Sometimes, especially when you are in college or just graduated, your bank account tells you that you have to throw a cheap Friendsgiving feast. Hey, we get it! When you are slogging your way through the end of the first semester, cash flow can be low. Or if you are in your first gig out of school and you have a communications degree, you might not be springing for Dom and organic turkey from Whole Foods on your first adult Friendsgiving.
So we have some Friendsgiving ideas for you to create a fun and filling feast for all your pals. The hangover might be a little worse on the cheap stuff, but, hey, you’re young. You can probably handle it.
Potluck It Up
Get all your buddies on board and have everyone chip in with a dish. Remember, you are still responsible for the main course. For funsies, pick up one of these, but make sure you have some real food for your guests. Meatloaf, pot roast or beef stew are always decent, cheap options. For the vegans and vegetarians in the group, a hearty pot of beans will take care of the protein requirements. Get your guests to fill in on the salad, mashed potato and casserole front. And get a few half gallons of vanilla ice cream on sale, plus a few McDonald’s apple pies. A hearty and inexpensive dessert.
Keep It Small
That might not be hard. If you are stuck in your dorm over the break because you can afford a ticket home for Thanksgiving, you are going to be limited to the friends in similar situations. Trim the guest list to your financial specifications. Keep your close friends on board, but cut out the ones that you barely even recognize. An intimate gathering might even create more lasting memories.
Find The Deals
Check around your town for the discount supermarket and inexpensive beverage store. The key to throwing a cheap Friendsgiving is being creative in your procurement strategies. If you get really deep into your budget, consider flagging down restaurant managers around town to see if you can make use of leftover food that they are just going to throw out. Roasting a couple of whole chickens can also be a nice turkey alternative. The tend to be a bit cheaper and getting them whole is less expensive than buying already cut up chicken parts.
Eliminate the Frills
No need for super fancy paper invitations here. Evite or Paperless Post is the way to go. And if you don’t have a tablecloth, no need to freak out the day of and rush to Bed, Bath and Beyond. Just go without. Less laundry.
Bottom Shelf
You don’t need to climb to the top shelf of the liquor store in order to have a great party. Just don’t make your way down to the bottom of the barrel either. If you don’t live near a Trader Joe’s that sells wine (and, BTW, you are missing out if you don’t) find the least expensive alternative to Two-Buck Chuck. You can find some decent wines for under 8 bucks a bottle. And Yellowtail is always an option. Go with some Yeungling or Spaten for the beer drinkers. rather than shelling out for the hot local microbrew.
And you can even eschew alcohol altogether. It will make your sober guests happy and you might just have some fun, without the nasty next day hangover.
What are your best tips for a cheap Friendsgiving celebration? Let us know in the comments!