•Have a shopping list and a budget.

•Cooking from scratch is less expensive than premade items.

•Make sure to check your pantry for items you already have.

•Keep it simple, make the main items you really like and don’t try to make a lot of extra dishes.

•Guests like to bring something so take them up on it.

•Turkey, especially frozen, is a pretty inexpensive meat.  Chicken, drumsticks and thighs also work.

•Make less expensive sides like mashed potatoes and green beens.  Use herbs to make them taste great.

•Frozen veggies are also good, you don’t have to get fresh.

•Making your own cranberry sauce is super easy with frozen or fresh cranberries, a little apple or cranberry juice and sugar (cook on medium heat stirring until cranberries burst and thickens. then refrigerate).

•Many grocery stores sell a full Thanksgiving dinner for 6-8 that are actually a great price.

•Watch for sales.

•Skip the alcohol.  Make a citrus punch, lemonade, apple cider or cranberry tea.

•Remember the main event is being together and keep things simple.

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