Summit Staff Reporter

College students are on a budget, especially if they’re living away from home. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun, exciting and budget-friendly Thanksgiving—a fun turkey day spent with friends.

During this season, many stores offer deals that sound fascinating and like a fast way to save money, but students should beware some deals are just too good to be true. The most important rule to follow is always pay careful attention to the following steps, although the quantity of each food might differ depending on how many people attend.

Strategize

First, make a list of the things you will need, from flatware to food. Don’t forget to include things that might seem obvious like napkins, plates or even cheap silverware. Make a list of people attending—and know if they are planning on inviting other friends. You wouldn’t want to run out of food.

Plan a Budget

How much can you afford to spend this holiday? Will friends be able to help out or split the cost in some way? After figuring that out, start researching stores and deals that they might be offering. Remember, coupons are a budget shopper’s best friends. Look for coupons on the Sunday paper or even the Internet—there are many sites giving out candy for the holidays.
 

Be Courteous

Start looking for food and drinks that to serve. Fast and easy finger foods are the best way to go. You can always Google recipes to cook, or try some of the ones included on the opposite page, courtesy of allrecipes.com. Beware, as a host, that many people have food allergies. It’s courteous to email or text guests to check if they have any food allergies.

Ask for Help

Being a host of a Thanksgiving event is time-consuming and stressful. Don’t feel overwhelmed—asking friends to help out is a great way to be efficient. And stick to your budget; don’t go overboard with things that are unnecessary. Even though some stores tout “deals,” it’s not always the best way to go, and students might end up spending more they ended up bargaining for. Also, cleaning up after people can be a hassle, so have everyone pitch in and have cleaning supplies available.

Hosting Friendsgiving is a great way to help those out who might not be able to spend time with their families. During this holiday, share your gratitude with friends