How to Frugally Set a Chic Thanksgiving Table

As decisions are made about what will go on the Thanksgiving table—from entrées to side dishes—families are looking to save money. How to do this without sacrificing treats, the publication explained USA Today.

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Prices for holiday meals are highly variable. Turkey prices have fallen to an average of $1,37 per pound, while side dishes and desserts have seen mixed prices.

In 2022, the average Thanksgiving meal for 10 people cost just under $65, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Although inflation has been falling recently, families are still seeking relief from rising costs over the past three years.

On the subject: How to Cook a Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey: Tips from an Experienced Chef

Here are some ideas for saving money this Thanksgiving.

The right size for the feast

While feasting is central to this holiday, cutting down on excess purchases provides an opportunity to save on grocery costs.

For example, food waste is generally seen as an environmental problem, but there are also financial costs.

About 200 million pounds (90,7 million kg) of turkey are wasted each year, according to the National Resources Defense Council. If the same amount is thrown away this year, more than $274 million will end up in landfills.

Reducing the size of the bird by two pounds (0,9 kg) would reduce the average cost of a meal by $2,74.

The same principle applies to side dishes and desserts. In Los Angeles, California, a 10-ounce Marie Callender's Apple Pie costs just $280 less than the same company's 2-ounce Dutch Apple Pie at Safeway.

Of course, it's impossible to completely avoid leftovers after Thanksgiving dinner, but understanding how much your family will actually eat can help keep money from ending up in the trash.

Choose fresh foods over canned foods this year.

The cost of canned food has risen this year, making fresh produce an attractive and healthy alternative.

Wells Fargo's Thanksgiving 2023 report said fresh green beans remained "inflation-resistant," while the cost of canned foods rose 9%.

The same report notes that while the cost of canned cranberries has increased by 60%, fresh cranberries will cost 20% less.

Choose the time to buy

If you can wait until the last few days before the holiday, you may be able to find some last-minute deals.

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“Historically, turkey prices drop a lot in the two weeks before Thanksgiving,” said Michael Swanson, chief agricultural economist at the Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute. “Once everyone makes their choice and demand subsides, retailers should offer better prices.”

When it comes to sweet potatoes, Swanson noted that "prices are expected to decline around Thanksgiving."

Cost equalization

While the ideal image of Thanksgiving is of family gathered in the family home, one of the best ways to cut costs is to share the menu among everyone.

Potlak parties feature a wide variety of dishes, with the host focusing on the main course and presentation.

Additionally, spreading expenses among multiple guests allows the host to stay within budget.

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