As the holiday season sneaks up (along with the smell of pumpkin pie), it’s time to get your Thanksgiving game plan—and budget—in order. Here are three tasty tips to help you save without skimping on the fun:

1. Set Your “Gobble Budget”
   Before you hit the store, decide how much you can really spend on your feast. Include the turkey, sides, drinks, and even those cute napkins you probably don’t need (but will buy anyway). A clear budget keeps your wallet thankful, too. Try a budgeting app or spreadsheet to track every cranberry and casserole.
2. Shop Early, Feast Easy
   The early bird doesn’t just get the worm—it gets the best deals. Snag sales and coupons before the rush, and spread out your spending to avoid a last-minute turkey panic. Farmers’ markets, local stores, and online deals are your secret ingredients to big savings.
3. Plan Your Menu Like a Pro
   Choose dishes that use similar ingredients to save money and reduce waste. Got extra sweet potatoes? Boom—side dish and dessert! Better yet, make it a potluck. Sharing the cooking (and costs) brings everyone together—and who doesn’t love showing off a family recipe?
4. Get Crafty with Decor
   Skip the store-bought centerpieces and get creative! Use fall leaves (or ti leaves), candles, or mason jars to create a cozy vibe without draining your budget. Bonus: it’s a fun pre-dinner project for the keiki (or a distraction while the turkey’s in the oven).
5. Plan for Leftovers
   A little foresight goes a long way! Stock up on reusable containers or repurpose leftovers into new dishes—like turkey sandwiches, soups, or fried rice. You’ll stretch your dollar and keep the post-Thanksgiving meals rolling.

Follow these tips and you’ll serve up a Thanksgiving that’s memorable, delicious, and budget-friendly. Your guests (and your bank account) will thank you!