Gourmet Thanksgiving Table on a Budget

Thanksgiving is just around the corner!  A whole day dedicated to eating – I don’t think it gets much better than that!  Are you ready to host family and friends?  Are you on a tight budget this holiday season?  Put aside your worries.  There are many ways to save money when it comes to preparing the perfect Thanksgiving meal.  Yes, it is totally possible to have a gourmet Thanksgiving on a budget.  We’re here to provide some tips and tricks to save you money while grocery shopping and decorating, as well as provide you with some budget-friendly recipes!

Tips and Tricks:

• Go for ingredients and produce that are in season.  This not only means better, fresher flavors, but also means your shopping trip wont be so rough on the bank account – score!
• Stick with a grocery store bird.  We know it would be so great to be able to serve a delicious, healthy Heritage turkey, but they can cost and arm and a leg.  Store-bought turkeys, if seasoned well and cooked properly, can be just as yummy!
• Stick with recipes that you’re used to.  The last thing you want is a dish to be a disaster and waste a ton of money.
• Buy store-brand items instead of name-brand – you’ll save money and it still tastes the same!
• Use natural decor and stuff you already have around the house.  Run outside and collect some pine cones and fall leaves to make a gorgeous centerpiece – find a couple cheap pumpkins to use as well!
• Pick your favorite dishes – no one needs 10 different types of potatoes as sides!
• Stick to your shopping list – no impulse buying!
• Keep an eye out for coupons and sales.
• If all else fails, just make it a potluck and have guests bring a dish to share.

Dishes:

• Only five simple ingredients go into this turkey gravy, and two of them come from the turkey you’re cooking anyway!
• Try this super easy chunky cranberry sauce instead of canned store-bought cranberry sauce.
  
• Try this amazing baked mashed potato recipe.  Why use boxed mashed potatoes when you can make it from scratch?  It will taste a thousand times better than the boxed stuff, we promise!
• This twice-baked sweet potatoes with roasted marshmallows is a great little twist on the classic sweet potato casserole dish.
  
• Brussels sprouts are a fall vegetable and are in season during Thanksgiving time which is why they are a perfect option to use in a side dish.  Brussels sprouts with lemon and thyme is an easy and delicious side dish.
• Bacon, onion, and rye bread stuffing is a great alternative to boxed store-bought stuffing – fresh ingredients and delicious flavor!
  
• If you want a really simple turkey recipe, this one is perfect for you!  All you need for seasoning is salt, pepper, and butter – so simple and so delicious!
  
• Pumpkin pie alone is scrumptious, but then add a layer of brown sugar whipped cream and you’ve got a pumpkin cream pie – can’t say no to that!  This is the perfect end to the perfect Thanksgiving dinner.

*Photo above courtesy of Glamour Living.