Make Thanksgiving meal, and not just the turkey, a deal

Is it possible to make Thanksgiving dinner for eight with all the trimmings for less than $20? Walmart says yes, but I think you can bring the cost down even more by shopping at multiple stores.

Walmart is selling select birds for 40 cents a pound, which means a 12-pound bird is less than $5. You can buy up to two of them. Here's how they figure you can spend your other $15 to create a big 'ol turkey meal. Buy...

• Canned Green Giant vegetables (check if fresh, in-season veggies like Brussels sprouts are cheaper).
• Canned cranberry sauce (again, I wonder if fresh berries would be cheaper).
• Stove Top stuffing (with a coupon and/or sale this is your cheapest option).
• A 5-pound bag of red potatoes (or whatever is on sale, but either way don't pay more than 99 cents a bag).
• A 12-count package of Sara Lee dinner rolls (If you have flour on hand it is cheaper to make them yourself.
• One 22-ounce pumpkin roll cake.

No matter where you buy your Thanksgiving groceries, there are lots of easy ways to keep costs down and still have a fabulous meal.

• Get a free turkey from the supermarket by shopping there regularly leading up to the holiday. Ask your local grocery how to qualify.
• Make it a potluck and ask others to sign up for sides and dessert.
• Stick to your list at the grocery store. Don't let your emotions justify extra purchases.
• Brined turkeys often cost more. Here's a recipe to brine at home. The hardest part is finding a container big enough to bathe your bird in salt water.
• Comparison shop by checking the grocery sales fliers for the best deals.
• Do you really need four weeks worth of leftovers? Cook a little less and your wallet will thank you.
• Trim unpopular side dishes from your list. I swear, you don't need three yam dishes!
• Check manufacturer sites for coupons for pumpkin pie, cranberries, and other items on your list.
• Use your regular dishes instead of buying paper plates.
• Flour and yeast are cheap. Make your own rolls instead of buying them.
• Create a centerpiece with a bowl of fruit, children's artwork, candles, or with greenery from your garden. Much cheaper than buying a floral arrangement.
• Stock up on Thanksgiving items that go on sale post-holiday. Christmas is right around the corner.

If you are truly destitute, check out eHow's tips on where to get a free turkey. (Salvation Army, local Boys and Girls Clubs, churches, etc.)

Want more ideas for your bird? Click here to search AOL's food and entertainment sites for a delicious number of ways to do your Thanksgiving up right.