Options for Hosting a Holiday Dinner for Less

Find out how much to budget for holiday meals this year and get tips for cutting costs.

by Rose Scott

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, you’re likely trying to figure out how much to budget per guest. The American Farm Bureau Federation says the cost of Thanksgiving dinner was around $6.12 per person in 2023, which included some extra for leftovers. So, 10 guests would have only set you back a little over $60.

Higher prices indicate this year’s feast may cost more. Turkey prices are down 16% from last year but the following prices are up:

Source: ABC 7

Comparing Holiday Food Deals

Despite the costs of these popular holiday ingredients, Walmart, Target and Aldi are running specials that may allow you to host a simple traditional holiday dinner for a reasonable per-person price. Click the links below to compare the details of each store’s special holiday pricing:

• Walmart
• Target
• Aldi

See if other local retailers are offering similar deals in your area.

Tips for Hosting a Frugal Holiday Feast

• Plan ahead: Begin planning your menu early to allow time to buy the ingredients you need on sale. Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions and coupons.
• Have a potluck-style dinner: Don’t be afraid to ask your guests to bring a dish or chip in to help with the meal. It’s a great way to share the cost and you’ll end up with a good variety of dishes. Plus, it lets everyone show off their cooking skills.
• Choose affordable recipes: Look for recipes that call for fewer ingredients or use what you already have on hand. Seasonal produce is a great way to go — it’s often cheaper and tastes better.
• Buy in bulk: Buying things in bulk can really pay off, especially on non-perishable items like spices, canned goods and baking supplies.
• DIY your decorations: Make your own or use stuff you already have around the house. Get creative with things like leaves, pine cones or pumpkins or find new uses for old items like fabric or glass jars.
• Prepare dishes from scratch: Steer clear of pre-made or processed foods as much as possible — they tend to be pricey. Plus, cooking from scratch means you know the quality and cost of ingredients.
• Cook a smaller turkey: Buy a smaller bird or ask your butcher to break down a larger turkey into parts, saving you money and providing more manageable portions.
• Freeze leftovers: Keep storage containers on hand to plan ahead for leftovers. Freeze any extra food that you can enjoy later.

Related:

• Hosting a Festively Frugal Holiday Open House
• Inexpensive Tasty Ways To Use Up Holiday Ham
• Being Thankful for Having Less

Reviewed November 2024