1. Book your flight early
If you’re flying home for Thanksgiving, book your flight as early as possible. According to SkyScanner, booking a Thanksgiving flight as early as September can save you 4% off the ticket price.
2. Travel light
You likely won’t be gone for long, and if you’re going home you can always dig up something to wear if you haven’t packed for every occasion.
3. Get an accurate guest count as early as possible
If you’re hosting, find out exactly how many guests you’re expecting for Thanksgiving dinner so you don’t overcook or need to run out at the last minute for more groceries.
4. Plan your menu early
Buy only what you need and don’t randomly pick up items just in case you might need them.
5. Take stock before shopping
Don’t buy anything until you know what you already have at home.
6. Shop early and shop the sales
Most supermarkets spread their sales weeks before the big day. Save by picking up what you need as it gets marked down leading up to Thanksgiving.
7. Use pennies instead of pie weights
Instead of using a pie-weight when you pre-bake your pie shells, line them with foil and fill the center with pennies to keep the dough down as it bakes.
8. Keep your mashed potatoes in your slow cooker
How do you keep your mashed potatoes soft when every burner on your stovetop is occupied leading up to Thanksgiving dinner? After preparing your potatoes, spread butter on your slow-cooker insert, add some heavy cream and then pour in the potatoes. Keep the temperature on low and stir occasionally to keep the spuds soft and creamy.
9. Use aluminum foil instead of a roasting rack
Twist some foil into thick ropes and weave them across the bottom of your roasting pan until they’re strong enough to hold your bird. Instant roasting rack!
10. Spray-paint plastic fruit to use as décor
Spray-paint plastic fruit with colors to match your décor for a festive look that doesn’t break the budget.
11. Buy a frozen turkey
A frozen turkey is a lot cheaper than a fresh turkey, and if you prepare it well no one will be able to tell the difference.
12. Skip the appetizer
Appetizers can take a while to prepare, and you don’t want your guests filling up before you bring out your turkey. Consider skipping the appetizer and starting with a tossed salad.