The holidays begin next week! (yum!) Here are some great Thrifty Thanksgiving Tips from Ted Allen:
Use food and other natural items for your centerpiece. Rather than buying flowers, there’s nothing prettier than a big bowl of lemons, apples, or other fruits and veggies. Use items that you’re already purchasing so you can buy in bulk (like cranberries). Other great ideas for table decoration are branches and autumn leaves, right from your own yard.
Use the whole pumpkin! If you’re making pumpkin pie from scratch or home-made pumpkin bisque, don’t waste the seeds. Washed, salted, and roasted in the oven, they make a delicious, not-too-filling (and free!) snack for kids and grownups prowling the kitchen before dinner. For a twist, season them with Old Bay seasoning, paprika, or a little chili powder.
Save on soda and bottled water. Save attractive glass bottles from wine and gourmet juices in the weeks before the holidays. Fill them with filtered water and chill the day before dinner. Add lemon, lime or orange slices for a gourmet look and a palette-cleansing taste. (Depending on your weather, chill them in the garage—thus conserving precious fridge space).
Save while you spend. Use coupons, look for sales and 2-for-1 specials or sign up for a savings program like Keep the Change® from Bank of America. For every purchase you make with your Keep the Change check card, Bank of America rounds up the purchase to the nearest dollar and transfers the difference from your checking to your savings account. With all those trips to the store, the savings really add up – and might help cover the cost of your next holiday feast! For more info, go to www.bankofamerica.com.
Go potluck! Everybody understands that feeding a big crowd is expensive. Share the cost by delegating drinks and dishes to friends and family (just remember to reserve some oven space for reheating!)
