Thanksgiving brings people together with good food and warm conversations, but it also comes with extra costs and new stress. Thanksgiving can put pressure on your budget as grocery prices increase, and the temptation to go all out can be overwhelming.
The good news is that you can host a delicious meal without overspending by making some smart choices and using what you already have at home.
Rethink the guest list
Start by looking at who you want to invite to Thanksgiving. A table for 20 means more food, more chairs, and more cleanup, and of course, spending more. Cut the list to family and close friends. If you can keep your gathering to 8-10 people, smaller groups feel cozier, and help you cook and spend less.
One turkey can serve about 10-12 people, so this way, you avoid buying extras. Send invites early and explain that this year's gathering will be an intimate, thankfulness-focused event.
Simplify the menu
You don't need to make a dozen dishes. Stick to a few classics that everyone loves, and make those your priority. Plan for making the turkey, one starch, two vegetables, gravy, and dessert. That covers variety without waste.
Write your menu on paper and buy only what the shopping list says. Having it written down prevents impulse buys at the store, helping save money.
Hunt for deals and coupons
Coupons are still popular, and many stores have sales the week before Thanksgiving. Grocery chains run sales on turkeys, sometimes offering under $1 per pound with a minimum purchase. This can be a significant savings just by being patient.
Stock up on canned goods or frozen vegetables when prices drop and store them in your freezer for holiday cooking. Don't forget to clip digital coupons from store websites and load them to your loyalty card. If you can, combine store sales with coupons for double savings.
Choose budget-friendly ingredients
Fresh produce costs more in November because many items are out of season, and stores know people are buying for the holidays. Swap fresh produce items for canned or frozen ones that taste just as good. Frozen vegetables are cheap and can be used in casseroles and other dishes without compromising flavor.
Use Russet potatoes instead of fancy fingerlings for mashed potatoes, and try to grow your own herbs instead of paying big bucks at the store.
Use chicken broth from bouillon cubes instead of buying cartons.
When possible, buy store-brand items over name-brand, as they're typically 20-40% cheaper.
Cook from scratch where it counts
Pre-made pies and rolls are tempting as the holiday approaches, but their high prices add up quickly. Bake your own pumpkin pie with canned pumpkin instead. The ingredients are much cheaper to make your own homemade pie, and are at least half of what you'd pay at the grocery store or bakery.
If you own a bread machine, put it to use during the holiday. Homemade breads take minimal time and give you bakery-fresh bread without the bakery-fresh price tag.
Use what you have for decor
It might be tempting to take a walk down the holiday aisle at the store, but don't. Instead, take a walk outside in your yard to gather colorful leaves, pinecones, and unique branches. Arrange them in a bowl or along a table runner. Light a few candles, use washable cloth napkins, and let the day's focus be on the food and friendly faces.
Plan leftovers from the start
If you can get a turkey on sale, buy one big enough to have leftovers for seconds. Slice and freeze extra meat in portions for future soups or sandwiches, and turn bones into stock overnight in the slow cooker. Mash leftover potatoes for a quick shepherd’s pie and add any leftover veggies to the dish.
Make sure to label your containers and have your fridge organized so that nothing gets lost or forgotten. This stretches your budget way past the holiday.
Get help from guests
The entire dinner doesn't have to fall on your shoulders and budget. Ask each person to bring one dish, or take matters into your own hands and assign based on what they make well: Aunt Jane’s rolls, your cousin’s green bean casserole. This shares the stress and the cost. Potluck-style gatherings feel communal and can significantly reduce your grocery bill.
Sample menu for 10 people
To help you get into a budget mindset, here is a simple sample menu highlighting some of the most common classic dishes.
- Turkey (12-14 lb)
- Potatoes (10 lb)
- Canned green beans (2 cans)
- Stuffing mix
- Canned pumpkin (2 cans)
- Sweet potatoes (3 lbs)
- Pie crust
- Bread rolls (unless you want to make your own homemade bread)
- Cranberries
- Whipped topping
- Gravy mix
- Celery/baby carrots/fresh veggies
The menu above will cost around $40-50 for ingredients, depending on your location and local grocery prices. This figure can also vary depending on food allergies and preferences, as well as the number of people in attendance.
Both Walmart and Aldi have cut costs on Thanksgiving ingredients to help people stay on budget, too. These would be good places to price check and shop.
Here is a helpful video from @aldiallthetime that breaks down Aldi prices for Thanksgiving savings.
A $40 meal shared with laughter beats a $200 spread eaten in stress. Guests remember the warmth of your home, not the price tag on the bird. You can create a holiday that feels rich without emptying your account.
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