Thanksgiving is less than three weeks away. Have you given any thought to how the celebration will go? I love this time of year. Snow will fall soon. The house is warm with fireplaces and laughter. There is no need to run up a big bill for this holiday. Here are 6 ways to save for Thanksgiving

1. Consider a Potluck

Split the mealtime burden up by making Thanksgiving a potluck dinner. In our family, the one hosting the party cooked the main dish. In our case, that was the turkey and stuffing and smashed Some brought a salad, some rolls, many desserts, and adult beverages. It was a party when two cooks did the last minute fixings. We coordinated, so everyone knew how many were coming. You do want to coordinate the dishes with all of the expected guests, so you don’t end up with 15 desserts and no side dishes. Not that there’s anything wrong with 15 desserts, but some of your guests may insist on something a little more substantial.

2. Now Is the Time to Plan

Map out your grocery list well before Thanksgiving Day, see what you already have in the pantry, and purchase the rest as you find suitable bargains. Most of your needs for the side dishes will keep for some time, and you may be able to find a deal on a frozen turkey well before the holiday. Many stores will price match each other’s prices on turkey the weeks before Thanksgiving. Check for bulk bargains at your local grocery store, and usefulcoupons in your paper, in grocery store flyers, or at online coupon sites.

3. No Need for Elaborate Decorations

Make your own simple decorations is one of the 6 ways to save for Thanksgiving. Use whatever you have on hand. Natural decorations such as small gourds, pinecones, and leaves can make a festive centerpiece. Check out dollar storesand thrift stores if you want to supplement this with inexpensive store-bought decorations.

4. Don’t Prepare Too Much Food

Leftovers are a typical Thanksgiving tradition (as is overeating), but traditions are no reason to fix far more food than everyone will eat. Quite a few leftovers go to waste every year, as families get sick of eating the same things day after day.

5. Leftovers

Have a Creative Backup Plan for any leftovers instead of just living off turkey sandwiches. Make your leftover plan now so that you have any needed ingredients to turn the turkey into casseroles and salads, or perhaps a nice turkey chili, Turkey Noodle Soup, Turkey & Mashed Potato Pot Pies, and Turkey Sandwiches.

6. No Disposables

Another of the 6 ways to save for Thanksgiving. Paper plates and plastic utensils may save some cleanup time, but they are an unnecessary expense. Besides, the Thanksgiving holiday is a perfect time to break out the good china and fancy glassware and serving trays.

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We hope that these tips can help you avoid budget stress at Thanksgiving. If you are going to stress over Thanksgiving, make it for the traditional reasons – unexpected guests, political discussions at the dinner table, the poor performance of your favorite football team, and keep the booze consumption to a minimum.