I always look forward to Thanksgiving. It’s great to have a holiday to spend with family and friends, eating good food and reflecting on your blessings. Making Thanksgiving dinner is a lot of work, but also so rewarding. It can get expensive, though, and spending too much money is definitely not rewarding! Is it possible to serve a special, festive meal, and also save some pennies? Yes, it is! Here are some tips for hosting Thanksgiving without breaking your budget:

• Ask guests to bring something. Most guests are happy to bring a side dish, dessert, or some wine.
• Serve appetizers. Pass around a vegetable tray or inexpensive hors d’oeuvres when guests arrive. They won’t be as hungry for the meal and will be less likely to overeat. And appetizers are fun!
• Get a free turkey. Lots of supermarket rewards programs give you a free turkey if you spend a certain amount of money in the weeks before Thanksgiving.
• Don’t splurge on table decorations. Take advantage of the fall beauty all around and gather colorful leaves, pine cones, acorns, and branches to create unique centerpieces and place settings. If you have time you can spray paint pine cones and mini pumpkins to add a little bling. And of course there’s always Pinterest for inexpensive and crafty ideas! Make sure to buy any supplies you’ll need from the dollar store
• Cook from scratch. Not only will your food taste better, but it’s cheaper, too. Once in a while you’ll decide to spend a little extra on something store-bought, and that’s okay if the savings in time is really valuable to you.
• Don’t make unnecessary dishes. Leave out that casserole that everybody hates- you’ll just be throwing money in the garbage. And also realize that you don’t have to have 25 side dishes. Everyone will be happy with just a few that taste amazing. Same with dessert.
• Shop smartly. Make a list of what you’ll need and then look around your pantry and freezer to see what you already have. Then take your list to the store when you go shopping and stick to it!
• Keep the crowd small. It’s okay to limit the guest list, so don’t feel like you have to invite everyone you know.

These are easy ways to save that won’t make it look like you were cutting corners. Everyone will enjoy the holiday and your wallet will be thankful! What are your favorite tips for hosting Thanksgiving on a budget?