Pair that with the looming specter of Thanksgiving shopping, and you might feel downright disheartened.

Here are my five favorite tips for hosting a more affordable Thanksgiving dinner.

So why do youneedto serve turkey?

Its another one of those traditions that doesnthaveto be upheld, Why not opt for an alternative protein instead?

If your family loves chicken, buy a chicken to roast.

Perhaps ham is a better choice?

Brisket, pork shoulder, or lamb might fit the bill.

The main dish can be impressive without pushing $100.

If youre devoted to serving turkey, you’re free to still save money on it.

Consider buying a smaller turkey (more on that in the next section).

If your family always leaves the drumsticks behind, many stores sell just the breast for a lower price.

Whos eating that dish anyway, and will they care if it isn’t on the table?

Cut those typically unpopular sides from your menu and pocket the difference.

Shift your perspective from creating an overwhelming presentation to serving a merely satisfying meal.

Calculate your ingredient needs and stick to them when you hit the grocery store.

Usethese recommendationsas a guideline for mapping out your sides and determining how big a turkey you need.

To the same point, go light on the appetizers.

I had done the typical grazing spread: wedges of cheese and layers of meats, nestled amongst crackers.

This serving style enables people to chat while mindlessly popping limitless hunks of cheese into their mouths.

By the time dinner was set, folks were full.

Now, I do apre-assembled charcuterie cracker board instead.

Folks get a nosh, and I save an easy $20 on cheese and meat.

Simply buy, cook, and serve less.

Tomorrow isnt too soon.

Buy fresh vegetables the week leading up to the event.

Not only will this feel more manageable, but youll avoid those dreaded checkout lines.

The point of Thanksgiving is to spend time together, not resent the occasion because of monetary stress.

Guests generally love bringing something to share anyway, so you might as well make them feel more useful.

Ask your friends and family if and what they plan on bringing.

Its best to do this while youre in the planning stages so you dont make duplicate dishes.

Maybe theyll even ask whatyouneed, and you might delegate to your hearts desire.

Put someone in charge of the wine, ask another to handle the stuffing.