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Friendsgiving

By Independent Bank November 1 2018 Savings Tips

How to enjoy your first grownup holiday without breaking the bank

 

Friendsgiving turkey dinnerWhether you can't make it home for the holidays, or you've chosen to host your own Thanksgiving for friends instead of traveling, you may be worried about the cost associated with hosting. If it is your very first year hosting a holiday, you probably think there is no way to do it while still saving money. Don't worry; we have a few tips that are going to help you host an epic Thanksgiving feast without making your bank account suffer.

Check Out the Dollar Store

If you are looking for ways to make your home festive, or you don't have enough flatware to accommodate a large crowd, the dollar store is your friend. A few weeks before the holiday, check out your local dollar stores for decor and paper plates. They are sure to have enough stock to make even the biggest gathering budget-friendly. No one needs to know your centerpiece is crafted by items found at The Dollar General; your secret is safe with us.

Assign Side Dishes

When people come for a holiday meal, they are going to bring something with them, even if you don't ask. To keep yourself on budget and save some money, consider assigning out side dishes to friends who ask what they can bring. By assigning items, you can save money on purchasing the ingredients, and you'll ensure five people don't all show up with sweet potatoes.

Shop at Warehouse Stores for Beverages

Beverages keep for a long time if they are unopened, so don't be afraid to stock up at your local warehouse store. If all of the soda or water doesn't go on Thanksgiving, you can reuse them for another gathering or enjoy them day-to-day. If you are in the market for wine, you can even find good deals on alcohol there, too. If you buy too much wine and bottles remain unopened, you can use them as host or hostess gifts when you head to holiday parties in another month or so.

Keep it Simple

Avoid having too much food by keeping things simple. Saving money is all about how you plan for the holidays. You don't have to have every single dish you can think of on your table. Think about the foods that are most popular, and what dishes that tended to sit untouched at past holidays. Only make the most popular staples, and don't worry about all the extras.

Avoid the Bakery

Bakeries do a ton of business during the holiday season, but there is a considerable markup on cakes and pies during the holidays. Instead, make your own cake or pie. The ingredients you'll need for a basic cake are likely pantry staples, anyway. You can make a cake or pie a couple of days in advance, too, so you won't be fussing with it on the morning of your event.

Saving money is a lifestyle choice, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a good party every now and again. There are plenty of ways to make Thanksgiving a fun and enjoyable event without blowing your budget out of the water. Remember, at the end of the day, no one is going to care if your paper turkey decorations came from a high-end craft store or the local Dollar Tree. No one will care if you forgo the salad course in favor of an extra appetizer. Enjoy the day, and make memories with your friends and family.

* Independent Bank is not recommending a specific company, and the user is responsible for researching the privacy/security policies before utilizing the service of these or other similar companies.

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