Buying Basics in Bulk

Buying staples like flour, potatoes, eggs, cream, and butter from a warehouse store like Costco or Sam’s Club can help you spend a lot less on food, as long as you’re not buying more than you need or will use up after Thanksgiving.

Baking Your Own Bread

Many recipes require just flour, yeast, water, and maybe a dash of salt and/or sugar. You can also make bread ahead of time and stick it in the freezer until the big day.

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