Hey Taylor - We’re part of a rotating Thanksgiving with a few other families, and it’s our turn to host. It’s been a hard year financially, and food prices are still so high, but I’m determined to make it happen. That said, how do I keep the standard without overspending? - Lynette
Hey Lynette - Adulting can really make these holidays tricky. You want to focus on family and the things that matter, but you can’t ignore those tedious economic realities. I’ve got a few thoughts for how you can still play the role of host without letting things spiral out of control. Hopefully, these will help you plan.
Make it a potluck. I’m sure you’ve thought of this and might feel like it’s cheating, since each family has their turn at hosting. Nevertheless, I think your friends would be quick to lift you up if it meant keeping you in the rotation. If you just ask everyone to bring one dish, and then you cook the turkey and another side or two, you should have enough food and a lot less stress. The essence of Thanksgiving is about sharing and supporting, and if you need a little help this year, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for it.
Don’t overdo it on decorations. The change from Fall to Winter should be enough to decorate your home, but if you insist on adding a few more touches, make sure they’re free. Don’t buy $60 worth of gourds at the store when you can collect baskets of fallen leaves and get similar colors. Everyone loves candles on a dark night, but they cost too much, and we all have access to electricity. If you’ve got the time to fold napkins into cute little turkey feathers, go for it—otherwise, let the food and the friendship do the talking, and don’t waste effort and money on decorations that are good for a one-time use.
Budget strategically. You don’t need a 20-pound turkey and five pies to prove you love your people. Take a moment to plan your menu around what’s actually going to get eaten—and what fits your budget. Start by shopping sales ahead of time and using store loyalty programs or apps with digital coupons. Frozen turkeys are often way cheaper than fresh ones, and honestly? No one will notice. Stick to classic sides with simple ingredients like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Choose one or two desserts instead of a full buffet. If baking isn’t your thing, buy a cheap pie from the grocery store bakery instead of splurging on something artisanal. In short: set a budget for what you’re allowed to spend and let that number dictate the menu.
It’s hard to plan a big meal when you feel strapped for cash. Try to abandon any sort of fancy standard and instead plan a dinner you can afford that people will enjoy. If you can do that, you’ll find you still have so much to be thankful for. Good luck!
