Hosting Shabbat guests is one of life’s greatest joys and also one of the fastest ways to blow a grocery budget if you’re not careful. Between mains, sides, desserts, kids’ food, disposables, and “just one more thing,” the costs add up quickly. The good news? A warm, generous Shabbat table doesn’t require a brisket the size of a carry-on suitcase or a cart full of fancy extras.

Here are some realistic, tried-and-true ways to host beautifully without overspending, in a way that still feels special, thoughtful, and totally Shabbosdik.

Think Red Meat… Just Smarter

If you love serving red meat, you don’t need to commit to a huge brisket to make an impression. An extra-long hasselback salami can be sliced dramatically and served hot. It feels fun, nostalgic, and satisfying, and costs far less per person.

Ground beef is another secret weapon. Turn it into lachmagine, tacos, or loaded nachos, and suddenly your Shabbat table feels unique and exciting. When the food is unexpected and creative, people are too busy being wowed to notice that it’s budget-friendly.

One Menu for Everyone (Yes, Even the Kids)

Making separate “kid food” can quietly drain your budget. Those mini hot dogs and family-sized bags of chicken nuggets add up fast. Instead, plan one or two adult dishes that kids will also eat. Beef nachos, salami, potato kugel, chicken cutlets, or even tacos are crowd-pleasers across all ages. Fewer menus means fewer ingredients, less prep, and a much happier grocery bill.

Pick a Theme and Stick to It

A theme isn’t just cute, it’s practical. When you choose a direction, it eliminates the need for extra sides and filler dishes. A Mexican-style Shabbat might include soft and hard shells, seasoned ground beef, pulled chicken, beans, corn, guacamole, salsa, and one big salad. That’s it. No roasted vegetables, no kugels, no “just in case” sides. Everything fits together, feels intentional, and keeps costs contained.

Lean Into Challah and Dips

This might feel like cheating but it works. Warm, homemade challah served generously with dips fills people up quickly and happily.

When guests start the meal satisfied, you don’t need enormous quantities of expensive mains or fancy sides. A few simple dips, lots of bread, and suddenly the pressure is off the rest of the menu.

Normalize Potluck Hosting

If you’re getting together with friends or family often, it’s okay to say out loud that hosting every time is a lot. Calling it a potluck can take the pressure off everyone.

Instead of a formal ask, bring it up casually:

“We’re all so busy, but getting together is something our families really love. Let’s do a potluck so it’s less work and more about enjoying each other.”

Some people are used to bringing just wine or candy, but most are relieved, and happy, to contribute once the tone is set.

Rethink Disposables

Fancy plastic plates, napkins, and cutlery can cost more than the food itself. Even from discount stores, it adds up quickly.

Go simpler: paper plates, basic napkins, or just use the dishes you already own.

Cheaper Ingredients

Potatoes, quinoa, and canned beans are inexpensive and versatile. Dress them up with good seasoning, sauces, or thoughtful presentation, and they shine.

A hearty potato side, a quinoa salad, or a composed salad made mostly from shelf-stable ingredients can feel just as satisfying as pricier options.

Skip What You Don’t Need

If the budget is tight, skip the flowers and decor. No one leaves thinking, “Lovely meal, but shame about the lack of centerpieces.” If you don’t want to sacrifice the decor, then invest in a fake flower centerpiece or battery-operated lamps that you can use over and over again.

One Main, Bigger Sides

One main served alongside generous portions of starches and salads is more than enough and far more cost-effective than multiple mains.

Bake, Don’t Buy

Store-bought desserts are expensive. Homemade cakes, brownies, or cookies cost a fraction of the price and can be baked ahead of time. No one will miss the bakery boxes.

Keep Drinks Simple

Skip the fancy beverages. Water with lemon slices instantly feels elevated, costs almost nothing, and keeps things easy. Use what you already have instead of buying specialty drinks just for one meal.

At the end of the day, people don’t come to your Shabbat table for the menu, they come for the warmth, the conversation, and the feeling of being welcomed. Thoughtful planning, creativity, and a bit of confidence go a lot further than an expensive shopping list ever will.