Cheap Thanksgiving on a Budget
Low Cost Thanksgiving Dinner and Free Kids Activities
Oct 24, 2009 Janis Masyk-Jackson
With the current economy and the high cost of food, many people are wondering if they can even afford to host Thanksgiving. The biggest way to cut costs is to have a type of pot luck for Thanksgiving dinner. If everyone brings something, it will really keep the cost down.
Remember, no one person provided all of the food for the first Thanksgiving. Most people would much rather spend Thanksgiving with family and friends rather than stay home. Besides, it gives people a chance to show off their culinary skills. You can somewhat specify what to bring so you don't end up with seven green bean casseroles.
Hosting a Thanksgiving Pot Luck Dinner
Be prepared to make the turkey, (maybe even some mashed potatoes as potatoes are pretty cheap,) then have the guests bring the side dishes. As much as you may have some specific Thanksgiving dishes that are served each year, don't be afraid to break from tradition and let the guests show off some of their favorite dishes.
Ask one guest to bring some kind of vegetable dish, while another brings some type of salad. The same goes for additional potato dishes, rolls and butter, cranberry sauce, dessert, etc. If someone doesn't cook at all, let them bring some beverages, condiments or napkins. If kids are going to be coming, someone could also bring some ice cream.
Free Thanksgiving Kids Activities
Often times, people who don't have children in the home forget to have something for visiting kids to do. Keeping kids busy not only make it more enjoyable for the children, it also keeps them from getting into things they shouldn't. There are lots of free, printable coloring pages online along with puzzles and games. All that's needed is a box of crayons!
To find free, Thanksgiving coloring pages and activities, please view the article Free Printable Thanksgiving Coloring Pages.
Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving
A nice idea is to have everyone at the dinner table say a little something about Thanksgiving. It can be something they're thankful for or perhaps recount a favorite Thanksgiving memory. To give this a little atmosphere, dim the light and light a candle. Pass the candle around as each person takes a turn to speak.
Hosting a Thanksgiving dinner doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. By having guests contribute to the feast and providing things for kids to do, a wonderful Thanksgiving can be had by all.
Readers may also enjoy Thanksgiving Fun Facts and Trivia.
Thanksgiving Dinner on a Budget
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