Thanksgiving Dinner Will Look Different This Year— Here’s What to Expect
While the celebration is still months away, shoppers are starting to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner. With people concerned over food costs, the abundant table will look different this year. It is time to start menu planning.
The holidays invite people to gather around the table. Friends, family and even just acquaintances choose to share their gratitude. While people’s backgrounds might be different, food creates connection. This year, the annual celebration will look different, but people will learn to adapt.
Inflation Will Impact Thanksgiving.
Recently, Butterball released its Togetherness Report: 2025 Thanksgiving Outlook. While people have come to rely on that iconic Butterball Turkey Talk-Line, this special report offers insight into what hosts and guests will be enjoying on that special day.
According to the company, consumers will be making the effort to celebrate Thanksgiving. Even though inflation is impacting people’s lives, they will not skip the feast. Instead, they will look for ways to save.
Specifically, the report found that 21% of hosts will be asking guests to bring part of the meal. This decision allows costs to be reduced. Instead of one person being responsible for all expenses, spreading them out amongst everyone ensures a full table.
As Rebecca Welch, director of retail and international brand management at Butterball said, "People are excited and committed to celebrating Thanksgiving.” Changing how the meal is planned and served does not diminish the sentiment. Rather, it puts the focus back on the meaning of the holiday, togetherness.
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Thanksgiving Meal Planning Is Key.
With more hosts asking guests to supply part of the Thanksgiving meal, a plan is important. Even though side dishes are a popular part of the holiday feast, no one wants five sweet potato casseroles and no green beans.
Once the guest list is finalized, the host can create a list of needed items. While there should be compromise and consideration, the idea is to lessen the burden versus create more chaos.
People need to accept that the Brussel sprouts might be made with mustard versus a balsamic glaze. No one should dictate the recipe for a particular dish. This dinner could be an opportunity to discover a new flavor or spark a conversation. If there is only one way for a dish to be made, then the host should have covered all the expenses.
In the end, asking guests to help with the Thanksgiving meal could become a new tradition that celebrates community not just cost saving. Food can be that bridge. For that reason, everyone can share some gratitude.
Related: The Real Reason Why Your Favorite Foods Will Be More Expensive