Thanksgiving: a feast meal without blowing the budget

Write a max for the meal (protein + sides + dessert). Without a number, every “deal” lands in the cart.

On SimpleICI, search turkey/chicken and starches after the cap—not before.

Compare per kg. A “30% off” turkey that’s too big or fatty isn’t savings if half gets tossed.

Whole chicken or roast can win for 4–6 people. Turkey is only mandatory if you truly want it.

Squash, cabbage, potatoes, cranberries: season is on your side. Buy loose when nets are overripe or worse per unit.

Jar stuffing and sauces: cost per serving. Onion + bread + butter often wins.

Cooking for 12 when you’re 7 creates unplanned leftovers—and a second store trip. Add +2 max, not +50%.

Ask who brings what. One dish per household beats three identical promo desserts.

A 15–20 line list: protein, 3 veg, 1 starch, 1 dessert, 2 staples. Everything else is optional.

Deals fill that list; they don’t invent it.