How To Throw A Thanksgiving Family Buffet On A Budget

By: Darlene 'Dee' Bishop

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Learning how to throw a Thanksgiving family buffet on a budget requires some planning, but it can be done. Finding and using money saving tips can help you create a delicious meal without costing a fortune. And focusing on the blessings you have and the many things you have to be thankful for will make the day even more meaningful.

Things You Will Need
• At least one long table
• Some nice looking fabric or a table cloth
• Food
• Dishes, flatware, glasses and/or cups
• Decorations
• Candles (optional)

Planning Give yourself plenty of time to plan your Thanksgiving buffet dinner. If you wait until Thanksgiving to purchase the items needed, you'll face higher prices and may even have trouble finding what you want. Buying your turkey, for instance, 3-4 weeks in advance and freezing it until needed, can easily get your bird for half-price.
Have Guests Bring a Dish Instead of purchasing all the food yourself, ask family members, friends and guests to bring a dish. Create a menu and assign various dishes to each one. That way no one does all the work, nor suffers all the expense.
Use Less Expensive Ingredients You don't have to buy the most expensive turkey, dinner rolls, or vegetables. Shop around and look for bargains. Or better yet, make your own from scratch. While homemade yeast rolls take a bit longer to make, they taste much better than anything you can buy in the store, and they will save a loot of money as well.
Make Homemade Decorations Instead of buying expensive store-bought decorations, have your kids or grandkids create some crafty, homemade decorations for the occasion. Fill a bowl with pinecones you gathered from the yard. Make a paper garand chain and with something you're thankful for written on each link. Fill the center of the table with colorful scented candles. These ideas can create a festive atmosphere without all the expense of purchased items.
Use Your Best China Often we save the best chine for special occasions, so make this one! Use your best china or dinnerware for your Thanksgiving buffet and forget the paper plates. Washing a few dishes after dinner, or even the next day, make the elegance of "real" dishes worth every sudsy bubble.