Thanksgiving on a Budget: Tips for a Memorable Feast

^{By Bromwich+Smith Staff | 1232 words | Reading Time: 6 minutes | Date: 2023/10/03}

Thanksgiving for many, is a time to gather with family and loved ones. A time to express gratitude, and share a meal. For many Canadians, this is the start of the holiday season, which can lead to overspending and even with the best intentions, it can add to added debt. With the cost of living continuing to rise, hosting this festive event can put a strain on any budget. Bromwich+Smith has some tips for any budget whether you're hosting a small gathering, a large group of friends or family, or even the unexpected price tag if you're invited to someone else's house. 

Hosting a Small Gathering 

1. Plan Your Guest List: The starting point to any well thought out plan, is to know the who, what, where, when and why. You already have the answer to most of those questions, so look further into the who. A smaller guest list can help reduce costs significantly however it isn’t always an option, depending on the size of our family. Once you know how many mouths you have to feed, you can look at how much it will cost or if you are able to delegate dishes to anyone else.  

2. Simple Decor: You don't need to go overboard with decorations. Opt for DIY décor using items you already have at home or choose affordable options like candles and fall-themed centerpieces. If you are a parent to a school aged child chances are they will be coming home with some thanksgiving themed crafts! 

3. Potluck-Style: Encourage your guests to contribute dishes. A potluck-style Thanksgiving can be both budget-friendly and a fun way to try different family recipes. For many, this special meal isn’t complete without a specific dish so consider your family traditions when you are asking others to contribute.  

4. Discount Shopping: Look for sales and discounts at local grocery stores. Plan your menu around what's on sale, and consider generic brands for non-perishable items. This may take pre planning in the weeks leading up to the big day. If you missed out on a sale now, consider upcoming holidays. Perhaps you can stockpile some of these discounted items to go towards your Winter holiday meal.  

5. Frozen and Canned Foods: Don't shy away from using frozen or canned vegetables, as they can be more budget-friendly than fresh produce, without sacrificing taste. Chances are your guest wont be able to tell the difference!  

6. BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage): Ask your guests to bring their favorite drinks to share, reducing your beverage costs. When you are considering liquor prices things can add up faster than expected. By having guests bring their own, it ensures the holiday beverages don’t go down too quickly and helps ensure everyone can enjoy the meal. 

7. Simplify Desserts: Homemade pies and crisps can be more budget-friendly than elaborate desserts. Explore recipes that use common pantry staples. Perhaps you froze some summer fruit, or have access to fresh apple trees. There is no need to go overboard on dessert as some guests may not even opt for dessert after a large meal.  

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Hosting a Large Group 

1. Potluck Extravaganza: If you're expecting a large group, embrace the potluck concept to its fullest. Assign dishes to your guests to ensure a diverse and complete meal. Ensure you have all components taken care of with no overlap- you may not want two French bean casserole, and no stuffing! 

2. Budget-Friendly Appetizers: Instead of expensive hors d'oeuvres, serve simple snacks like chips, salsa, and vegetable platters. Your guest don’t want to fill up before the big meal.  

3. Rental Supplies: Consider renting additional chairs, tables, or dinnerware to accommodate your guests, rather than purchasing new items. You may consider asking loved ones to bring chairs from home as well.  

4. Bulk Purchases: Shopping in bulk can save you money on staples like flour, sugar, and spices that you'll use for multiple occasions. 

5. DIY Decorations: Get creative with DIY decorations. Involve your guests in crafting centerpieces and table settings to create a sense of community. Consider putting out arts and crafts for your younger guests and have them create the centrepieces.  

6. Leftovers for Everyone: Encourage guests to bring containers for leftovers, ensuring that no delicious food goes to waste- and that you don’t need to restock your Tupperware drawer. 

Potluck Options for Guests 

If you've been invited to a Thanksgiving celebration and want to contribute without overspending, consider these ideas: 

1. Coordinate with the Host: Reach out to the host to determine what dishes are needed, ensuring there's no overlap in contributions. If your able to bring a larger dish, don’t shy away from suggesting it. Your host may be cautious and ask you to bring something lower priced, or smaller volume not knowing what your budget will allow for.  

2. Special Dietary Needs: Offer to bring a dish that caters to specific dietary preferences or restrictions, such as vegan or gluten-free options especially if you or someone in your house attending requires it. These items can be costly and difficult for a host to manage.  

3. Homemade Favorites: Prepare a beloved family recipe that can be made in bulk without breaking the bank. Consider making a larger batch, and freezing extra portions for your use at home.  

4. Beverages and Desserts: If you're tight on time or resources, consider bringing beverages or desserts, which are often appreciated contributions. Even extra plates, cutlery and napkins are appreciated!  

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Cost of Groceries for Thanksgiving Dinner 

The cost of Thanksgiving dinner can vary widely depending on your location, the number of guests, and your menu choices. On average, a Canadian family of four can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $150 for a Thanksgiving meal. This cost includes a turkey (or alternative main dish), side dishes, desserts, and beverages. However, this is just a rough estimate, and there are many factors that may affect that.  

Unexpected Costs with Thanksgiving 

While Thanksgiving can be a budget-friendly holiday, there are some potential unexpected costs to consider: 

1. Travel Expenses: If you're traveling to be with family or friends, transportation costs can add up, including gas, flights, or accommodations. 

2. Last-Minute Shopping: Procrastination can lead to higher costs, as you might not have the chance to take advantage of sales or discounts. 

3. Kitchen Equipment: If your kitchen is lacking certain equipment or utensils, you may need to invest in some essentials for preparing Thanksgiving dinner. This can include the extra plates and serving dishes you may need. 

4. Decorations: While DIY decorations can save money, unexpected décor expenses may arise if you decide to purchase new items. 

5. Emergency Ingredients: If you run out of a crucial ingredient or have a kitchen mishap, you might need to make a last-minute grocery store run. Be aware of current market shortages and plan accordingly. Many independent butchers have expressed difficulty securing turkeys and the supply seems to go down every year. Lock in those orders early, or if possible shop for a frozen turkey and store in a freezer to avoid disappointment.  

Whether you're hosting a small gathering, a large group, or attending someone else's celebration, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Thanksgiving on a budget. By planning ahead, embracing the true spirit and making smart shopping choices, you can enjoy the day without worrying about added debt So, gather your loved ones, give thanks, and enjoy time together without breaking the bank. Happy Thanksgiving! 

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