How to Host a Holiday Dinner Under $100: Challenge Accepted

You Can Feed a Crowd Without Breaking the Bank — Here’s How

The holidays should be about connection and celebration, not financial stress. But with rising grocery prices, hosting a special dinner can feel like a strain on your budget.

After several years of hosting holiday gatherings on a tight budget, I’ve discovered that you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to create a memorable meal for your loved ones.

With some strategic planning and smart shopping, you can absolutely host a lovely holiday dinner under $100, even for a group of 6 to 8 people.

---

1. Start With a Budget-Friendly Menu (Use What You Have)

The foundation of an affordable holiday dinner is a realistic menu that works with your budget.

Start by checking your pantry and planning around what you already have. For example, many stores offer turkey or ham at reduced prices during the holidays—some even offer them free with a minimum purchase.

Choose familiar comfort foods over complicated recipes that require expensive specialty items. Most guests appreciate simple, flavorful classics anyway.

Keep your meal plan focused on:

• One main protein
• 2 to 3 vegetable sides
• 1 to 2 starches (potatoes, stuffing, rolls)
• 1 simple dessert

---

2. Choose One Protein and Keep It Simple

Protein tends to be the most expensive part of the meal, so pick one and keep it affordable.

Budget-friendly options include:

• Turkey breast instead of a whole turkey
• Bone-in ham (often discounted during holidays)
• Whole roasted chicken (tasty and economical)
• Pork loin (impressive yet wallet-friendly)

Keep an eye out for sales weeks in advance. Last year, I snagged a bone-in ham for $22—enough to feed six and provide leftovers for days.

---

3. Use Potluck Power: Ask Guests to Bring Sides

If friends or family ask what they can bring, say yes!

Potlucks lighten both the budget and the prep work. Be specific when people offer to contribute:

• Bread or dinner rolls
• A veggie side or salad
• Drinks or dessert

I usually send a group text to coordinate who’s bringing what. It keeps things simple and avoids duplicates.

---

4. Shop Your Pantry First (Then Fill in the Gaps)

Before making a grocery list, take inventory:

• Baking basics (flour, sugar, butter)
• Spices and herbs
• Canned goods and frozen veggies
• Staples like broth, rice, or pasta

You might be surprised how much you already have. Last Christmas, I had everything I needed for stuffing, green beans, and cranberry sauce—saving about $25.

---

5. Use Grocery Apps to Compare Prices

Apps like Flipp or your store’s weekly ads help you spot the best deals.

Divide your shopping among 2 or 3 stores if needed:

• Discount grocers for basics
• Traditional supermarkets for meat sales
• Warehouse clubs for bulk items

This little extra effort can save a lot—I cut $30 from last year’s total using app comparisons alone.

---

6. Lean Into Inexpensive Sides (Potatoes, Veggies, Bread)

Hearty sides stretch your meal and create that overflowing table vibe without a big cost.

Try these low-cost favorites:

• Mashed potatoes (10 lbs for under $5)
• Homemade stuffing from day-old bread
• Roasted carrots or sweet potatoes
• Fresh rolls or biscuits made from scratch

Flavor boosters like butter, herbs, and spices make a big impact for very little extra money.

---

7. Skip the Fancy Drinks—Make a Signature Punch

Alcohol can wreck your budget fast. Instead, serve:

• One signature punch (add or skip alcohol)
• Water with citrus slices or herbs
• Hot cider
• Coffee and tea

Last year, I made a cranberry-apple punch for $10 that served 8. It was festive, tasty, and totally budget-friendly.

---

8. Plan for Leftovers (Zero Waste = Extra Value)

Plan to repurpose leftovers:

• Turkey sandwiches or soup
• Ham and bean stew
• Casseroles with extra veggies
• Mashed potato pancakes

Send guests home with containers, or plan to turn leftovers into meals for the next few days.

I always build 2-3 follow-up meals into my plan. It stretches the budget even further.

---

9. Decorate With Dollar Store Finds + Nature

A warm, festive table doesn’t require a splurge:

• White or red candles from the dollar store
• Pinecones, evergreen clippings, or dried oranges
• Mason jars as vases or drinking glasses
• A basic tablecloth or runner in a seasonal color

Focus on one simple centerpiece rather than clutter. Last year, I spent $12 total and got tons of compliments.

---

10. Track Everything in a Budget Sheet (Free Printable!)

Staying under $100 means staying organized.

Use a simple spreadsheet to track:

• Your meal plan
• What ingredients you already have
• Your shopping list by store
• Your actual vs. planned spending

I’ve created a printable holiday dinner budget tracker you can grab below. It’s the exact one I use, and it makes sticking to a budget way easier.

---

Hosting on a Budget = Hosting With Heart

A joyful holiday dinner doesn’t require a hefty price tag. Some of the best meals I’ve ever hosted were the simplest ones—made with love, shared with people I care about.

Try the under-$100 challenge this year. You might start a new tradition you actually look forward to.

Have you ever hosted a holiday meal on a budget? What were your go-to savings tricks? Drop them in the comments!

Need even more inspiration for keeping holiday meals affordable? Check out the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan — it’s packed with tips for planning nutritious meals on a budget.