Here are 4 tips from your Sacramento neighbors to make Thanksgiving dinner more affordable

The average Thanksgiving dinner totaled $448 last year, according to Statista, a research and analysis company. With 2022’s inflation, it’s safe to say the holiday grocery trip will be pricey.

We turned to our Sacramento community for expert advice on ways to make this year’s turkey dinner a little lighter on our pockets.

We sent call outs throughout social media: Reddit, Instagram and Facebook. Here are the best and most frequently shared tips from your neighbors on how to make Thanksgiving dinner on a budget:

Create community with a potluck

Multiple community members suggested hosting a potluck-style Thanksgiving dinner.

Taking a potluck approach not only helps mitigate costs for the host, but also helps spread the work among friends and relatives. Preparation for a Thanksgiving meal takes hours of hard labor in the kitchen. Instead, when you’re having friends and family cook it creates a sense of community and highlights everyone’s unique styles.

Shop smart

Skip on the turkey

Every year there seems to be the same debate: Is turkey really that good?

There are those that love it and those that hate it. Regardless of where your opinions fall on the debate, if you’re looking to save on Thanksgiving dinner, opt to skip out on turkey and go for chicken — a cheaper option — instead.

Break the rules on ‘traditional’

Ultimately, Thanksgiving is a day to share a meal with family and loved ones. Everything outside of that including the meal and time of day that you celebrate is not important.

Which is why some responses on Reddit shared they broke from the “traditional” Thanksgiving dinner and instead hosted a Thanksgiving brunch. Others also shared they opted for dinners that included traditional foods to their heritage.

Regardless of how you celebrate, enjoy the company you’re surrounded by on Thanksgiving.

This story was originally published November 17, 2022 at 10:25 AM.