Thanksgiving is about good food, family, and gratitude, but it can also be expensive. Rising costs can leave you feeling like you need to choose between tradition and your wallet. The good news is that with a little planning and creativity, you can serve up the foods your family and friends expect – and maybe even a few surprises – without overspending or sacrificing flavor, tradition, and more importantly, gratitude for what’s around you.

Plan Ahead and Shop Smart

Start with a detailed shopping list based on your menu. Sticking to the list helps avoid impulse buys that add up quickly and lead to sticker shock at checkout. Shop early and take advantage of sales – you can easily store canned goods and most frozen foods well ahead of the big day. Many stores offer discounts or even free turkeys when you spend a certain amount, so keep an eye on weekly ads. Don’t be afraid to use coupons or loyalty programs; those small savings add up.

5 Quick Tips to Gobble Up Savings

1. Shop Early & Use Sales – Take advantage of store promotions and loyalty programs.
2. Size the Turkey Right – Buy just enough bird for your group or try a turkey breast.
3. Add Plant-Based Dishes – Lentil loaf, roasted veggies, and vegan stuffing are hearty and budget-friendly.
4. Go Potluck – Share the menu load (and the cost) by inviting guests to bring a side or dessert.
5. Love Your Leftovers – Plan soups, casseroles, or sandwiches to stretch your feast into the week ahead.

Reimagine the Menu

Turkey may be the centerpiece, but it doesn’t have to be oversized. Buy the right size bird for your group — about 1 to 1½ pounds per person if you want leftovers, or ¾ pound per person if you don’t. For smaller gatherings, consider a turkey breast instead of a whole bird; it cooks faster, costs less, and still provides plenty of meat. Stretch your protein further by serving hearty sides that keep everyone satisfied.

Vegetarian and vegan guests? Replace some pricier sides to showcase plant-based dishes that everyone will enjoy. Roasted root vegetables, cranberry relish, maple-glazed carrots, or a savory lentil loaf can shine just as brightly as the turkey and may even win over some carnivores. Even classics like green bean casserole and stuffing can be adapted with plant-based butter or broth.

Looking for more ideas? Food Network’s Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes offers dozens of nutritious versions of traditional sides, mains, and desserts.

Make It a Potluck

If you’re hosting, don’t feel pressured to cook everything yourself. Invite guests to bring their favorite side dish, dessert, or beverage. Most people love contributing, and it lightens both the workload and the grocery bill. As a bonus, you’ll end up with a wider variety of dishes – and maybe even discover a new family favorite. Add a fun twist and ask everyone to share the recipe for the dish they brought!

Focus on “Made with Love”

Homemade doesn’t just taste better; it also usually costs less. Ready-to-eat rolls, pies, and side dishes often come with a big markup. Baking bread or pies from scratch may take more time, but it can save money while adding that special homemade touch, and enhance your sensory experience in the process. If time is tight, choose just one or two key items to make yourself.

Leftovers Are Gold

Plan ahead for how you’ll use leftovers. Turkey soup, veggie casseroles, pot pies, or sandwiches the next several days stretch your dollars further and mean fewer trips to the store. Freezing portions also helps cut down on food waste.

Bottom line: Thanksgiving doesn’t have to break the bank. With thoughtful planning, a mix of traditional favorites and creative dishes, and a little help from your guests, you can enjoy a delicious feast that keeps hearts – and wallets -- full.

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