7 Thanksgiving Prep Tips That Keep Your Budget in Check
Hosting Thanksgiving doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With a little planning and a few clever tricks, you can serve a delicious holiday meal without overspending. These smart prep tips will help you stretch your dollars—and still impress every guest at the table.
Plan Your Menu Around Sales
Check weekly grocery ads before you start planning. Build your Thanksgiving menu around what’s already on sale—especially big-ticket items like turkey, butter, and baking essentials.
Buy in Bulk and Split with Family
Warehouse stores can save you a bundle, but only if you use what you buy. Coordinate with family or friends to split bulk ingredients like potatoes, flour, or canned goods.
Go Homemade on the Sides
Skip pricey pre-made dishes and make your own stuffing, cranberry sauce, or pies. Homemade versions cost less, feed more, and often taste better too.
Freeze Ingredients Early
Buy perishable items like butter, veggies, and pie crust ingredients weeks ahead when prices are low, then freeze them until you’re ready to cook.
Use What You Already Have
Before shopping, check your pantry and freezer for spices, sugar, or broth. You might already have half your ingredients waiting to be used.
Simplify the Menu
You don’t need five different casseroles to impress your guests. Focus on a few standout dishes and skip the extras—less food waste and more savings.
Repurpose Leftovers Creatively
Transform turkey into soups, sandwiches, or turkey flatbread and use leftover sides for next-day brunch. Planning ahead for leftovers means fewer wasted ingredients and more meals for your money.
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