As the holiday season approaches, the thought of hosting Thanksgiving can bring a mix of excitement and financial stress. With grocery prices on the rise, the cost of a traditional feast can quickly add up. Creators on TikTok are easing the holiday budget stress, by demonstrating ways to put a hearty and festive dinner on the table, for under $25.
Budget-Friendly Holiday Spreads Go Viral
Across the platform, the trend seems to be everywhere right now, with users showcasing their impressive, budget-friendly holiday spreads. These videos offer a bite-sized masterclass in frugal feasting, proving that you don’t need a huge budget to celebrate in style. Their tips range from strategic shopping to clever ingredient swaps, all designed to maximize savings without sacrificing flavor or nostalgia.
Strategic Shopping and Meal Planning
One of the most common strategies is meticulous meal planning centered around low-cost grocery stores. Creators have been showing their “grocery hauls”, emphasizing ways to leverage seasonal sales, and showing the cost savings of opting for store brand options, instead of impulsively reaching for name brands. A common element across these videos, is the advice to focus on a few favorite, but affordable dishes, rather than an overwhelming buffet.
Frugal Food Substitutions
Frugal substitutions are another popular hack. For example, a whole chicken often replaces the traditional turkey, providing a delicious and significantly cheaper centerpiece to the meal. Other creators are choosing to center their Thanksgiving meal around a small ham this year, which can be more affordable than a whole turkey.
Scratch-Made vs. Store-Bought Savings
Another helpful common trend is showing which dishes cost less to make from scratch, and which might actually be more affordable to buy pre-made. Boxed stuffing mixes and instant mashed potatoes are proving to be stars in many of these budget dinners, since both help reduce the need for butter, which is rather expensive right now. Boxed stuffing is elevated with sautéed onions and celery, which add a fresh, homemade taste for just a few cents. On the other hand, some creators are showing just how affordable it really is, to make a batch of rolls from scratch, if you have flour and yeast on hand, proving that some of the most classic Thanksgiving foods don’t have to be costly to be comforting.
Festive Decor on a Dime
The creativity extends beyond the food. For a festive atmosphere, creators are turning to frugal handmade decorative touches. Videos feature simple, but festive, tablescapes made with items found in nature, like pinecones, twigs, and acorns. Others show how to create charming centerpieces using inexpensive candles, mini pumpkins that can be found cheaply now that Halloween is over, and simple table runners made with fabric scraps. The message is clear: a warm, inviting environment is about togetherness, not spending a lot of money.
@jaleman623 Thanksgiving on a budget for a family of 4! I filmed this last year and will be trying to recreate it again here soon ! #thanksgiving#aldithanksgiving#budgetmeals#sahm#cookwithme ♬ original sound – Jenn Thornton
This trend is resonating across social media, with users who are looking for ways to make the holidays special without breaking the bank. By showing ways to put a delicious holiday dinner on the table for under $25, TikTok creators are empowering people to host Thanksgiving dinner for family and friends with confidence, regardless of their budget.
