INDIANAPOLIS — With Halloween in the rearview mirror, you probably need to be thinking ahead to Thanksgiving now, according to Cherie Lowe, the Queen of Free.
On 13Sunrise and in her weekly blog, Lowe cited analysts who are anticipating turkeys costing 73% more this year due to both inflation and a bird flu outbreak. "You need to begin shopping early to keep Thanksgiving from becoming more of a beast than a blessing," she said.
She offered her early Thanksgiving shopping guide so you can get ahead of the curve on planning and spending for your annual feast.
Menu
"You’ll find yourself in all sorts of trouble if you don’t have a written plan," said Lowe. So start by figuring out what menu items are must-haves and which ones you can skip. Coordinate with family members and other guests early so you know who is cooking and bringing side dishes and desserts. Lowe suggested using a shared list on a group text to communicate and update.
Shopping
Start watching for store coupons and specials. "ALDI is offering a Thanksgiving Rewind on prices," Lowe said, "meaning that they will offer traditional Thanksgiving groceries at the same price they were in 2019." By sticking to one store for your shopping, you will save on gas even if you pay a few cents more for some items. Check store circulars to help direct you to the right store for all your needs.
To spread out the grocery bill, start stocking up on non-perishable Thanksgiving items on your weekly shopping trips now. Frozen and canned items can be purchased now so they won't add to your Thanksgiving week shopping bill. Some items can also be prepared ahead and go in the freezer to help keep Thanksgiving cooking from becoming too hectic.
Serving and storage
Skip the paper, use the plastic.
Paper plates save time, but have increased in price like most everything else. So get out the good dishes and cloth napkins and plan time to wash them after your meal.
If you don't have room to store all your leftovers, have plastic bags and to-go containers ready for guests so they can take home leftovers after the big meal.
Watch Lowe's 13Sunrise segment in the video player.