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Thanksgiving Party on a Budget

Published: November 2019
Author: Bank of England Mortgage Staff

Potlucks Mean More Bucks!
If you really want to throw a party but you can’t spend a bunch of money have a potluck! Have everyone who attends the party bring their own dish. Request types of dishes, not specific ones. Ask people to bring an appetizer, a side dish or a dessert. But make sure you delegate who is bringing what so you don’t have all dessert!

Grocery Shop Smart
We all know that some stores are more expensive than others. If you shop smart you could save the big bucks by breaking your shopping list into multiple stores. Have a list of more generic food that you can get a cheaper store like Walmart, Aldi or Trader Joes. Then save the more specialty food stores like Whole Foods and Fresh Market.

Plates with Low Rates
Having a party but don’t have enough plates for all your guests? A great way to acquire some ceramic plates is to buy some at a resale shop. It will be cheaper than buying a new set or renting some just for the party. If you do not have enough space after you can always sell them back to the resale place.

Make Dessert into an Activity!
A way to make a delicious dessert and have everyone do an activity at your holiday party is making stuffed apples. All you need to make the apples are oats, cinnamon, brown sugar, butter, nutmeg and cloves. Everyone will get a bowl and a spoon. Their job is to carve out the middle of the apple separating the core from the good part of the apple. In the bowl they will put the good part of the apple and whatever of the fillings they want. The apples are then stuffed with the mixture and put in the oven for 30 mins or until the apple is soft enough to eat.

Decorate on Budget!
A tablecloth can be up to $15 for a plain one from Target. Hit up your local fabric store and by a few yards of fabric. Even the most expensive fabric won't be $15 and will more than likely be a lot cheaper. Another way to decorate on the cheap is to utilize the Fall Foliage! Bring some pretty leaves and branches into your house to create a natural centerpiece.