COUPON QUEEN: How to keep Thanksgiving costs low

Hosting Thanksgiving dinner is one of the most special and sometimes priciest meals of the year. Costs can add up fast, between the turkey, side dishes, desserts and décor. But with a bit of planning, you can serve up a beautiful feast without going broke. Here are a few ways to keep your costs down. Build a "turkey fund" Even with Thanksgiving over four weeks away, setting aside a little money each week can add up quickly. Try slipping $5 or $10 from each grocery trip into an envelope. By the time you need to shop for the big day, you'll have a little extra cushion for your shopping trip. Grocery store promotions Whether it's shopping for a free turkey at Giant Eagle when you spend $350, stocking up on the "buy five items, save $5" sale at Meijer, or browsing the buy one, get one free deals at Buehler's, be sure to lean into these promotions to maximize your savings. If you haven't already, sign up for your store's loyalty cards and use any extra coupons available in the store's app or website. Shop early You'll find nonperishables like canned pumpkin, stuffing mix, broth and cranberry sauce are already on sale well before the November holiday. Buy a few items each week when they're discounted. This spreads out the cost and ensures you're not paying full price when the shelves are bare closer to the holiday. Potluck feast We are hosting two Thanksgiving dinners with family this year, and many of our guests are more than happy to bring a side dish, dessert or a beverage to share. It not only cuts your costs but also adds variety to the table. Grandma's famous sweet potatoes and your cousin's homemade pie make the meal even more special. Get creative with décor After poking around in our Thanksgiving storage bins to see what I had from the last time I hosted, I stopped into a few local thrift stores. I was able to find a pretty, "new to me" centerpiece, mini pumpkin décor, and pretty candles to create a warm, festive look without spending much. You can even get the kids involved in crafting homemade place cards or napkin rings. Plan for affordability Instead of splurging on fancy ingredients, focus on simple, comforting dishes that feature seasonal produce. Mashed potatoes, green beans and stuffing never go out of style, and they're budget-friendly crowd-pleasers. Hosting Thanksgiving doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. With a bit of frugality, you can create a memorable day for your loved ones and still have money left for Black Friday deals the next morning. This week's deal Here is a deal to grab this week at Walgreens.A&W, 7-Up, Sunkist, Squirt, RC & Canada Dry 12-Pack Soda $10.99Buy 2, Get 3 Free= $21.98 total — just $4.39 each! 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 rachelkrych@gmail.com