Budget Thanksgiving

Even on a budget, you can achieve a beautiful and elegant atmosphere for Thanksgiving dinner. Cover the table with a brown cloth. Search for a tablecloth that is on sale, or if you have access to a sewing machine, purchase some cheap fabric and sew a tablecloth. Shimmery paper makes an affordable place mat. Don't purchase new china; instead, use what you have on hand. Plain cotton napkins are environmentally friendly and inexpensive.

For a set of wine glasses, cutlery, and tealight votive holders, look no further than Ikea. It's a great place for large quantities at a low price.

Add an element of nature to the table with homemade place card holders. Write the names on the same paper as the place mats. Cut out and attach to a pinecone or tree spur with a satin ribbon. Avoid going overboard on the flowers; one simple bouquet is enough. Purchase the flowers at your local supermarket (instead of at a floral shop) and arrange yourself. Safeway and Trader Joe's usually have luscious bouquets for under $10.

Source

To save money on drinks at Thanksgiving, ask guests to bring a bottle of red or white wine. Head to Trader Joe's, they have a wonderful assortment of affordable wines, and purchase a couple of bottles to add to the collection. Instead of offering bottled water, fill pitchers with ice and tap water.

Make one signature cocktail and have a pitcher ready to pour the moment the party starts. This recipe for a cranberry champagne cocktail is festive. Instead of using champagne, substitute a sparkling Spanish cava. Beverages and More has one on sale for $7.00. Grand Marnier, the French orange liqueur, can be pricey, so replace it with Triple Sec. To look at the cocktail recipe, read more

Thanksgiving isn't Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie. While you could ask guests to bring dessert, I think the hostess should take on this sweet task. If you don't do much baking, it's more economical to purchase a ready-made pie dough.

However, if you have ingredients like flour and butter on hand, simply use those to make the pie. The classic recipe from Libby's is delicious and minimal. Ditch the whipped cream topping for a truly budget, fit-friendly dessert. To look at the recipe, read more

An easy way to cut the budget of your Thanksgiving feast is to make the dinner a potluck. You supply the appetizers, turkey, and one side, then ask the guests to fill in the blanks. Not going overboard on side dishes is another great way to trim costs. When there are too many side options guests can feel overwhelmed and may end up over-eating. Do them a favor and don't offer more then four side dishes.

Keep in mind that even on a limited budget, you can still create a delicious and elegant meal. Have goat cheese stuffed mushrooms with breadcrumbs waiting for your guests to arrive. Purchase a frozen turkey instead of a fresh one. Most supermarkets have sales around Thanksgiving on frozen turkeys and you can find one for $10 or less. Season the turkey with everyday ingredients like red onions and oranges. Make simple mashed potatoes as a side.

To get these wallet friendly recipes, read more

Just because the economy is in a downward spiral that doesn't mean you should call off your plans for an amazing Thanksgiving dinner. Now, more than ever, is a time to get together with loved ones. This week I'll be discussing my ideas for a Thanksgiving dinner that won't break the bank. Whether you're a student with a small income or were recently laid off, I've got you covered. Take my tips and translate them into your own delicious meal.Usually, I'm an advocate for sending handmade invitations through regular mail, but between the cost of supplies and stamps, the first way to start saving is through an email invitation. If your group is smaller than 5, invite each guest with a phone call. For a larger group, create a quick, fun emailable invite like the one seen here. To learn how I made it, read more