Hosting Thanksgiving can be as stressful as trying to stuff a huge turkey into a tiny oven (and worrying whether it will cook way too fast or too slowly). And when you’re working with a tight budget, it can feel downright overwhelming. Fear not, holiday hosts! You can pull off an epic Thanksgiving meal without stressing your bank account.

1. Plan ahead and make a budget

First things first—this probably won’t surprise you, coming from us: set a budget. Be realistic and specific about how much you can afford to spend on each category, like the turkey, side dishes, drinks, and decorations. Planning ahead helps you avoid overspending and also gives you time to snag deals on groceries and supplies. Look for sales and start stocking up (at least on the things that won’t go bad or can be frozen) early.

2. Keep the menu simple

Sure, Insta-worthy Thanksgiving feasts with 15 side dishes look impressive, but what are you, a Thanksgiving influencer? You don’t need five different kinds of stuffing. Focus on the classics and stick to a few classic dishes. Make the things everyone loves, like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean casserole (well, some people love that).

When it comes to the turkey, try buying a smaller bird (they take less time to cook and usually come out much moister) or opting for turkey breasts instead of a whole turkey if you’re serving a smaller crowd. Remember, side dishes are the real MVPs of Thanksgiving, and they can be filling and affordable!

3. Make It a potluck extravaganza

Why cover the cost of the entire meal when you have guests who’d love to contribute? Turn Thanksgiving into a potluck and ask each guest to bring a dish. Assign categories like sides, desserts, or drinks to make sure you don’t end up with 6 pumpkin pies and no mashed potatoes. Guests usually love to help out, and it adds a fun, communal vibe to the celebration—and it saves you a lot of work and money!

And if someone offers to bring wine, say yes! Drinks can quickly blow up your budget, so any help in that department is a win.

4. DIY decor

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food; the atmosphere matters, too. But there’s no need to drop cash on expensive decorations when you can DIY a festive table. Gather some leaves, pinecones, and acorns (if you can wrestle them away from the squirrels) from your backyard and create a rustic centerpiece. (Check everything carefully for bugs first, though!) Mason jars, which you might already have in your cabinet, are great for holding candles or flowers.

For place settings, get creative with handwritten name tags on paper leaves or print out fall-themed templates you can find free online. Your guests will probably be impressed, and your wallet will just be relieved.

5. Make a few key items from scratch

While some convenience foods save time, making a few dishes from scratch can save you serious money. Cranberry sauce, for example, is incredibly simple to make and much cheaper than buying the canned stuff. The same goes for gravy and pie crusts. If you have the time, homemade dishes can really elevate your meal and keep costs low.

That said, don’t stress yourself out. If store-bought rolls save you time and energy, go for it. It’s all about striking a balance between budget-friendly and time-efficient.

6. Shop smart and use coupons

Keep an eye out for grocery store deals and use coupons or cashback apps to get discounts. Many grocery stores offer free or discounted turkeys when you spend a certain amount leading up to Thanksgiving, so plan your shopping accordingly. Buying generic brands for basics like butter, flour, and sugar can also save you a good chunk of change without sacrificing taste.

Hit up your local farmer’s market for fresh and affordable produce, or check out bulk stores for great deals on pantry staples. And don’t forget to shop your own pantry first! You might already have items like canned pumpkin or chicken broth lurking on your shelves.

7. Skip the fancy drinks

Drinks can take a big bite out of your budget, but you don’t have to get fancy to keep your guests happy. Instead of offering a full bar, stick to a couple of affordable options, like a big batch of sangria or a festive punch. You can also make a signature Thanksgiving cocktail with simple ingredients and wow your guests with minimal effort.

For non-alcoholic options, offer infused water (think slices of orange and cinnamon sticks) or hot apple cider. They look and taste fancy but are incredibly budget-friendly.

8. Make the most of leftovers

Thanksgiving leftovers are almost as iconic as the main meal, so be sure to plan for them. Have containers on hand so your guests can take home a plate of deliciousness. Not only does this minimize waste, but it also means you don’t have to worry about buying extra groceries for the next few days.

Or get creative and turn leftovers into new meals: turkey sandwiches, mashed potato pancakes, or a Thanksgiving-themed casserole. The possibilities are endless, and your budget will love you for stretching those ingredients a little further.

Gratitude, not glitz

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is about gratitude and togetherness—not about having the fanciest or most expensive meal or table setting. By being smart with your spending and asking your guests for a little help, you can host a warm, welcoming celebration that doesn’t roast your bank account.

So whip up some simple but delicious dishes and enjoy the holiday without financial stress. Happy Thanksgiving!