TAMPA, Fla. -- When Ellie “Mommy Master” Hirsch, a national parenting expert, hosts Thanksgiving at her home. She saves money and her sanity by kicking into boss mode.
Hirsch offers up five tips to save you money and reduce your stress when buying and cooking for Thanksgiving.
- “Delegate and give assignments to your guests.” Instead of telling someone to bring dessert, tell them “pecan pie.” Go specific so you know exactly what items are coming.
- Ellie takes care of the turkey, the stuffing and the sweet potatoes. But how much of that to get? The folks at Butterball created a Thanksgiving “portions” calculator helping you save more money, waste less food, and cut down on leftovers: www.butterball.com/calculators-and-conversions.
- If you want to save even more money, have guests who offer to bring something bring alcohol which is usually the most expensive menu item. The total price of a Thanksgiving dinner is now just under $50, but that does not include beer, wine or liquor. Half-used bottles will also help build your bar.
- Do not go hog wild on decorations and fancy tableware, especially stuff you are only going to use once or twice a year. Ellie says borrow from a friend. A lot of people are not even home to use it.
- Planning a Thanksgiving feast can be time-consuming and not exactly kid-friendly. If you have children, consider a “kid swap” with another mother who could also use some quiet time.
