5 Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving on a Budget

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. While the holidays are usually a source of anxiety over how much to spend, it is possible to enjoy a pleasant dinner without hurting your budget.

Published on 2022-11-09

Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away, so it's time to start thinking about food and decorations. But with inflation at an all-time high, it's easy to stress about the expenses. While Thanksgiving is all about being grateful, it can also affect your budget. But don't worry! With these helpful tips, you'll be able to spend the best time with your loved ones and save some money.

How To Have The Best Thanksgiving On a Budget

Thanksgiving is the time to get together and count our blessings. But it's also an expensive time that weighs on your wallet. Whether you're hosting or attending dinner, it's essential to be mindful of how much you can spend. All it takes to have a lovely, budget-friendly evening is a bit of planning and organizing.

Make a Plan

As we mentioned earlier in this article, the first thing you need to spend less on Thanksgiving is a plan. Knowing exactly how much you can spend is essential. Start by deciding what your budget will be and move on to other areas, like food or amount of guests. Remember to be thorough and cover all aspects of your Thanksgiving dinner!

Buy In-Season Vegetables

Another tip for saving on your Thanksgiving dinner is to buy in-season produce. For example, sweet potatoes, squash, broccoli, and pumpkin. These veggies should be cheaper than their out-of-season counterparts. Plus, they're healthy —and tasty— options that will add some versatility to your Thanksgiving menu. For dessert, you can stick to a traditional pumpkin pie. But if you're looking to get creative, there are many recipes using apples or pears, which are also in season.

Split Costs

Handling a Thanksgiving dinner alone could be too expensive if you're on a tight budget. So, you might want to consider splitting costs with your guests. Another affordable alternative is to host a potluck. Encouraging your loved ones to bring sides or desserts will save you money and time in the kitchen. Moreover, it will help build a sense of closeness among guests. And don’t forget to make use of any leftovers!

Reuse Decorations

Decorating is one of the most fun parts of Thanksgiving. But buying new decor every year can take an unnecessary toll on your budget. A great way of cutting costs is to reuse decorations from previous years. To make them feel fresh, put them in new places or paint them a new color!

But if you still want to buy Thanksgiving decor, check out local thrift shops.

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to show appreciation for those who matter to you. And you don't need to break the bank to make that happen. CardCookie is the marketplace to buy unused gift cards and get discounts on your favorite brands! Save up to 26% on clothing, travel, food, and more!

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