How to Celebrate Thanksgiving on a Budget

Thanksgiving isn't cheap! With food, decorations, and travel costs, there are so many expenses to cover. But with a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy a festive holiday without breaking the bank. Here's how to save on Thanksgiving costs while embracing the season's spirit.

Start your shopping early

It's always a good idea to start your preparations well in advance. Retailers start putting out Thanksgiving staples early, so if you start ahead of time, you can progressively purchase all your needs while scouting the best deals on everything. If you have flexibility within your menu, you can plan your menu around these deals for even more savings.

Stick to your list and budget

Before starting your preparations, create a Thanksgiving shopping list and a budget for all your expenses. Without a budget, it's easy to go overboard with your shopping.

Be sure to list all Thanksgiving expenses in your budget, including:

Dinnerware
Beverages
Cooking essentials
Seating for every guest
Decorations and centerpieces
Storage for leftover food
Travel costs, if applicable
Menu items from appetizer to dessert

Plan your travel wisely

If your Thanksgiving plans include traveling, follow these tips to keep costs as low as possible.

First, choose to fly on slower travel days. Flying the Monday before Thanksgiving will generally net you cheaper tickets than traveling on Tuesday or Wednesday. You'll also want to book your ticket at least six weeks in advance to avoid paying a premium for last-minute plans. Finally, consider traveling lightly to avoid baggage fees.

Go potluck

Share the load and go potluck to save on your Thanksgiving dinner costs. Ask your guests to bring one dish for a dinner that's easier to prepare and easier on the wallet. As a bonus, your dinner will have much more variety and will likely be more enjoyable.

For a perfectly organized potluck dinner, create a shared spreadsheet for all guests to input the dishes they plan to bring. This way, you won't have three desserts and no mashed potatoes.

Keep it simple

Thanksgiving is all about spending time with the people who matter to you most and expressing gratitude for all the blessings in your life. The elaborate and expensive feast is just an extra. Remember this as you prepare for the holiday and resist the pressure to go overboard with food or décor. A simple meal served by a calm and present host can be more meaningful than an extravagant spread prepared by a frazzled and worn-out cook. Focus on what's most important to you and your family, and your holiday will be memorable, no matter how big or small your budget may be.

Make it from scratch

Convenience foods, like canned cranberry sauce and instant mashed potatoes, can seem like a lifesaver when pressed for time. However, these foods tend to have a higher price tag that can push you over budget. Try to make as much as you can from scratch this Thanksgiving. Raw ingredients are nearly always cheaper, and nothing tastes as good as a truly homemade dish.

Homemade doesn't have to mean endless hours in the kitchen. Look online for creative hacks and inspiration that can help you create your menu from scratch without the hassle. For example, you can make homemade stuffing with day-old bread and a few pantry staples in just a few minutes.

Decorate on a budget

Instead of spending a lot of money on store-bought décor, get creative and make your own with items you already have around your house and yard. Beautiful fall leaves, pinecones, and branches can be used to create striking centerpieces and table settings. You can also repurpose things you already own, like Mason jars, candles, and baskets.

If DIY isn't your thing, shop at your local dollar stores for affordable decorations. Creativity can go a long way toward creating a warm and festive atmosphere.