The holidays are upon us, and everyone is excited about spending it with family and friends. But, if you are the one hosting your family’s holiday traditions this year, you might be wondering how your going to manage, especially when you live the rest of the year on such a tight budget. Well, here are some great tips for hosting your family’s Thanksgiving on a budget.

1. The turkey is by far the most expensive part of any Thanksgiving, but start watching your paper now. A lot of grocery stores run special on whole turkeys the week before Thanksgiving. If you’re smart and shop around, you can find the best price and the best turkey available.
2. You can find delicious and easy recipes online for your side dishes. Mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and even cranberries out of a can are all affordable side dishes that can be made for next to nothing, so don’t be afraid to explore your options.
3. Don’t be afraid to try new things, a non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner may be just the way to go. Just because your grandmother labored over things and made everything from scratch doesn’t mean that you have too or that it is always the cheapest way to go. For instance, you buy tasty rolls in a bag or frozen at your local grocery store and pop them in the oven for a minute or two to heat them up.
4. Decorate your home with natural things. A couple of miniature pumpkins and a beautiful mum can be thrown together to make a beautiful centerpiece or you can create a centerpiece using a large hurricane glass and fill it with moss and acorns from your backyard or a near by wooded area. Then you can plant a candle in the center of all of it and Voila! You have a gorgeous centerpiece. You can also use pumpkins and mums to decorate your porch or your guest bathroom, any place that needs a festive touch. Mum and miniature pumpkins are both pretty affordable, especially this time of year, because it’s almost too late for them.
5. Don’t feel like you have to run out and by new china. You can mix and match what you already have and tie all the different pieces together with matching napkins and place mats. This is sure to give your table a festive, yet homey feel.
6. If your family lives close by, a great way to save money is to have everyone bring a side. Tell them you’ll provide the turkey and let everyone else bring a side dish or dessert. Be sure to fill them in on how many you’re expecting, so that they will be sure to bring enough.

If your budget is really tight, you may consider just spending it with your husband and kids. That way you don’t have to go out of your way to make a huge meal, and you might be surprised how much your family would enjoy a quiet Thanksgiving dinner at home. Thanksgiving is about celebrating the blessings we have been given, no matter how tough the economy is making things right now. So, as long as you are doing that, even if it’s over pizza, your Thanksgiving on a budget will be everything it’s supposed to be.

Source by Jack Chary