Thanksgiving Dinner on a Budget

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Thanksgiving is just around the corner! That means it’s time to plan your holiday feast. If you are on a budget, don’t worry! There are some thrifty ways to create the perfect Thanksgiving dinner party.

Follow these five steps for a delicious holiday feast without breaking the bank.

Visit your local farmer’s market. Seasonal ingredients are often cheaper and almost always better quality than what you’ll find at your local grocery store. While you’re at the market, load up on herbs! They’ll pack stocks with flavor, add nice garnishes and give an extra layer of flavor to your dishes.

Take an inventory. Before you head to the market, be sure to take an account for what you already have in stock. You may have several canned goods leftover from last year’s dinner preparations.

Shop around. Several markets and grocery stores will offer discounts during the holiday season. Start your planning by checking out the sales online. You might find a great bargain for a turkey at one store and another sale on all the fixings at another.

Buy in bulk. When you can, purchase pantry items like flour, salt, olive oil and the like in bulk. If you cook regularly, do the same for onions and garlic, which are often cheaper by the bag. You can also look out for co-ops and large supermarkets that sell grains, nuts and dried fruit by the weight, allowing you to buy as much or as little as you want.

Make it a family and friends affair! You can always opt to have a potluck dinner party. Plan your meal and let your guests prepare and bring entrées, appetizers and desserts. Be sure to plan carefully and ahead of time so you don’t end up with double dishes.

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