More Than One-in-Ten U.S. Adults Have Said No to Hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner Because of the Cost, Finds New CouponCabin Survey

WHITING, Ind., Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- While Thanksgiving meals are without a doubt delicious, the cost of serving them can leave a bad taste in the host's mouth. A new CouponCabin.com survey finds that more than one-in-ten (12 percent) have said "no" to hosting a Thanksgiving dinner in the past because of the cost. In addition, 14 percent said they feel pressured to host a Thanksgiving dinner because others in their family and friends group don't want to spend money on hosting their own. This survey was conducted online nationwide by Harris Interactive on behalf of CouponCabin.com from October 18th – 22nd, 2012, among 2,082 U.S. adults aged 18 and older.

Some potential Thanksgiving hosts are worried that the extreme weather the country has experienced over the past few months will affect food prices for their holiday meal. Seven-in-ten (70 percent) U.S. adults who are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner this year said they are a least somewhat concerned that this summer and fall's weather will increase food prices for hosting Thanksgiving this year. Thirty percent are not at all concerned.

Of those that have already agreed to host a Thanksgiving celebration this year, 45 percent report they are at least somewhat overwhelmed with the cost. This is in line with last year's survey findings, when 44 percent said the same.

Between a turkey, side dishes and beverages, a Thanksgiving meal can cost a cornucopia of money. Nearly one-in-ten (7 percent) Thanksgiving hosts plan to spend over $300 on the meal this year, while 49 percent will spend between $101 and $300. Others are planning a more frugal Thanksgiving, as 44 percent said they will spend $100 or less. Those hosting Thanksgiving plan to spend an average of $246 on the meal. Those living in the West estimate spending double the national average, saying they plan to spend $495 on the meal.

"While it's a time for celebration, the price tag that comes with hosting a Thanksgiving meal can be daunting for those hosting," said Jackie Warrick, President and Chief Savings Officer at CouponCabin.com. "Many Thanksgiving hosts have gotten a jump on their shopping already, stocking up on non-perishables and frozen items to supplement their fresh purchases. By combining a head start with other savings strategies, hosts can trim their turkeys and their costs."

Savings expert Warrick offers the following tips on how to dress your bird and all the fixings for less this year:

Go generic: When you have to buy so many different items to prepare a Thanksgiving meal, going generic means big savings. For staples like flour, sugar, spices, pasta, napkins, paper towels, vegetable oil and more, skip the name brands. Your guests won't even notice the difference.

Utilize online resources: Keeping track of grocery coupons and deals can be a challenge. Check out CouponCabin.com's Newsflash, a constantly updated stream of the best offers and coupons, so you won't miss any great holiday meal deals.

Keep decorations simple: The food is the main event at a Thanksgiving meal, so don't waste precious time and money on elaborate furnishings. Consider finding DIY ideas on a site like Pinterest, check out hand-made products on Etsy or visit a local craft fair to help decorate your table for less.

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Survey Methodology:
The 2011 survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Coupon Cabin from October 24-26, 2011 among 2,132 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, and the 2012 survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Coupon Cabin from October 18th – 22nd, 2012 among 2,082 adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Allison Kaplan, [email protected].

About CouponCabin.com
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SOURCE CouponCabin.com