(BlackDoctor.org) -- When most people think about Thanksgiving dinner, they mainly focus on how to keep the turkey satisfactorily moist and the waistline reasonably trim. But, the wallet definitely deserves some consideration, too – according to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the average cost of Thanksgiving dinner this year will be about $42.91 for a small family.

Since Thanksgiving is only the beginning of a long, and potentially pricey, holiday season, here are a few tips to help save a few dollars while sharing the joyful and bountiful (and of course, delicious) spirit of the holidays with your loved ones:

Turkey

• Before you go bird-buying, consult a turkey buying chart to figure out just how much you’ll need. Also, be sure to consider the desired amount of leftovers, and what parts of the bird your family prefers to eat. Depending on these factors, it may be better to buy either bone-in turkey breasts or turkey rolls instead. If you use the remaining bones and meat to make soup stock, it may be worth it to purchase the entire bird on sale. But, if you tend to just throw away what doesn’t get carved up, then you may get more for your money from the other options.

• If you do decide to buy a turkey, buy at least two or three name brand, pre-basted birds with a built-in thermometer, and buy them on sale or with coupons. These types of turkeys tend to be lower-maintenance and simpler to prepare. Freeze the birds you don’t need immediately for your December meal, a winter soup, or a turkey casserole later in the year – frozen turkeys will keep for an entire year!

Sides

• Start saving bread crusts and the last slices of a bread loaf well before the holidays. Toast the slices to dry out the bread without making them too crispy, then crumble or tear the pieces and keep them in a bag in the freezer until you’re ready to make the dressing.

• Make as much as possible from scratch. Almost all of the homemade fixins, including dressing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, pie and cobbler are healthier, tastier and cheaper than their boxed, instant or pre-made alternatives.

• Keep it simple! No need to make four different types of salads, dressings, etc. Stick to the basics and focus on making them as delicious as possible!

• Many holiday favorites are both expensive and unhealthy. Consider making mashed potatoes with cheaper and less starchy small red potatoes and reduced fat milk and sour cream. Instead of that sweet potato casserole, opt for baked sweet potatoes with a little butter and sprinkled brown sugar. And a dish of green beans with almond slivers is a tasty waistline & wallet-friendlier alternative to green bean casserole.

Desserts

• Instead of using whole pieces of butter to coat pans that need to be greased, use the butter wrappers instead, which are generally just as effective.

• Instead of making five different types of pies (everyone will always have their own personal favorite), choose just two pies that everyone will enjoy, such as the always-affordable apple and sweet potato varieties. Keep sugar overload to a minimum by serving just enough for each person to have one or two slices.

• To avoid the temptation of buying more expensive, ready-to-bake cookie dough, make it from scratch ahead of time; roll batches into individual balls and freeze – this saves time, too, since it’ll be all ready the moment you need it.

• Instead of buying canned whipped cream or whipped topping, buy heavy whipping cream and whip it up yourself for half the cost!

Drinks

• Alcohol can be very expensive, so let everyone share the cost by bringing their own preferred drink of choice.
• Cut back on individual beverage cans and bottles by preparing a simple, festive punch that everyone can enjoy.

Shopping

• Save dollars by buying seasonal, local fruits and vegetables from the local produce market instead of buying from stores where the produce has been shipped from miles away. Buy more than you need, and freeze the extras for later.

• Plan early! Make your holiday menu list well in advance, then snatch up list items when they go on sale or when you find coupons for them. For more expensive ingredients, try buying them a little at a time, such as two items a week. Put everything aside, and when it’s time to start cooking, grab those ingredients and fire up the oven!

• Fall is the best time to stock up on nuts, pecans and almonds. Freeze what you won’t use within two months.

• Shop around. Don’t just frequent one grocery store. Instead, look for the best prices at various locations, including discount grocery stores, such as Aldi’s.

• Consider substituting ingredients. For example, if a recipe calls for blueberries, but raspberries are cheaper, consider switching it up.

• Always try to make the most of those “buy one, get one free” offers.

Entertaining

• Try a potluck! Everyone can contribute by bringing their own special favorite dish, adding to the excitement of the holiday meal and the prospect of new and delicious recipes. And best of all, no one pays for the entire meal!

• Save on buying holiday-scented candles by making a simmer pot. Place fruit skin in a saucepan with a cinnamon stick, cloves, and water, and then simmer on low to add a warm, delicious scent to your entire home.

• For an easy and fun family activity, make your own decorations, such as name cards, napkin rings and centerpieces.

• As a less-expensive alternative to flowers, decorate the dinner table with seasonal fruits, holly branches, pine cones and even colorful leaves.

Traveling

• Some families hit the road to travel to relatives’ homes for the holidays. Be sure to put a cooler in the car, as well as icepacks. Avoid snacking on pricey sweets by stocking it with yogurt, fresh fruit and water.

• Instead of settling for unhealthy, costly fast food or buffet breakfasts, bring your own breakfast choices, including cereal and fresh baked, reduced fat muffins.

• Keep other great travel staples on hand as well, such as nuts and dried fruits.

By Whitney Greer, BDO Editor