When you think of Thanksgiving do you think of the Norman Rockwell painting of the mother serving a perfectly browned turkey to her adoring family? Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays that brings family and friends together for an often all-day feast, football and fun and games. A frugal Thanksgiving can be fun and memorable, too. Just keep the focus of day on giving thanks for your family and friends without breaking the bank.

Make it a potluck Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of the most perfect occasions for a potluck-style dinner.  We usually make the turkey, while my mother brings her “famous” stuffing (which is technically called dressing since it is cooked outside the bird).  My sister is in charge of the pies, her specialty, bringing apple and pumpkin pies for sure.   Aunts  bring mashed potatoes, rolls and vegetables.  A potluck dinner not only divides the work, but also spreads the costs among the families attending.

Forget about the supermarket’s free turkey offer

Many grocery stores will give you a  free turkey if you spend over a certain amount over several weeks. CAUTION:  this not a good deal if you’re spending more than your usual budget on groceries in order to meet the free-turkey threshold.  If you must go for the free bird, like my husband who can’t resist a freebie, just make it work for you.  Stock up on staples, frozen goods, and baking ingredients which are usually good buys at this time of year and have a longer shelf life.

When you are buying your turkey, plan on 1 – 1 1/2 pounds of turkey per person.  If you are not expecting a crowd, use turkey parts such as legs, thighs or just a breast.  This will save you have having too much leftover turkey that you may not be able to use.

Make your own decorations

Let the kids decorate with nature – have them collect pinecones and other seasonable natural products like gourds and pumpkins, colorful leaves and the like to create lovely table centerpieces.

Avoid Disposables

Avoid using disposable dishes, cutlery, and napkins.  Even if you have to run the dish washer more than once, you’ll still spend less than you would on disposables, and it is much better for the environment.

Frugal Wine

Consider using boxed wines, which are a surprisingly good, and low-cost option.  If you don’t like the look of the box, I suggest serving a Beaujolais Nouveau.  It becomes available the third Thursday of November each year, is not overly expensive, and is fabulous with a heavy turkey dinner.  Georges DuBoeuf Beaujolais Nouveau runs around $6-$8 per bottle.    Our other favorite is a Sauvignon Blanc Marborough.  This wine is from New Zealand, and the Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough runs around $10, you may even find it for less.

Focus on the spirit of the day

Spend time with family.  Talk, play games; watch football; look at old family photos.  Give thanks for the good fortune you have to spend this time with your loved ones.