How to Save Money on a Huge Thanksgiving Dinner
by Thanksgiving is traditionally a huge meal that can cost a considerable amount of money, especially if you are feeding a large group of people. Here are some money saving tips that will help you put out a huge Thanksgiving dinner that only looks expensive.
Fruit Salad
Apples are in season, and they make a very quick, easy and affordable fruit salad. Serve a traditional Waldorf Salad made with apples, celery and walnuts.
Cranberries
If you are stuck on the canned stuff, buy the store brand. It is just as good as the others, and will save you money.
Now that you’ve got the basics down on how to save money on the Thanksgiving dishes you will be making, it is time to add a few tricks to your arsenal.
Do not use paper plates. This is a ridiculous expense.
Do not use paper napkins. If you don’t have enough cloth napkins for your guests, get creative. Tea towels can be used.
Use smaller plates. Large plates will encourage people to fill them up with more food than they can eat, which amounts to waste. Put small plates out and people will naturally take less food.
Put the least expensive dishes at the front of the buffet line, or pass them around the table first. This is a trick caterers use all the time when they set up buffets.
Serve an appetizer buffet. Of course, you can put out the standard chips, dip, crackers and cheese. But if you put out something inexpensive yet irresistible, your guests will munch away. Miniature puff pastry cups filled with a bit of brie and topped with whole cranberry sauce is delicious. Get creative. Buy a large jar of stuffed olives at the restaurant supply to set out as appetizers. A spinach dip is another great choice and can be served with chunks of bread.
Start the meal with a small green salad and a dinner roll.
Place baskets of bread or rolls on the table. Your guests can help themselves without leaving the table and returning to the buffet line.
You can enjoy Thanksgiving on a budget, and no one ever has to know.
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The Homemade Way: Saving Money in the Kitchen 2 – Chicken and Vegetable Broths
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Post CommentGoodselfme
On November 16, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Good tips for me as one person too. Always good to use this when I do get company. Well balanced with lots of good info.TX