You may not think about Thanksgiving as being a particularly expensive holiday.
After all, you aren't buying jewelry and flowers (Valentine's Day) or lots of presents (Christmas or Hanukkah, coming soon). But, when you add up the cost of the turkey and all the side dishes, plus travel by car or airplane, it turns out to be a pricey holiday!
This year, a lot of our members are looking for ways to trim their budget, without giving up all the yummy trimmings this Thanksgiving. Our suggestion: Host a low-cost Friendsgiving this year!
Friendsgiving is when you skip the travel to see far away family members, and instead invite your closest friends to share a Thanksgiving meal. Here are five ways you can save money while being a great host for a fun, friendship-filled feast.
1. Figure out your menu early. One of the best ways to save is by planning ahead! Sit down and think about your ideal Thanksgiving meal, whether it includes childhood favorites or a recipe you've really wanted to try. Once you've done that, look up recipes and scour your cabinets for ingredients — you probably have poultry seasoning in there somewhere already!
2. Keep an eye out for sales. Some foods keep fresh longer than others, and those are foods you can buy early. Potatoes often go on sale early in November, and those won't rot quickly. You might want to shop around for deals on stuffing, cranberries and other staples, too. Be sure to take advantage of your grocery store rewards program, too, especially on meat. Buying in bulk can often help, so ask your neighbors if they'd like to split a big package of paper towels, toilet paper or other necessities so you can both save!
3. Don't be afraid to assign items. Your friends will probably ask you what they can bring for the gathering this year. You should be specific with your requests, or else you might just end up with three green bean casseroles. Ask your guests to bring specific types of drinks and pies, as those things can be expensive or labor-intensive.
4. Borrow what you don't have. If you don't have enough dishes, glasses and silverware for everyone you're hosting, or if you need an extra table, ask your neighbors! If they're going away for the holiday, chances are they are not going to be using their own things. Borrow those from them before they leave for their Thanksgiving holiday so you don't have to buy additional items.
5. Go handmade for decorations. With Thanksgiving still several weeks away, you have plenty of time to create your own Thanksgiving decor. Instead of buying a $100 flower centerpiece, head to your local craft store to buy the makings for a pretty fall wreath, or get your kids involved in making decorations for the holiday.
Show your friends how thankful you are to have them in your life by hosting Friendsgiving this year. We hope your day is filled with food, fun and football — without the financial headache. As for us, we're thankful to have you as a member of CommonWealth One and we look forward to seeing you this holiday season!
