How to set a chic Thanksgiving table and not go broke

Thanksgiving family dinner even for a small family can make you worry. Especially if your budget is limited.

Фото: Depositphotos

Fortunately, NY Daily News has put together several ways to save money without going beyond your budget.

1. Set a budget and stick to it

Thanksgiving is a manifestation of love and appreciation for your loved ones, so it’s very easy to spend more than you planned. Set aside a certain amount of money and stick to it. According to the American Federation of Bureau of Farming, you can reduce the number of dishes or ask guests to bring one of the dishes for dinner.

The average Thanksgiving table for 10 people will cost $ 48,90, or less than $ 5 per person.

2. Plan ahead

Make a menu at least a week before the holiday. Find out how many foods you will need to feed your guests. Find out in advance if they are allergic to any foods, as well as their eating habits.

Planning the menu according to the tastes and preferences of the guests will help you to avoid time and money. Coordinate with your guests what dishes they bring.

On the subject: Thanksgiving: everything you need to know about the holiday

3. Buy cheap and satisfying side dishes

Cranberry sauce, fried pumpkin, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and sauce - a classic that will cost about a dollar per serving. These dishes are hearty, so guests will eat smaller servings than in more expensive dishes, such as a pie with nuts.

Фото: Depositphotos

4. Do not pay full price for turkey

In November, to attract customers, many supermarkets offer free or greatly discounted turkeys in anticipation of the holiday. Some stores offer free birds with a minimum purchase amount or in tandem with certain items, but do not spend too much money or buy things that you do not need.

According to the American Farmers Federation, the average price for a holiday turkey is $ 1,36 per pound, but you do not have to pay the full price, as many stores only offer 39 cents per pound.

5. Avoid Cooked Food

If you want to save, then cook yourself, and not buy finished products.

For example, cooked mashed potatoes in the Central Market cost $ 5,49 per pound, and potatoes cost 88 cents per pound. Side dishes are always significantly more expensive, and even frozen pies can be more expensive than raw materials.

6. Compare Prices

Before you leave home and go shopping, find the best deals in town. Scan newspapers for coupons and good discounts. Check out local supermarket sites, social networks, and apps to compare offers and digital coupons.

Then come up with a plan of what you want to buy in each store.

Фото: Depositphotos

7. Maneuver with your list

Even having planned all your recipes and a shopping list in advance, don't be afraid to make changes on the fly, especially when it comes to pricing. If during the purchase you find a more profitable product or cannot find the ingredient you need, or a certain type of product does not look attractive, you will have to do without this ingredient or replace a certain dish.

8. Do not buy a whole extra turkey

The general idea is that you should set aside one and a half to two pounds of turkey for each guest. If you count that you need more than one turkey, you do not need to buy another whole bird. Instead, just buy an extra turkey breast. This trick also works if you are cooking for only a few people. Buying turkey breast for a small group of guests will save you time, effort and money.

9. Mark purchased items

It's a shame when, upon returning home, you find that you forgot to buy a product or purchased a few. A double purchase and additional trips will cost you more. Therefore, when you put the goods purchased from the list in the basket, be sure to mark it there.

10. Inexpensive wine will come in handy

On Thanksgiving, food on the table is the main component of dinner. Therefore, there is no need to spend money on expensive drinks to impress your guests. Any wine you serve should be light and complement a wide range of products. You can easily find quality red and light wines ranging from 10 to 30 dollars.

On the subject: How to easily and beautifully set the table for Thanksgiving

11. Keep it simple

Of course, it’s fun to replace traditional recipes with modern gourmet ones. But for the most part, Thanksgiving Americans prefer the classics. So do not spend money on expensive products to impress.

Фото: Depositphotos

12. Save on decor

You can find much more affordable décor in places where everything is for a dollar, or in discount stores such as TJ Maxx. The most cost-effective strategy may be to use colorful seasonal fruits and vegetables. Bowls filled with apples and pumpkins can be an excellent central element. In any case, they can then be used, and not stored in a cabinet dust collectors.

13. Buy less than you plan

Food Network recommends: For one adult, 3 / 4 glasses of cooked toppings, 1 portion of mashed potatoes and 1 / 4 pounds of vegetable side dishes are enough.

14. Buy generic products

Another way to save money is to buy universal products, rather than specific brands or ingredients of famous brands. For example, your guests will not feel the taste differences of milk, spices, sugar, seasonings and canned vegetables.

Read also on ForumDaily:

How to easily and beautifully set the table for Thanksgiving

American mentality: friendship, guests and sympathy

Thanksgiving: everything you need to know about the holiday

How to celebrate Thanksgiving: cooking, table decoration, entertainment

How to Cook the Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.