Happy Monday! So, I had a goal this weekend of getting a few posts done in advance that way I could focus on the holidays. That unfortunately did not happen as I ended up getting sick on Saturday evening and it lasted until Sunday evening (not bad, I know). I had a sore throat, fever and headache. Gah – to me there is nothing worse than a sore throat!!! I would much rather be throwing up than have a throat ache. Anyone else with me on that?!
Anyways, yesterday evening after I was feeling better we headed to Walmart to purchase our ingredients for Thanksgiving. I thought it would be interesting to share what we’re making and how much we spent.
Normally, we spend Thanksgiving with family friends about two hours north of Phoenix. Since we moved to North CarolinaΒ this summer, this will be our first year hosting Thanksgiving. It’s just us four, but we decided to go all-out and cook all the delicious classics.
Since we had to buy all the food, we spent about 10 times more than normal, haha. Usually I bring a dessert and an appetizer which costs about $20 max.
We bought our 20-lb turkey from Publix for $12ish. I know – 20 lbs for four people (two of which probably won’t eat it)??! I am just as concerned, but my husband insisted. He says half of that is guts and bones, but I think he just wants to have a lot of leftovers.
At Walmart, we spent $97, but subtract $30 in items not related to our meal (ornaments, holiday socks and other very necessary items haha). Total we spent $67 + $12 for a grand total of $79.
We’re making a turkey with The Pioneer’s Woman’s brine, mashed Gold Yukon potatoes, sweet potato casserole w/ mini marshmallows, green bean casserole, stuffing, bread with homemade spinach and artichoke dip (my husband’s specialty) and pumpkin cheesecake with gingersnap crust for dessert. Yum.
Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year or bringing a dish? How much do you typically spend for the holiday? I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!!! π
Happy Thanksgiving! Your meal sounds wonderful. Spinach dip is my favorite! I’m making crawfish cornbread to bring to my in-laws. Ingredients are just under $20. Thanks for sharing.
Crawfish cornbread!? That sounds fantastic!! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving this year!!
Now I want pumpkin cheesecake! Yum! We are responsible for rolls and a veggie tray which I will make in the shape of a turkey;0) Not spending too much. Yay!
How cute!!! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Your dinner sounds delicious. We’re going to my mom’s house this year and all we have to bring is a side dish. I like not having to host because I save money and also a lot of time.
Sounds fun!! I completely agree about hosting – so much time and money. I really don’t know why we’re going “all out” this year as it is technically just my husband and I (kids are 2 and 1, not huge eaters lol), but he wanted to lol. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!!
We too will be celebrating just the four of us, after a move this year. And will also be making the full spread… turkey, green beans, corn casserole (family favorite), cornbread dressing (new recipe, but has bacon and butternut squash so I have high hopes), baked sweet potatoes, and chocolate pecan pie for dessert. We fortunately had a turkey in the freezer so no cost there. Plus a number of other items already in the house. The splurge was for pecans, but they were still on sale, and I bought in bulk. I think we came out ahead!
Your meal sounds amazing!! Especially the chocolate pecan pie π I had to purchase pecans for my cheesecake and for the sweet potato casserole – those things are expensive! Hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving!!
That all sounds pretty delicious! We celebrated Thanksgiving over the weekend as we visited my parents. We’re not bothering to do anything special on the actual day, as it’s just the two of us. Maybe I’ll bake something instead!
I always resorted to baking when it was just the two of us!! Hope you had a great time celebrating with your parents!!
Yum, that sounds amazing!! I wish I had known you when you lived in Phoenix – homemade spinach and artichoke dip sounds DELICIOUS!!!
My Thanksgiving is going to be pretty easy this year – all I have to bring is the dessert (less than $20) and then whatever I want to drink… so probably some sparkling white wine, for less than $10. Not bad! π
I know!! I totally wish we knew each other when we were in Phoenix! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!
We are getting off easy this year because we are traveling to my Dads. Besides gas, the only thing we are providing is dessert. Maybe this will make up for all those past years where our grocery bills and utility bills were a couple hundred higher when folks came to visit?!?
We hosted Easter and it was a bit cramped, even with just my family haha. So we are going to my parent’s house. I don’t think any other relatives (besides my brother and sister) are coming. I’m excited for a four day weekend and to spend time with them. Plus it’s my bro’s bday!
We’re bringing the kids. Travel expenses replace meal ones. Should be a nice time though. My in-laws are the best!