The SpendLessTV.com Money-Saving Blog

10 Festive ideas to celebrate Thanksgiving with great food, a beautiful table, warm home decor touches, and all within budget.

Enjoy the video clips, and enjoy your holiday!

Holiday Dinner – feed 30 People for under $60 –  Seems unbelievable, but Coupon Mom shows how easily it CAN be done!

Southern Style Thanksgiving Budget Feast -  ”Simple Fresh Southern” cookbook authors, The Lee Brothers, Matt and Lee, show recipes for a three-course Thanksgiving dinner to feed 8 for under $70.

Little Pumpkin Pies – Author of the 99-Cent Only Store Cookbook, Christiane Jory gives simple seasonal recipe for instant delicious on a dime.

No-Bake Double-Layer Pumpkin Pie – a Kraft Foods amazingly quick and easy recipe for a pie that doesn’t require any baking.

Easy Fall Table Centerpieces –  Professional floral designer, Amy Child Marella, gives easy fall table decor ideas you can do in minutes.

Etched Pumpkins, Easy & Beautiful! - interior designer and crafter Evette Rios shows amazingly beautiful and easy way to use pumpkins for affordable seasonal holiday decor flare in decorating your home.

Fall Table Decorations From Your Grocery - Designer, Jennifer Adams, and lifestyle TV reporter, Brooke Carlson show budget-friendly ideas to decorate your fall holiday table with items from the grocery store.

Office Guest Room Makeover - Out of town guests go with the holiday territory, and now is as good a time as any to be prepared in style and on budget with a room that does double-duty.  Desgner, Stephen Saint-Onge gives easy pointers.

For even more holiday on-a-budget party tips:

• 20 Holiday Party Ideas for Any Budget - SpendLessTV.com blog post with pointers on food, decor and hosting during all the fall and winter holidays.
• Thanksgiving Wines your Table & Budget Will Love -  The traditional Thanksgiving Dinner meal has traditionally presented a bit of a challenge when deciding on the perfect wine to serve. Here are budget-friendly pics from the experts.
• SLTV’s Holiday Money Saving Video Channel - Loaded with seasonal celebration, gift ideas and entertaining and decor tips.

Link to this article: http://is.gd/IrmnTM (This article was originally posted 10/15/2010).

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U.S. Father’s Day: June, on the third Sunday of the month.

Create a fantastic Father’s Day! Here are tips on affordable & eco-friendly gifts, preparing a top notch meal,  DIY crafts for gifts that both kids and adults can create, and pointers on how to be a fantastic host for Father’s Day. We give you everything you need to create a fabulous day for Dad while keeping your budget balanced and your wallet full!

Grilled Sausage 3-Course Under $35 - Budget friendly gourmet 3-Course meal under $35  - Father and son chefs, Joe Isidori, Executive Chef of NYC’s Harbor Restaurant, and Arthur Isidori, Saucier Chef at Admiral’s Cove in Juniper, Florida, together show their recipes for Tomato Salad,  Tomato Basil Pasta,  Sweet & Spicy Grilled Sausage, and Chocolate Cupcakes.. UMMM!

Top 5 Eco Gifts for Father’s Day - Save money, the earth, and bring a smile to Dad with these 5 top budget and eco friendly pics for Father’s Day gifts from EcoBold.com founder, Steffany Boldrini.

Gifts for Dad that Kids Can Create - Emily Hover from PioneerPartyandGift.com gives 7 easy, fun & budget friendly DIY ideas that kids can create for Father’s Day gifts for Dad.

Make a Paper Wallet in Under 2-Minutes - How To Make a paper wallet – Easy DIY using only paper that anyone can do and Dad will love. Great for business cards or photos, too!

5 DIY Father’s Day Gifts - Lisa from lisafroststudio.com shows 5 easy and inexpensive DIY projects you can make for Father’s Day gifts that Dad will really appreciate!

6 Steps to Hosting a Great Father’s Day - Sometimes just a little undivided attention is all that Dad needs to make his Father’s Day celebration truly special. Here are 6 tips to being the perfect host of a perfect day for Dad.

More fantastic Father’s Day ideas in these related SLTV posts:

• Father’s Day: Fantastic and Wallet-Friendly
• The Gift… Basket?
• 9 DIY Gift Ideas – Sensational Home Accessories from Recycled Items

Link to this article: http://is.gd/MYztfJ

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The first night of Passover 2012 will be celebrated on the evening of Friday, April 6.

Like so many holiday celebrations, the Passover celebration is centered around the dining table. Stories of long ago are shared while tasting foods that symbolize the meaning of this holiday. This is a time to appreciate a delicious and creative meal together with family and friends. But a holiday feast for all does not have to be a budget stretch. Here are delicious, affordable spins on traditional recipes taken from all around the world that would make any Passover feast (or any feast at all) a memorable one.

Moroccan Charoset Truffles - Recipe for a Passover traditional food, Charoset, usually prepared with apples & walnuts, takes on a Moroccan spin with dates, raisins, and walnuts, served up as little truffles. Easy recipe from Zabar’s Chef, and author of Fistful of Lentils, Jennifer Abadi

Mexican Inspired Matzo Ball Soup - Matzo Ball Soup with a Mexican spin. Dos Caminos restaurant chef Meghan Young shows her recipe, which is perfect for bringing a new twist to this traditional Passover menu dish.

Honey Chicken Recipe – Cookbook author and founder of  kosher.com, Jamie Geller, shares an easy, affordable Honey Chicken recipe that is perfect for holidays or an elegant dinner party.

Potato Kugel Recipe - Quick & Kosher: Meals in Minutes Cookbook author Jamie Geller shows how to make Potato Kugel. A savory and budget friendly vegetarian addition to any meal, any time of day, and perfect for Passover.

Noodle Kugel - Food TV’s “Good Deal” host and cookbook author Dave Lieberman shares his grandmother’s quick, easy, and budget friendly recipe for noodle kugel, a creamy and crispy sweet baked dessert.

Passover Fruit Cobbler - Fruit cobbler recipe is a refreshing alternative to Passover’s usual desserts. This clip is part of “Sweet Dreams” show on the TV Food Network hosted by cook book author Gale Gand.

Passover Coconut Macaroons- TV Food Network’s “Barefoot Contessa” Chef Ina Garten shares her recipe for coconut macaroons, a traditional Passover sweet dessert cookie.

More budget-friendly holiday entertaining ideas:

• 8 Ideas for a Happy Hanukkah Party on a Budget
• SLTV’s Food, Drink, Cooking Channel
• SLTV’s Entertain, Event, Part Channel
• SLTV’s Holidays Channel

Link to this article: http://is.gd/cizROL

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It’s not too late to plan  a voluptuous Valentine’s night. All you need are flowers, gourmet sensual foods, and delicious wines… too difficult to do on a budget? Think again…

Valentine’s Flowers Under $25 – Flowers are a romantic Valentine’s touch for your sweetie. Florist, Nichole Campbell, shows beautiful flower arrangements that will keep your budget happy too at under $25.

Valentine’s Dinner with Top Chef Fabio – Top Chef Fabio Viviani shows Sara O’Donnell of AverageBetty.com how to make an easy, elegant, affordable Valentine’s dinner: Chicken Marsala & Strawberry Champagne Risotto

Valentine Dinner with 3 Wines – Whether cooking yourself or ordering in for a romantic dinner at home you can enjoy these 3 wine bargains, a white, a red, and a dessert wine,  to complete the evening from Wine Channel TV’s Sommelier, Jess Altieri.

Don’t miss our previous posts:

• 20 Big Time (& Budget) Valentine Day Ideas
• Valentine’s Day on a Budget

Link to this article: http://is.gd/4pVDmi

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It’s time to ring in a new year, and these bash-on-a-budget New Year’s Eve Party ideas give you everything you need to celebrate with easy style and affordable fun – that are great for any year!  Best wishes for a bright and happy new year!

New Year’s Eve Quick Party Set Up – Quick inexpensive touches  to warm up & decorate your home, welcome guests, set up a bar and prepare your dining table from designer, Stephen Saint-Onge.

New Year’s Eve Affordable Fun - The Creative Juice show’s Cathie Filian,  shares easy fashionable & affordable ways to kick off a New Year’s Eve party with tips on hats, clocks, decor, signs, kids activities & more.

New Year’s Eve Bash on a Budget - Create a successful elegant New Year’s Eve event: set a beautiful buffet & dinner table using repurposed items, easy DIY tips, & appetizer ideas from Senior Editor, All You Magazine, Amy Goodman

New Year’s Eve Decor, DIY - 2010, 2011, or whatever year, here are tried-and-true celebration DIY ideas from ThreadBanger.com for decor, streamers, noise makers, count-down clocks, food, drink & fun to bring in whatever year it is!

Appetizers Under $1 Each -  Celebrate with easy & affordable ideas from Myrecipes.com’s Holley Johnson. She shows how to create delectable New Year’s Eve appetizers for less than $1 each, perfect for every budget!

Quick No-Cook Party Foods -   Perfect for a New Year’s party; inexpensive no-cook appetizers, party favors, and a cocktail idea to keep your guests happy and keep you on budget from Author of “The Comfort Table” Katie Lee.

Bubbly Quick Tips - Add some sparkle to your party. Sogood.tv food & wine blogger Heather Johnston, presents a two minute crash course in picking the perfect sparkling wine or champagne for your budget.

Budget Bubbly - Kim Haasarud, author of 101 Martinis, stirs up a holiday cocktail & recommends champagnes, sparkling wines & non-alcohol festive drinks for any budget.

New Year’s Eve Party Activities – Ideas to celebrate  New Year’s Eve with fun party games that friends & family can enjoy from Paisleydoor.com.

Spruce Up New Year’s Eve With Costumes - Dress Up is a fun New Year’s Eve tradition. Include a wardrobe station for an inexpensive festive way to decorate, entertain your guests and spice up your party. GetSocial.com’s Allana Baroni shows how.

More celebrating & party pointers in in our post:

• Celebrate the New Year in Style and On Budget

Link to this article: http://is.gd/j3tSDK

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Have a grand and green holiday season and save money while doing it! These simple pointers will continue to give back for generations to come as they help you protect the earth and protect your loved ones from unnecessary pollution, waste, and toxins… perfect for anyone’s holiday wish lists! Here are classy creative tips that are easy, fun and budget-friendly for greeting cards, gifts, gift wrapping, shipping, dining, and decorating to have the happiest holiday season ever.

Celebrate Eco-Friendly Holidays - Have an eco-friendlier holiday! Parents TV Host, Juli Auclair, speaks to the authors of  Celebrate Green Lynn Colwell & Corey Colwell-Lipson, about wrapping paper, lights, decorations, table settings, ornaments & gifts.

Creative Recycled Wrapping –  Eco friendly ideas to personalize your gift wrapping using recycled materials, and that vintage creative print decorating staple, the potato, from Threadbanger.

Eco Chic Gift Wrap & Packaging Ideas – Go creative & go eco when wrapping presents & getting packages ready for shipping. Creative, inexpensive, & practical green tips from Rachel Avalon.

Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas - 5 Top Eco-friendly and budget-friendly gift ideas from Steffany Boldrini and the creative folks at EcoBold.com.

Eco-Friendly Shipping Package Ideas – Use eco-friendly cushioning & repurpose shipping boxes for your gifts while making them more attractive at the same time! Clever Ideas from TapeSwell decorative tapes.

Green Gifts and Holiday Tips –  Affordable eco-friendly gifts ideas & easy pointers on enjoying a greener holiday dinner as well, from Global Action Plan CEO, Trewin Restorick.

Green Holiday Tips - Owen Bailey from the Sierra Club gives pointers to make the Holidays greener, which may also keep a little more green in your pocket! Tips on trees, lights, & gift wrap.

Repurposed Magazine Tree Centerpiece - Don’t toss old magazines, go green and use them to create elegant holiday centerpiece decorations with this ultra easy eco-friendly DIY craft  idea.

More green and eco tips and recources in our post:

• Earth Day Every Day Saves You Money

Link to this article: http://is.gd/Yghvij

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The traditional Thanksgiving Dinner meal has traditionally presented a bit of a challenge when deciding on the perfect wine to serve. This is because the Thanksgiving holiday meal can be unique to each individual family, each cultural tradition, may change from one geographical area to another, and always contains an enormous array of spices, seasonings, vegetables, sweets, grains, and proteins, served all together all at one time… there is no limit to the flavors which might be present at this holiday feast, and choosing the perfect wine to match every flavor is almost impossible. So, how DO you select a wine to serve for this challenging meal? And as if all that isn’t enough, add a budget-conscious focus to the task and selecting a wine becomes even more of a challenge. But SpendLessTV loves a challenge.  Here are videos with tips on how to match wine with your Thanksgiving Dinner (or any Holiday Dinner), and how to spot quality wines at quality prices, to keep you, your guests, and your budget happily enjoying your holiday dinner traditions.

Thanksgiving Wine - Wine blogger and reviewer,  Matthew Horbund , shows three wines to go with almost anything your Thanksgiving meal throws at you, all for under $25

Thanksgiving Wine Pairings – The wine specialist from the gourmet neighborhood markets, Fresh and Easy, takes you through each course of a Thanksgiving dinner and suggests a wine selection to go with each, and no bottle is over $15.

Thanksgiving: How to Pick a Wine - The producers of Mahalo.com, a video series specializing in showing how to do anything, bring you all-around great pointers to use as a guide when selecting the right wine for a Thanksgiving meal.

Thanksgiving: Top 5 Wines – Stew Leonard, owner of Stew Leonard’s Wines, and their Vice President, Jerry Martellaro, review and share their top five wine picks to enjoy with a Thanksgiving meal, and each is under $20.

Valentine’s Day… and we’re on it, with videos full of ideas to say you care, and ways to celebrate in warm, cozy, and ultra romantic style, without over-spending or draining your bank account… so go ahead, indulge:

Budget Romance - Author of the book, The Tea Party, Tracy Stern gives ideas for a memorable Valentines night

Valentine, Impress Your Honey for Little Money - Amy Lewis, DebtFreeAmerica.com

Valentine Gifts for Men Under $50 - David Greg from BehindTheBuy.com shows great ideas for the guys

Valentives DIY Projects, KMBC’s Dion Lim gives easy projects for a big statement but a little price!

Valentine’s Day Cards DIY – easy  fun projects that use common household products & your computer  from Betsy Cordes, creative artist from February13Creative.com

Valentines Pop-Up Card DIY - Artist and author, Chuck Fischer demonstrates

Valentines Kids Party on Budget - games, snacks, decorations and crafts from Kit Bennett of AmazingMoms.com

Valentines DIY Kids Projects - Dion Lim, of Dion’s Daily Deals.com, with ideas that kids can create

Street Food Smart! - Treat Your Valentine to an ultra- affordable Gourmet Dinner! Tips from sltv Exclusives Video Contributor, Daniel Delaney, of Vendr.tv

Valentines Dinner: 3-Course Under $35 - Husband and Wife chefs, Lachlan & Allison Patterson (Lachlan was also a contestant on Top Chef Masters & 2008 Best Chef Shouthwest from the James Beard Foundation)

Valentine Bubbly! – Champagne & Sparkling Wines – Epicurious.com tips  to save you money on the bubbly

Valentines DIY Spa Day - Use items right from your kitchen! – Katie Lee on CBS’ The Early Show

Valentine Romantic Look - Professional make-up artist, Michelle Phan, shows romantic make-up how-to steps

Red Carpet Inspired Looks Golden Globes - Looking for a Valentine knock-out dress? Get Red Carpet Looks for way less with these GoldenGlobe ’09 inspired fashion-find deals from Nextpert.com trending reporter, Kathleen De Monchy

Red Carpet Inspired Looks Oscars - Want a Valentine knock-out dress? Get Red Carpet Looks for way less with these Oscar ’08 inspired fashion-find deals from Kathleen De Monchy

Valentine’s Gift Giving Stages – Stephen Lenz, AOL Shopping consultant,  has tips for any stage of your relationship

Limo’s – How to Get the Best Deal – For that Xtra Special Valentines Night from SeattleTravel.com

Budget-Friendly Rings - Tips on what to watch & watch out for from Summer Krecke, Deputy Editor, WeddingChannel.com

Wedding Rings - What to Consider When Buying a wedding rings, from Tacori.com diamonds.

Frugal Destination Weddings – (what Valentine wouldn’t love that?) Antonia van der Meer, editor-in-chief of Modern Bride Magazine

More Great ideas you can use for Valentine’s Celebrations (& Savings) in our

• Party Event Channel
• Holiday Channel
• Food, Drink, Cooking  Channel

Link to this article: http://is.gd/Yld66p

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