Survey: 4 In 10 Thanksgiving Dinner Hosts Overwhelmed With The Cost
DETROIT (WWJ) - Hosting a Thanksgiving meal is an honor and a joy for many, but sometimes the price tag that goes along with it can be daunting.
A new CouponCabin.com survey reveals that 44 percent of those hosting Thanksgiving this year are at least somewhat overwhelmed with the cost. More women said they feel overwhelmed by the cost than men, at 51 percent and 36 percent, respectively.
Between a turkey, side dishes, beverages and dessert, a Thanksgiving host's grocery bill can cost a cornucopia of money.
Nearly one-in-five (17 percent) Thanksgiving hosts said they plan to spend $250 or more on the meal this year, while half (52 percent) will spend between $100 and $249. Others are planning a more frugal Thanksgiving, as 31 percent said they will spend under $100.
Jackie Warrick, President and Chief Savings Officer at CouponCabin.com, said since many people will be enjoying the meal, consider asking guests to chip in on the cost, or contribute with a dish of their own. Combine the sharing strategy with other money-saving tactics and you'll be well on your way to a less expensive Turkey Day.
Thanksgiving hosts that are feeling overwhelmed with the costs are employing a variety of money-trimming plans, including the following:
- Use coupons – 60 percent
- Shop early to get the best deals – 48 percent
- Buy items at a warehouse store – 37 percent
- Ask guests to bring a dish or dishes – 34 percent
- Wait until the last minute for deals as stores empty out their inventory – 10 percent
- Buy pre-made items at a grocery/specialty store – 7 percent
Warrick offered the following tips on how to dress your turkey (and all the fixings) for less this year:
Scour the Web for coupons: Do your homework ahead of your shopping trips to get the best coupons on thousands of different items, for everything from tablecloths to canned soups to gravy mixes and more.
Create a signature drink: One of the most expensive parts of a holiday meal can be the cost of alcohol. Think about creating one signature drink that will appeal to all, as opposed to buying beer, wine and specific types of hard alcohol.
Decorating deals: If you don't have your own already, buying new tablecloths, napkins and decorations can quickly add up. Check out a local dollar store for plain tablecloths and more, and spice up your tables up on your own with leaves from your yard, fruit displays and more.
This survey was conducted online nationwide by Harris Interactive on behalf of CouponCabin.com from October 24-26, 2011 among 2,132 adults aged 18 and older.
