6 home products on a green and white background Credit: Courtesy of the Merchants
Welcome to Thrifty. A weekly column where associate nutrition editor and registered dietitian, Jessica Ball, keeps it real on how to grocery shop on a budget, make healthy meals for one or two and make earth-friendly choices without overhauling your entire life Thanksgiving is arguably my favorite holiday of the year. I love food and cooking—especially when I have a chance to gather around the table with people I love and share it. This is one of my primary motivators for putting together an over-the-top Friendsgiving party each year with my friends before everyone parts ways to celebrate with their respective families. I roast a turkey, make a pumpkin pie, cook one too many side dishes and generally go all out. That said, I am on a pretty tight budget so I have to be more strategic to plan something that doesn’t break the bank. To execute the ultimate Friendsgiving, there are a few tools that will go a long way in helping you have a stress-free (or lower stress) day. Here are 10 budget-friendly kitchen products you need for hosting the best Friendsgiving gathering. 1. Digital Read Thermometer oxo thermometer OXO Good Grips Chef’s Precision Digital Instant Read Thermometer $20.99 shop it OXO Especially if you are roasting a turkey or cooking meat of any kind, a digital instant-read thermometer is well worth the money. Forget the “slice and check” method that you might have used before. Getting an actual temperature read takes away the guesswork so you can feed your guests something delicious, well-cooked and safe. Even beyond holidays or Friendsgiving, this is a tool I use all of the time. 2. Slow Cooker Programmable Slow Cooker Cuisinart ® 3.5 Qt. Programmable Slow Cooker $59.95 shop it Crate & Barrel There are few cooking methods more forgiving than slow cooking. Leave your Slow-Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes in for an extra 30 minutes? Not a problem. Need an easy cocktail for a crowd? Simmer our Slow-Cooker Hot Cider with Brandy and leave it on warm when it’s done so guests can easily enjoy a flavorful cup. Using a slow cooker allows you to set it and forget it, making it easy to multitask, which is a huge selling point when you’re preparing to host a group. We even have a variety of slow-cooker Thanksgiving sides that are packed with flavor and will make your day a little easier. 3. Kitchen Scale kitchen scale Taylor Digital 11lb Glass Top Food Scale Black $19.99 shop it Target I am not a person who loves to measure. In fact, I typically don’t measure and just eyeball it when I cook…but that doesn’t work so well for baking. When I’m baking or making anything where I need an accurate measurement, I lean on my digital kitchen scale. Not only is it way easier to use than individual cup and spoon measures, but also it saves you from doing a bunch of extra dishes (which is especially appealing if you’re like me and don’t have a dishwasher). 4. Small & Large Tongs mini tongs Mini Tongs $7.99 shop it OXO 12" tongs 12" Tongs With Silicone Heads $15.99 shop it OXO When I’m cooking, tongs become an extension of my hand. I use them to stir, flip, transfer and move just about anything. Personally, I like to have a smaller pair for more delicate things like vegetables and tossing salads and a larger pair for flipping or transferring meats. Especially when you are moving something large or heavy, silicone heads can help you from scraping your cookware or accidentally cutting into your food. Get a pair of Mini Tongs and 12" Tongs with Silicone Heads from OXO for less than $20 a piece. 5. Kitchen Timer kitchen timer Polder® 100-Minute Digital Mini Timer $8.99 shop it Bed, Bath & Beyond Multitasking is all fun and games…until you forget your cheesy casserole under the broiler and it’s burnt to a crisp. Get one or several of these to help keep you on schedule since there are many moving parts around this holiday. Plus, an inexpensive kitchen timer is lower risk to touch with dirty hands than your phone. I love this Digital Mini Timer because it has a magnet so I can set it and stick it on the fridge so it’s out of the way. 6. Tablecloth tablecloth Harvest Plaid Tablecloth $14.99 shop it Bed, Bath & Beyond While this might not be something you use when you’re cooking, having a kitchen table and festive tablecloth will save you a lot of stress while you’re hosting. This Harvest Plaid Tablecloth from Bed, Bath & Beyond is simple and budget-friendly while adding a nice aesthetic to your space. Plus, it helps to protect your table from any accidental spills or scratches. Bonus points if it’s less than $20 and machine washable like this one. (P.S.- check out these other Friendsgiving decorations for every budget.) 7. Trivets trivet Acacia Trivets $12.95 shop it Crate & Barrel Instead of using a dozen different serving platters, bring foods right to the table with a stylish yet affordable trivet. Trivets save your table from burning and let people serve themselves as they wish. No need to interrupt conversation by heading back to the kitchen for seconds (it is Friendsgiving, after all). Not to mention, it will help save you dishes. 8. Large Wooden Platter serving platter Long Serve Board $20.00($40.00) shop it West Elm I like to have a cheese board and a few appetizers set out as people arrive. Plus, this can help buy you some time if dinner is (inevitably) taking a little longer than expected. Make your apps feel more elegant by serving them on a wooden platter. This Long Serve Board from Eden Serveware Collection is a budget-friendly option that looks way more expensive than it actually is. 9. Matching Wine Glasses Nattie Red Wine Glasses, Set of 8 Nattie Red Wine Glasses, Set of 8 $27.95 shop it Crate & Barrel I know I know, red solo cups technically work just fine. But for less than $30, this set of eight Nattie Red Wine Glasses will help level up your Friendsgiving from feeling like a college party. You don’t have to use them all night, and you might have more than eight guests, but having these on hand will come in handy for many hosting occasions to come. 10. Large Water Pitcher pitcher Impressions Pitcher $14.95 shop it Crate & Barrel One great way to keep people out of the kitchen (and out of your way) is to fill up a large pitcher or two with drinks that are easily visible. They can be filled with big-batch cocktails or infused water for when people want a break from booze but still want something flavorful and fun. Plus it’s easy to refill and keeps people from going to the sink every time they need some water (which, at this point, is probably full of dishes). The Bottom Line Hosting a Friendsgiving party is a great way to reconnect with people you might have missed last year and is a great way to show you care. Some of the most special moments I’ve had with friends are when we are gathered around the table too blissfully full to take another bite. However, it’s no secret that hosting can get expensive fast. These gadgets, tools and serving products will help elevate your Friendsgiving without breaking the bank.
` Thrifty logo View Series The 6 Best Budget-Friendly Antioxidant-Rich Foods, According to a Dietitian I’m a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite High-Protein Casserole Recipes I’m a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite New Soup Recipes The 6 Best Budget-Friendly Anti-Inflammatory Foods, According to a Dietitian
6 home products on a green and white background Credit: Courtesy of the Merchants
6 home products on a green and white background Credit: Courtesy of the Merchants
6 home products on a green and white background
Credit: Courtesy of the Merchants
Welcome to Thrifty. A weekly column where associate nutrition editor and registered dietitian, Jessica Ball, keeps it real on how to grocery shop on a budget, make healthy meals for one or two and make earth-friendly choices without overhauling your entire life
Thanksgiving is arguably my favorite holiday of the year. I love food and cooking—especially when I have a chance to gather around the table with people I love and share it. This is one of my primary motivators for putting together an over-the-top Friendsgiving party each year with my friends before everyone parts ways to celebrate with their respective families. I roast a turkey, make a pumpkin pie, cook one too many side dishes and generally go all out.
That said, I am on a pretty tight budget so I have to be more strategic to plan something that doesn’t break the bank. To execute the ultimate Friendsgiving, there are a few tools that will go a long way in helping you have a stress-free (or lower stress) day. Here are 10 budget-friendly kitchen products you need for hosting the best Friendsgiving gathering.
1. Digital Read Thermometer
oxo thermometer OXO Good Grips Chef's Precision Digital Instant Read Thermometer $20.99 shop it OXO
Especially if you are roasting a turkey or cooking meat of any kind, a digital instant-read thermometer is well worth the money. Forget the “slice and check” method that you might have used before. Getting an actual temperature read takes away the guesswork so you can feed your guests something delicious, well-cooked and safe. Even beyond holidays or Friendsgiving, this is a tool I use all of the time.
2. Slow Cooker
Programmable Slow Cooker Cuisinart ® 3.5 Qt. Programmable Slow Cooker $59.95 shop it Crate & Barrel
There are few cooking methods more forgiving than slow cooking. Leave your Slow-Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes in for an extra 30 minutes? Not a problem. Need an easy cocktail for a crowd? Simmer our Slow-Cooker Hot Cider with Brandy and leave it on warm when it’s done so guests can easily enjoy a flavorful cup. Using a slow cooker allows you to set it and forget it, making it easy to multitask, which is a huge selling point when you’re preparing to host a group. We even have a variety of slow-cooker Thanksgiving sides that are packed with flavor and will make your day a little easier.
3. Kitchen Scale
kitchen scale Taylor Digital 11lb Glass Top Food Scale Black $19.99 shop it Target
I am not a person who loves to measure. In fact, I typically don’t measure and just eyeball it when I cook…but that doesn’t work so well for baking. When I’m baking or making anything where I need an accurate measurement, I lean on my digital kitchen scale. Not only is it way easier to use than individual cup and spoon measures, but also it saves you from doing a bunch of extra dishes (which is especially appealing if you’re like me and don’t have a dishwasher).
4. Small & Large Tongs
mini tongs Mini Tongs $7.99 shop it OXO
12" tongs 12" Tongs With Silicone Heads $15.99 shop it OXO
When I’m cooking, tongs become an extension of my hand. I use them to stir, flip, transfer and move just about anything. Personally, I like to have a smaller pair for more delicate things like vegetables and tossing salads and a larger pair for flipping or transferring meats. Especially when you are moving something large or heavy, silicone heads can help you from scraping your cookware or accidentally cutting into your food. Get a pair of Mini Tongs and 12" Tongs with Silicone Heads from OXO for less than $20 a piece.
5. Kitchen Timer
kitchen timer Polder® 100-Minute Digital Mini Timer $8.99 shop it Bed, Bath & Beyond
Multitasking is all fun and games…until you forget your cheesy casserole under the broiler and it’s burnt to a crisp. Get one or several of these to help keep you on schedule since there are many moving parts around this holiday. Plus, an inexpensive kitchen timer is lower risk to touch with dirty hands than your phone. I love this Digital Mini Timer because it has a magnet so I can set it and stick it on the fridge so it’s out of the way.
6. Tablecloth
tablecloth Harvest Plaid Tablecloth $14.99 shop it Bed, Bath & Beyond
While this might not be something you use when you’re cooking, having a kitchen table and festive tablecloth will save you a lot of stress while you’re hosting. This Harvest Plaid Tablecloth from Bed, Bath & Beyond is simple and budget-friendly while adding a nice aesthetic to your space. Plus, it helps to protect your table from any accidental spills or scratches. Bonus points if it’s less than $20 and machine washable like this one. (P.S.- check out these other Friendsgiving decorations for every budget.)
7. Trivets
trivet Acacia Trivets $12.95 shop it Crate & Barrel
Instead of using a dozen different serving platters, bring foods right to the table with a stylish yet affordable trivet. Trivets save your table from burning and let people serve themselves as they wish. No need to interrupt conversation by heading back to the kitchen for seconds (it is Friendsgiving, after all). Not to mention, it will help save you dishes.
8. Large Wooden Platter
serving platter Long Serve Board $20.00($40.00) shop it West Elm
I like to have a cheese board and a few appetizers set out as people arrive. Plus, this can help buy you some time if dinner is (inevitably) taking a little longer than expected. Make your apps feel more elegant by serving them on a wooden platter. This Long Serve Board from Eden Serveware Collection is a budget-friendly option that looks way more expensive than it actually is.
9. Matching Wine Glasses
Nattie Red Wine Glasses, Set of 8 Nattie Red Wine Glasses, Set of 8 $27.95 shop it Crate & Barrel
I know I know, red solo cups technically work just fine. But for less than $30, this set of eight Nattie Red Wine Glasses will help level up your Friendsgiving from feeling like a college party. You don’t have to use them all night, and you might have more than eight guests, but having these on hand will come in handy for many hosting occasions to come.
10. Large Water Pitcher
pitcher Impressions Pitcher $14.95 shop it Crate & Barrel
One great way to keep people out of the kitchen (and out of your way) is to fill up a large pitcher or two with drinks that are easily visible. They can be filled with big-batch cocktails or infused water for when people want a break from booze but still want something flavorful and fun. Plus it’s easy to refill and keeps people from going to the sink every time they need some water (which, at this point, is probably full of dishes).
The Bottom Line
Hosting a Friendsgiving party is a great way to reconnect with people you might have missed last year and is a great way to show you care. Some of the most special moments I’ve had with friends are when we are gathered around the table too blissfully full to take another bite. However, it’s no secret that hosting can get expensive fast. These gadgets, tools and serving products will help elevate your Friendsgiving without breaking the bank.
oxo thermometer
OXO Good Grips Chef’s Precision Digital Instant Read Thermometer $20.99 shop it OXO
oxo thermometer
$20.99
shop it OXO
OXO
Programmable Slow Cooker
Cuisinart ® 3.5 Qt. Programmable Slow Cooker $59.95 shop it Crate & Barrel
Programmable Slow Cooker
$59.95
shop it Crate & Barrel
Crate & Barrel
kitchen scale
Taylor Digital 11lb Glass Top Food Scale Black $19.99 shop it Target
kitchen scale
$19.99
shop it Target
Target
mini tongs
Mini Tongs $7.99 shop it OXO
mini tongs
$7.99
12" tongs
12" Tongs With Silicone Heads $15.99 shop it OXO
12" tongs
$15.99
kitchen timer
Polder® 100-Minute Digital Mini Timer $8.99 shop it Bed, Bath & Beyond
kitchen timer
$8.99
shop it Bed, Bath & Beyond
Bed, Bath & Beyond
tablecloth
Harvest Plaid Tablecloth $14.99 shop it Bed, Bath & Beyond
tablecloth
$14.99
trivet
Acacia Trivets $12.95 shop it Crate & Barrel
trivet
$12.95
serving platter
Long Serve Board $20.00($40.00) shop it West Elm
serving platter
$20.00($40.00)
shop it West Elm
West Elm
Nattie Red Wine Glasses, Set of 8
Nattie Red Wine Glasses, Set of 8 $27.95 shop it Crate & Barrel
Nattie Red Wine Glasses, Set of 8
$27.95
pitcher
Impressions Pitcher $14.95 shop it Crate & Barrel
pitcher
$14.95
` Thrifty logo View Series The 6 Best Budget-Friendly Antioxidant-Rich Foods, According to a Dietitian I’m a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite High-Protein Casserole Recipes I’m a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite New Soup Recipes The 6 Best Budget-Friendly Anti-Inflammatory Foods, According to a Dietitian
` Thrifty logo View Series
The 6 Best Budget-Friendly Antioxidant-Rich Foods, According to a Dietitian I’m a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite High-Protein Casserole Recipes I’m a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite New Soup Recipes The 6 Best Budget-Friendly Anti-Inflammatory Foods, According to a Dietitian
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