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.
According to a Thanksgiving price analysis by Wells Fargo, you can expect to spend $80 to $95 to feed a group of 10 this year—or about $8.00 to $9.50 per person—depending on how many store brands you use to prepare your feast.
How do these numbers compare to the per-person cost retailers are advertising?
Comparing Holiday Food Deals
Walmart, Target and Aldi are running specials that may let you 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:
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.
Reviewed November 2025
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