Hi Molly! I think it depends on 1) whether or not you care about “The Tablescape” (which some people do), in which case I say spring for the whole bird, and 2) how much you enjoy turkey leftovers. If you can send the parents home with a container of turkey, enjoy the idea of a few good post-TG turkey sandwiches, and are into the idea of a big batch of turkey noodle soup, spring for the big bird.