Coupon Queen: Prepare to budget for a holiday feast

I've recently received quite a few emails from readers and I'd like to share a couple with you. I've always gone to my parents or in-laws for the holidays, but my husband would like us to host Thanksgiving this year. I'm a little worried about the cost of feeding such a large group of people. Do you have any tips on saving money on a big meal? Dawn R, Elyria There are many ways to cut corners while putting out your spread. First, make a list. Compare this to store ads and pick which store will give you the most bang for your buck. While meat can usually be the most expensive item at a family dinner, turkey prices drop to their lowest during Thanksgiving. When planning your meal, balance your side dishes and desserts. Whipping up a bowl of mashed potatoes is cheaper than a seven-layer dip, so stick to the delicious essentials and go light on the expensive dishes. If your guests ask what side dish to bring, take them up on the offer. It will save you time and money. Lastly, skip new, expensive décor and use everyday items you already have, such as glasses and candleholders. If a few new things are a must, take a trip to a discount store such as Marc's or Dollar Tree. Just be sure to shop early, as some of the seasonal items can sell out quickly. I buy multiple Sunday papers so that I can get numerous coupon inserts each week, but sometimes there aren't coupons inside. It's so frustrating. Why is it that some weeks there are no coupons? Jen S. Elyria I understand your frustration. One reason you may not be getting coupons is because of holidays. There are no coupon inserts around significant national holidays, such as Christmas. I look forward to these weeks so I can spend extra time with my family. Another reason may be theft. While I love to get a good deal, some people cross the line and even break the law to save a few dollars. I always take the extra papers to the customer service counter and check them there before paying. This will ensure that coupons are inside, and I won't look sneaky shuffling through papers. This week's deal Here's a deal you can grab this week at Walgreens. Ajax Liquid laundry detergent 40oz. bottles $2.69 — buy one, get one free Buy two = $5.38 Less buy one, get one free sale: final cost is $2.69 total — about $1.34 each if you buy four! Rachel Krych is passionate about helping others spend less and save more. In addition to her weekly column, she has a blog, Couponing With Rachel, which earns her compensation from Google for ads it places there, and from entertainment marketers whose promotional codes she touts. She doesn't write about entertainment in her column. Email her at couponingwithrachel@hotmail.com.