Idea 1: BOOT THE SNOOT

The experts are clear: frozen vegetables are as healthy and tasty as fresh vegetables. (Though the same is not true of canned vegetables.) Frozen veggies are also significantly cheaper. Buying frozen also gives you the luxury of enjoying out-of-season vegetables without compromising the quality. If you do buy fresh, buy vegetables that are in season. You will save money and be happier with the quality.

For other foods, buy store brands unless you can actually taste a difference that justifies paying more. This applies to the turkey too. While the nicest turkeys can cost upwards of $10/pound, your family will not be any less thankful for a supermarket turkey. And lest you forget, canned pumpkin is one of the most important—and fulfilling - evolutions to have occurred since the first Thanksgiving in 1621. Using pumpkins for baking is expensive, messy, and does not yield nearly as much filling as can be found in an equally delicious can.

Idea 2: GO POTLUCK

You might be accustomed to doing the bulk of the work. This year, limit yourself to the turkey and ask your guests to bring the side dishes, desserts, and beverages. Not only will you save yourself some time and money, but you may also discover unusual dishes and new recipes. In fact, you could turn the potluck theme into an evening everyone will remember by asking all guests to bring their favorite Thanksgiving side dish. (Be sure you coordinate with everyone so that you don’t end up with six variations of mashed potatoes.) Ask your guests to also bring recipe cards so they can share their recipes with other guests. You will save money, and your guests will walk away with a ton of delicious recipes.

Idea 3: POTLUCK THE CHAIRS, TOO

If you normally rent table settings and chairs, nix this idea and ask your guests to bring extra folding chairs and card tables if they have them. You’ll ensure that everyone has a place to sit and foster a more informal and fun-loving atmosphere than worrying about all those place settings ahead of time.

Idea 4: MAKE IT FROM SCRATCH

Since you are spreading the work around, those who are up for it can cook from scratch. Pies and their crusts, breads and rolls, gravy, and even cranberry sauce can be made at home. Buying them prepared can save time but often costs more, is not as healthy, and does not offer the same taste as home-cooked alternatives.

Idea 5: USE HOMEMADE DECORATION

We all like to showcase our lovely homes. But if “keeping up with the Joneses” isn’t your idea of how to spend Thanksgiving this year, how about involving the kids in the decorating? Centerpieces crafted with love by enthusiastic children—particularly if they smell of fresh pine cones or evergreen boughs—might not make it onto an episode of Martha Stewart, but they are homey and inviting. Plus they keep the kids busy while you’re trying to cook! Even better, garlands of popcorn or berries look tasteful and can be eaten after the big day.

Idea 6: TRY IT IN THE BOX

Believe it or not, some higher-end producers are now selling wine in a box, allowing you to pay half what you would pay for the same vintage in a bottle. And your guests will be none-the-wiser if you pour the wine into a decanter before they arrive.

Idea 7: HOMEMADE POTPOURRI

Baking apples in the stove or simmering a pan of cinnamon on the stovetop beats the smell of any store-bought potpourri and is relatively inexpensive. Throw in a few cloves for a more exotic scent.

Idea 8: HE WHO ATE IT MUST HELP CLEAN IT

To stave off the temptation of using disposable plates, table-clothes and utensils, all of which just cost more in the long run, make sure your family knows they will all be helping with the clean-up. The environment will thank you.

Idea 9: VOLUNTEER

Your children could learn a valuable lesson by volunteering at a homeless shelter on Thanksgiving. Witnessing people with few possessions show gratitude for a simple meal will teach your children what is really important in life. If saving money is the name of the game this year, forego the expensive meal and dedicate your holiday to those who are less fortunate.

Idea 10: COMMIT TO YOUR LEFTOVERS

Have a plan ahead of time for putting your leftovers to good use. Make a soup or have fixings for sandwiches. Make it a game by challenging your family not to eat anything else until the leftovers are gone.

Idea 11: SHOP THE AFTER-SALES

If you just can’t resist the siren song of retail, wait until Thanksgiving is over and browse through the sale items for next year. This is a good idea for all holidays, in fact.

Idea 12: WHOLE FOODS FOR THE SOUL FOODS

If you have family in town for the holidays, you will need more than just Turkey Day and leftovers to keep them fed. Resist the temptation to dine at restaurants. Instead, bake several batches of your favorite casseroles ahead of time, freeze them, and then pull them out as needed. Use your crock-pot to have delicious meals waiting after a day of outings. And shop your local farmers markets for fresh fall vegetables.

Idea 13: SHOP THE DISCOUNTS

You probably know to keep an eye out for the ads in your local newspaper. What you might not consider is that you should start sooner rather than later. Make a list now of all the ingredients you will need for Thanksgiving, then start perusing the paper for savings on canned goods and non-perishables you can buy early. Be sure to also check the Dollar Store, as well as the websites for your local grocery stores. Many stores highlight their promotional items online. If you start bargain hunting now, you can find the best price for all your needs.

Idea 14: CASH ONLY

We always advise against credit card debt, and the holidays are no exception. Set a budget in advance for your Thanksgiving feast. Make a decision not to buy it if you cannot pay with cash. Instead of suffering a buyer’s hangover in January, freeze your credit cards and don’t defrost them until the season is over.

Idea 15: “REWARD” YOURSELF

Always* enroll in the rewards programs at the stores you might wish to patronize for your holiday shopping. Not only is this necessary to secure the lowest prices, but it is also the most effective way to ensure that you are notified of the best sales and receive the most worthwhile coupons.

* Beware: If you are shopping at a retail outlet for table settings, decorations, or the like, do not sign up for retail credit cards, even if you are offered a discount. (In essence, a retail card is like a credit card, but it is restricted to only one merchant—such as a Sears credit card).

Many stores will try to lure you into signing up for a retail credit card by offering a discount—often 10 or 15 percent on same-day purchases if you open an account. This might seem like a good idea, but let’s take a look at the math.

Let’s assume you save $10 and pat yourself on the back, thinking you have come out ahead.

But think again. To open this account, you must provide your Social Security number and agree to a credit check. Any new inquiry into your credit score will decrease your credit score, leading to increased interest rates on future loans. As well, you have to pay interest on your purchase if you do not pay the balance immediately. You also run the risk of overextending yourself on a retail credit card, particularly during the holiday season. When you purchase things you cannot pay for right away, you end up paying significantly more than the $10 you might save by opening a new retail account. (For more information about retail credit cards and credit scores, read
7 Steps to a 720 Credit Score.)

In short, stay committed to Idea 14: forego credit cards and make purchases with cash only.