Plan Ahead

Any successful event requires planning. This is especially true if you want to keep costs down. A few weeks before the big day, determine how many guests you expect to attend and what foods will make the menu. With these important decisions made, focus on the details.

• Research recipes Go through cookbooks, magazine clippings and websites searching for alternative recipes for your chosen dishes. Look for those with simple directions, which can mean less ingredients and less money. In addition, look for ones with scaled down serving sizes. If six people are coming to dinner, there is no need for a squash casserole meant to feed 12.

• Assess the pantry Before buying anything, compare your Thanksgiving recipes with the contents of your pantry. You will save money by not buying duplicates of cooking staples and other ingredients you already have.

• Scope out deals In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving dinner, scan newspaper circulars and online resources for coupons on those grocery items you need to purchase. Then stock up.