Thanksgiving: Gratitude, Togetherness, Traditions

Autumn is flying by and before we know it Thanksgiving will be here. Thanksgiving is a time to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the blessings in our lives. It’s a holiday rich with tradition, and a time to gather around the table to share stories, laughter, and love with family and friends. And beyond the food, Thanksgiving is an opportunity to celebrate the importance of giving back.

We want to help elevate your Thanksgiving celebrations this year, from thoughtful table settings, to recipes, to creating new traditions that can make the day extra special.

Setting the Scene for the Day:

Decorating plays a vital role in setting the tone for Thanksgiving. This can be done far in advance and is one of the things that you don’t have to stress about the week of. Think cozy and inviting to make your guests feel instantly at home. Here are some ideas to get your space ready for the big day:

The Table:

Setting the table is important but doesn’t have to be overblown. Choose rich Fall colors, like reds, greens, and browns, incorporate these tones through table linens, napkins, and centerpieces. You can also choose a neutral or monochromatic color scheme; these tones can work as well. The great thing is there are no rules. Do what you love. The table can be set at least a week in advance. Fresh flowers can be added to the setting a day or two before. 

Add natural elements that are easily accessible and don’t break the budget. Use materials like pinecones, dried leaves, acorns, and seasonal fruits like pumpkins or pomegranates as part of your table centerpiece.

Finally add candlelight. Scatter candles across the table to create a soft, welcoming ambiance. Glass votives work really well. They are beautiful when lit and burn for many hours. They also don’t drip wax on your tablecloth. Table candles should always be unscented. Scented candles can be too strong and often off-putting. Although we love scented candles in fragrances like cinnamon, apple, or pumpkin spice to enhance the Thanksgiving spirit, save the scents for the entryway or living room.

It’s All About the Food:

Be Creative:

While turkey is the star of most Thanksgiving dinners, it’s the sides, desserts, and drinks that make the meal unforgettable. Here are a few fresh takes on traditional dishes: Be creative and planning ahead is key.

Stuffing Variations: Try incorporating dried cranberries, chestnuts, or apples into your stuffing. These flavors scream Autumn, and they add beautiful color and texture to this traditional dish. Here’s a classic recipe you can try from Ina Garten.

Best Sausage and Apple Stuffing

Creative Sides: Although we would never swap out traditional mashed potatoes as we adore them, add a sweet potato casserole topped with toasted pecans or marshmallows. Also, don’t forget the green veggies. Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, balsamic, and cranberries offer a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Oh, and add a little maple syrup too.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Desserts with a Twist: While pumpkin pie is a must, consider adding a pecan pie or apple crisp to the dessert table for variety. We also love to try new things, how about a cheesecake?

Best Pecan Pie Recipe

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Festive Drinks: One of our very favorites is Cinnamon Apple Sangria, or Apple Crisp Mimosas.  See both recipes below. Note: for the mimosas, rim a glass with cinnamon and sugar, add a few teaspoons of the simple syrup, a splash of apple cider, then top it with champagne or prosecco.  For the non-drinkers offer spiced apple or sparkling cider.  As the evening closes in and temperatures cool, maybe offer a warm mulled wine or add a hot chocolate bar. The sky is the limit.

Our Favorite Cinnamon Apple Sangria

Apple Crisp Simple Syrup

Gratitude: Adding Meaning to the Day

New Traditions:

Thanksgiving is not just about the food—it’s about the connections we foster with our loved ones. Start a new tradition that focuses on gratitude and reflection:

Gratitude: Before the meal, have everyone share one thing they are thankful for. It’s a simple but powerful way to reflect on the positive aspects of life. We also love to add a paper runner to the table where guests can write what they are thankful for, and it becomes a keepsake from the day.

Memory Jar: Set out a jar with small slips of paper for guests to write down their favorite memories or things they’re grateful for. Once again, it becomes a treasured keepsake. Keep them to read at the next Thanksgiving celebration.

Acts of Service: Finally, Thanksgiving is also the perfect time to give back to the community. Whether it’s donating food to a local shelter, volunteering, or inviting someone who might be alone for the holiday, incorporating acts of kindness makes the day even more meaningful. It also is a great way to show your children how to give back and help others in need.

Post-Dinner Fun:

After the meal, keep the festivities going.

Outdoor Walks: Burn off those calories. Take a walk with family or friends to enjoy the crisp autumn air. It’s a great way to refresh after the big meal, and much better than a nap.

Games: Pull out classic board games, a deck of cards, or trivia for fun. For something different, consider a Thanksgiving-themed charades game. Games are totally underrated and add so much fun to the day and evening.

Light the Fire Pit: We love to have cozy blankets on the outdoor chairs, and the twinkling outdoor lights lit. After dinner we light the fire and sit around telling stories or continuing the conversation and laughter. It’s always a family favorite.

Movie Marathon: Wind down the evening with a movie marathon. Choose films that are family friendly like “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”, or even a cozy holiday classic.

 

Every family celebrates Thanksgiving differently, and that’s what makes it special. Whether you host a large gathering or a more intimate dinner, personalize the holiday by incorporating traditions that reflect your family’s unique style.

This wonderful day brings people together in celebration of love, gratitude, and the blessings we hold dear. Whether it’s through the meal, giving back to others, or new traditions, focus on what truly matters—giving thanks.

As you gather around the table this year, take a moment to appreciate the joy that comes with spending time with loved ones.  Happy Thanksgiving!