17 Thanksgiving Desserts That Are Guaranteed Crowd Pleasers

Turkey is great, and mashed potatoes are delicious, but we all know the real star of Thanksgiving dinner is the desserts. Now, let’s be clear—this isn’t the holiday to pull out a pan of boxed brownies or store-bought cookies (although no shame if that’s how you roll). We know it’s a busy season, but one of our favorite ways to spend a few hours before the big day is setting aside time to bake up some incredible Thanksgiving desserts. Trust us: your future self will be grateful.

From the classics (pumpkin pie) to a new spin on Thanksgiving (salted caramel pots de creme), we have all the Thanksgiving desserts you could conjure up this holiday season. Trust us—these are recipes your guests will be begging you for.

17 Best Thanksgiving Desserts

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Why We Love It: These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies might just win recipe of the year in my book. They’re the perfect amount of chewy, sweet, and salty that no one can resist. Besides, who doesn’t love a good pumpkin dessert? Especially on the holiday that they shine the most.

Hero Ingredient: A little bit of flaky salt is the perfect topping.

Pumpkin Pie with Gingersnap Crust

Why We Love It: If you’ve been searching everywhere for the perfect pumpkin pie recipe, you’re welcome. This pumpkin pie with a spicy, buttery gingersnap crust has everything you could want in the ultimate pie. Plus, if you (like myself) are not a big fan of traditional pie crust, you might just change your mind with this one.

Hero Ingredient: The gingersnaps are a game changer.

Pumpkin Cake

Why We Love It: Whether or not you whip this pumpkin cake up for Thanksgiving dinner or breakfast, everyone will be obsessed with this fluffy and nutty loaf. Topped with crunchy pecans that complement hints of cinnamon, it’s holiday spirit in every bite.

Hero Ingredient: Walnuts—because a little crunch goes a long way.

Why We Love It: This cookie tiramisu is an absolute stunner if you’re going for presentation points with your Thanksgiving dessert. Delicious layers of espresso and chocolate chip cookies come together for this whimsical take on the Italian classic.

Hero Ingredient: Any chocolate chip cookies will do!

Salted Caramel Pots de Creme

Why We Love It: Caramel-flavored custard is combined with whipped crème fraîche to build these individual salted caramel pots de creme. If you haven’t tried your hand at this indulgent French dessert, put it on your list for this Thanksgiving.

Hero Ingredient: Salted caramel sauce tops it off.

Pumpkin Pie Bars

Why We Love It: If baking a pie doesn’t seem appealing (or perhaps doesn’t fit into your schedule), these pumpkin pie bars are a simple alternative. With all the pumpkin pie flavors you love, you won’t be missing out on anything—including that classic whipped cream topping.

Hero Ingredient: Dust with a pinch of cinnamon.

Walnut Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Why We Love It: You’ll likely find me snacking on coffee cake if someone happens to bring it to Thanksgiving dinner. This crunchy walnut and sweet cream cheese blend will win me over every time. And if you partake in a sweet post-Thanksgiving breakfast, this will easily steal the show.

Hero Ingredient: Sour cream is the secret ingredient that keeps this cake moist.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie

Why We Love It: When baking for a large crowd, putting out desserts everyone can enjoy is a must. This gluten-free pumpkin pie is just as delicious as your traditional recipe while accommodating those with dietary restrictions.

Hero Ingredient: Top with a dollop of whipped cream.

Buttermilk Pie

Why We Love It: Buttermilk pie is a Thanksgiving essential. The creamy, custard-based pie is surprisingly light and airy, and the buttermilk gives it a welcome tangy flavor that perfectly contrasts the pie’s sweet ingredients.

Hero Ingredient: Grated nutmeg adds a special element of nutty spice.

Speculoos Pumpkin Pie Tarts

Why We Love It: Aren’t these pumpkin pie tarts cute as can be? These are the perfect options for those who prefer a more personal touch to their Thanksgiving desserts, and the flavor will still blow you away.

Hero Ingredient: Candied pepitas are the winner.

Healthy Apple Crumble

Why We Love It: Apple cinnamon is a winning flavor combo in any dessert. If you don’t have a house full of pie enthusiasts, this buttery, oat-laced topping is the best alternative to put out on the table.

Hero Ingredient: Date coconut sugar adds a nice touch of sweetness—without the ensuing sugary hanvoer.

Pumpkin Cookies

Why We Love It: Think: mini pumpkin bread. These cookies somehow stay chewy and somehow never dry out. They’re the perfect blend of sweetness and spice that no one will expect for dessert.

Hero Ingredient: Pumpkin puree is a must.

Pumpkin Snack Cake

Why We Love It: This pumpkin snack cake perfectly blends coffee cake vibes with a crunchy streusel topping. It all gets dusted in a soft snowfall of powdered sugar that will look and taste the part.

Hero Ingredient: The streusel is the best part of this cake, and this recipe has all of our best tips on how to perfect it.

Tres Leches Cake

Why We Love It: Tres Leches is the perfect holiday cake because it can be prepped a day or two in advance, only getting better with time. If you’ve loaded your menu with too many things to cook during the holiday season, this recipe will be your savior.

Hero Ingredient: A little bit of espresso adds a caffeine kick to this cake.

Chocolate Pecan Slab Pie

Why We Love It: Unlike your typical pecan pie—doused in corn syrup—this chocolate pecan slab pie uses melted butter and a generous amount of dark brown sugar to create a richer, deeper caramel flavor. If you need a last-minute dessert, make this your go-to.

Hero Ingredient: Cheers for pecans!

Brown Butter Bourbon Apple Crisp

Why We Love It: This apple crisp is simply mouth-watering. When baking with apples, mixing a variety of sweet and tart is the key to success. Who doesn’t want the best of both worlds? 

Hero Ingredient: We recommend Granny Smiths and Pink Ladies/Gala for this crisp.

Chai Carrot Cake

Why We Love It: This carrot cake is cardamom-forward, not too sweet, and the perfect canvas for a tangy cream cheese frosting. Fresh carrots are essential for the best light and fresh flavor everyone will enjoy.

Hero Ingredient: Almond milk brings a little bit of subtle creaminess to this delectable cake.

15 Vegan Thanksgiving Sides That’ll Make You the Star of Every Holiday Potluck

Let’s be honest, side dishes are the true stars of Thanksgiving. I load my plate up with mashed potatoes, green beans, and (two or three) dinner rolls. Every year, without fail. Thanksgiving is undoubtedly an indulgent meal, but it doesn’t have to be unhealthy. When my older sister first had to make dietary changes, we had two separate Thanksgiving buffets: one that was gluten-free and vegan and another that was traditional. However, after lots of research and recipe tasting, we’ve landed on a menu with vegan Thanksgiving sides that the whole family drools over.

15 Vegan Thanksgiving Sides Everyone Will Love

This list is full of both classic and creative recipes for all of your favorite Thanksgiving sides that no one will even know are vegan. Because between potlucks, Friendsgiving celebrations, and all the many gatherings you’ll host and attend this season, you’re bound to encounter a friend or family member who will appreciate creamy mashed potatoes (sans the cream).  And here’s my hot take: they might even be better than the real deal.

Roasted Honeynut Squash with Hot Honey, Pecans, and Rosemary

Why We Love It: If you’re going for ‘wow’ factor in both presentation and taste, you have to make this side dish. Teeny and cute honeynut squash spends a little time in the oven getting caramelized and crisp. Layered on your favorite platter with radicchio, pecans, garlic, and honey (sub maple syrup to make it vegan), this recipe is my new Thanksgiving fave. Note: the recipe includes goat cheese, but you’re welcome to sub in a dairy-free option or skip it entirely.

Hero Ingredient: I have a thing for squash, and honeynut is my new favorite. Seriously, have you ever seen anything cuter? And they’re not just pretty to look at. As Camille notes, “Deep orange in color and slightly reminiscent of a mini butternut, the honeynut squash is packed with sweetness, nuttiness, and an undeniable charm that elevates any dish.” Now doesn’t that sound totally delish?

Honey Roasted Carrots With Spicy Citrus, Sage & Pepitas

Why We Love It: Even if you aren’t a cooked carrot fan, this recipe might win you over with its secret sauce. It has the perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and spice finished with fresh sage that gives it major autumn vibes. You can’t say you don’t like cooked carrots until you try this recipe. 

Hero Ingredient: The pan sauce, because it can be added to any fall veggie in your fridge. 

Harvest Kale Salad

Why We Love It: Both fall and winter’s best ingredients shine in this side salad. It’s made with a simple olive oil and lemon vinaigrette, and it might just be your new favorite Thanksgiving item. Served as a side or an appetizer, everyone can enjoy this recipe. Just be sure to ditch the brie or swap in a dairy-free alternative to keep it vegan.

Hero Ingredient: It’s a toss-up between the pear and pepitas, but I’ll go with the former—because during the colder months, it’s my favorite fruit.

Sweet & Sour Cider-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Dates & Pecans

Why We Love It: Instead of leaning on her typical method of roasting halved sprouts until crispy, Camille shreds these into thin little ruffly bites, then does a hard sear in a cast-iron skillet to get the perfect char. A quick toss in a sweet vinegar sauce with a secret ingredient (apple cider!) and a sprinkle of toasted pecans, dates, and chili flakes, and voilá. You have a killer vegan Thanksgiving side.

Hero Ingredient: Apple cider gives this dish major fall feels. 

Make-Ahead Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Why We Love It: You had me at make-ahead, but vegan too? Incredible. If you’re hosting the feast this holiday, these mashed potatoes are a must-make for your meal. With all of the craziness involved in cooking on Thanksgiving day, you’ll be grateful for the extra stovetop space these taters free up.

Hero Ingredient: Rosemary is the flavor-packed star of this vegan show. I love the aromatic, peppery taste the herb imparts.

Roasted Delicata Squash

Why We Love It: Like some of the other sides in this roundup, you’ll want to drop the crumbled feta and sub in maple syrup for honey to make it vegan. But beyond that, this no-fuss recipe comes together with ease and so much deliciousness. Delicata squash is seriously underrated, and it’s a fave this season as it requires zero peeling on your part. (I can’t say the same for butternut squash.) Key spices like cumin, coriander, and red chili powder help this recipe stand out, and thyme ties it all together beautifully. Points for gorgeous presentation, too.

Hero Ingredient: All the herbs, please. Cilantro, mint, and parsley are the trifecta of fresh flavor.

Vegan Cauliflower Mac & Cheese

Why We Love It: Do you have mac and cheese at Thanksgiving? My family doesn’t, but this recipe makes me wish we did. I could seriously eat it every day. The dish comes together in 20 minutes and is made with an easy thick and velvety vegan cauliflower cheese sauce poured over macaroni noodles (which can easily be subbed for gluten-free pasta). 

Hero Ingredient: Cauliflower is a chameleon. 

Apple Walnut Salad

Why We Love It: This fall salad is so simple, but it’s the focus on minimal, flavorful ingredients that helps it shine. I love the peppery bite of arugula paired with crisp, thinly sliced apples. Drop the goat cheese to make it vegan, or make the most of my favorite dairy-free recipe that couldn’t be easier.

Hero Ingredient: As they say, an apple a day—and this salad is my favorite way to get my fill.

Vegan Butternut Squash Soup

Why We Love It: Soup might not be the most traditional Thanksgiving dish, but this vegan butternut squash soup pairs perfectly with the meal. It’s healthy, but it has so much flavor that you won’t even care. 

Hero Ingredient: Coconut milk makes this soup so comforting and creamy (without the cream).

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole with Maple Pecan Topping from Jessica in the Kitchen

Why We Love It: Instead of covering your sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, you have to try this recipe that tops the dish with chopped pecans and plenty of maple syrup. The nutty streusel-like topping makes the dish vegan but also adds a delicious flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the base. 

Hero Ingredient: The finished product of the crumble topping is good enough to eat by itself.

Simple Vegan Dinner Rolls from Minimalist Baker

Why We Love It: Have no fear, vegan dinner rolls are here. And they are only seven ingredients and easy to make. Rolls are one of my favorite parts of the meal, so I truly believe that no one should have to turn them down. This is one of the vegan Thanksgiving sides that is a real show-stopper. 

Hero Ingredient: The vegan butter melts in your mouth.

The Best Vegan Cornbread from Rainbow Plant Life

Why We Love It: I’m a huge fan of cornbread in the fall. This simple vegan recipe requires only 20 minutes of prep and pairs perfectly with everything from Thanksgiving dinner to a warm bowl of chili. It’s also easily made gluten-free and refined sugar-free with just a few suggested swaps.

Hero Ingredient: What is cornbread without the yellow cornmeal?

Vegan Stuffing from Love & Lemons

Why We Love It: Stuffing is essential at my Thanksgiving table, and I’m obsessed with this vegan take. Onions, celery, and sautéed mushrooms fill it with so much savory flavor. And while other stuffing recipes lean a little on the beige side, this recipe features kale, dried cranberries, and plenty of sage on top for a picture-worthy presentation.

Hero Ingredient: Sage is non-negotiable in stuffing.

Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce

Why We Love It: Homemade cranberry sauce has never been easier. This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, refined-sugar-free, and delicious. The orange, cinnamon, and maple syrup give this classic Thanksgiving side a unique twist that your guests will love.

Hero Ingredient: The orange zest really is the best. 

Roasted Cauliflower & Parsnip Mash from Unbound Wellness

Why We Love It: My mom made this recipe for Thanksgiving last year, and it’s a new family favorite. The addition of parsnips to the classic mashed cauliflower gives it even more of the beloved potato flavor. It’s also paleo and Whole-30. Be sure to substitute ghee for olive oil or coconut oil to be 100% vegan. 

Hero Ingredient: Parsnips give it both the texture and flavor of potatoes. 

I Always Use This Exact Formula for My Thanksgiving Menu Planning

Little known fact: I started my career in catering. When I landed in Austin at age 21, I scored a job as an event planner at a catering company, having no idea how much I’d fall in love with the rush of making sure a high-pressure event went off without a hitch. (And if something did go wrong, making sure my client never knew about it!) I was single and living in a new city, and I can remember staying up late at my neighborhood coffee shop, pouring over menu ideas to create a food experience that was the perfect balance of interesting and familiar, satisfying without being heavy. To this day, I feel the same way about Thanksgiving menu planning.

It was during those late-night work sessions that my slight obsession with menu planning was born. For me, settling in with my cookbooks and designing a menu for a dinner party is a true creative outlet. Over the years, friends have shared that they feel ill-equipped in the area, and I get a lot of menu-planning questions from you guys here and on IG—especially as the holidays approach.

Intuition is a key ingredient in my Thanksgiving menu planning process. However, when it comes to this holiday in particular, I lean on a tried-and-true formula that checks all the boxes for what the people want, without totally exhausting the host (me) or resulting in way too much food. Some leftovers are good. But a massive casserole dish that barely got a dent put in it? Not so much.

Read on for my tried-and-true Thanksgiving menu planning formula, then get inspired with some of my favorite recipes so you can mix and match to make it your own.

Here’s the general formula I use when deciding what we’ll be serving each year. Thankfully, most of my family members are great cooks, so I also use this formula to divvy up what people will bring potluck-style.

  • Turkey. Adam usually fries one, and I often roast a second turkey for leftovers. If we’ve got a really big group, we’ll pick up a honey-glazed ham, too.
  • Gravy. Not my favorite, but it must be done.
  • Potatoes. Mashed, roasted, or scalloped.
  • Dressing. Or “stuffing,” depending on where you live. Cornbread, white bread, wild rice, oyster.
  • Orange Vegetable. Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, acorn squash, carrots.
  • Green Vegetable. Brussels sprouts, green bean casserole, broccolini, sautéed greens like collards or kale.
  • Bread. Rolls, focaccia, cornbread. I usually pick these up from a local bakery.
  • Pies. Pumpkin, pecan, chocolate, buttermilk, apple, I could go on and on.

Remember: if you’re having a smaller group, choose your faves and leave the rest. Just because it’s Thanksgiving doesn’t mean you need to spend the entire day in the kitchen.

Now for the fun part! Scroll on for my favorite recipes for Thanksgiving. Choose one from each category, and you’ve got yourself a foolproof Thanksgiving menu all served up.

Turkey

Brined Roast Turkey

No matter how many turkey recipes are out there (thousands? millions?) not a November rolls by that I don’t type “What’s the best Thanksgiving turkey recipe?” in my Google search bar hoping to gain some clarity. And although there are many delicious ways to cook ’em, from stuffed to spatchcocked to fried, it’s hard to beat the simplicity of a classic brined roast turkey—especially when it’s cooked to perfection with crispy skin and an interior that’s juicy and flavorful. So, in an effort to finally nail down the absolute best, foolproof technique for a brined roast turkey, I called in the pro: Michael Fojtasek, the owner/chef of award-winning restaurant Olamaie, here in Austin.

Potatoes

Make-Ahead Vegan Mashed Potatoes

It’s hard to picture Thanksgiving without a savory bowl of buttery-smooth mashed potatoes on the table. And this crowd-pleasing version can actually be enjoyed by everyone. It just so happens to be vegan without sacrificing any of the classic creaminess that they’re all craving. Perhaps the best part of these mashed potatoes is that they can be made a couple of hours ahead of the feast so you’re not scurrying to mix them up when everything else is going on the table. Starring Yukon Golds, these have a velvety texture that’s to die for. 

Faux Parmesan Cauliflower “Potatoes”

As a self-pronounced mashed potato connoisseur, the idea of cauliflower mashed potatoes did not originally excite me. How could they possibly live up to the real thing? This recipe for faux parmesan cauliflower mashed potatoes from chef and author, Helene Henderson’s cookbook, Malibu Farm Sunrise to Sunset, alleviated all of my doubts. Not only do they look like cheesy mashed potatoes, but they taste like them, too. I have tried cauliflower mash after cauliflower mash, and no other recipe can match this one’s authentic potato flavor.

Orange Vegetable Side

Roasted Honeynut Squash

Everything about this roasted honeynut squash recipe makes it a top-tier option for your Thanksgiving menu planning options. Topped with pecans for the perfect crunch and hot honey for a bit of a kick, guests will be raving over this unique and flavorful side.

Sweet Potato and Caramelized Date Salad

Sweet potatoes are an obvious choice for an orange Thanksgiving side dish, but this salad is anything but basic. Pomegranate seeds bring a tangy contrast to the savory flavors of the autumn root veggie, and caramelized dates encapsulate the perfect sweet salad topping.

Roasted Acorn Squash

When it comes to Thanksgiving sides, Tieghan Gerard, aka Half Baked Harvest, absolutely nailed this roasted acorn squash. Squash is always a filling side that everyone loves, but isn’t always prepped to its fullest potential. It’s balanced, sweet, and a little bit nutty. What more could you ask for?

Blood Orange and Beet Salad

Have you ever seen a prettier color combo? Bring the beets and oranges in a bowl separate from the yogurt, then arrange on a platter just before serving.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes With Brown Sugar Cornflake Crunch

If you love a nostalgic take on recipes, this classic Thanksgiving side dish was made for you. The filling is made of fresh mashed sweet potatoes and topped with a crunchy, brown sugary topping for the ultimate blend in textures. One bite will bring you right back to your golden youthful days watching Saturday morning cartoons and eating a big bowl of cornflakes. 

Roasted Delicata Squash and Kale Salad

Sheela Prakash shared her kale salad recipe from her cookbook, Mediterranean Every Day. It’s warm, comforting and our favorite salad to include in our Thanksgiving menu planning. 

Honey Roasted Carrots with Sage and Pepitas

Halved carrots are tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasted at 425 F until just cooked through and crispy on the edges. Meanwhile, I make the secret sauce on the stovetop: a deliciously syrupy mixture of orange zest and juice, rice vinegar for a burst of acidity, a big squeeze of honey, sliced jalapeño or a shake of red pepper flakes (I go back and forth), and the key addition of fresh sage, which perfumes the entire dish with autumn vibes.

Dressing/Stuffing

Vegetarian Skillet Cornbread Stuffing With Kale and Caramelized Onions

This vegetarian cornbread stuffing streamlines the usual process by omitting that first step of baking a loaf of cornbread, then crumbling or chopping it up before folding in the mix-ins. This one is more of a cornbread/stuffing hybrid: you make an awesome cornbread batter and fold all the toppings and seasonings right into the mix, then bake it all together. Not only does it make the entire process quicker start-to-finish, but I love the rustic look of serving it right from the cast-iron pan it bakes in, especially with the vivid shades of red onion and kale crowning the top. 

Green Vegetable Side

Sweet & Sour Cider Brussels Sprouts

Instead of leaning on my typical method of roasting halved sprouts until crispy, I shredded these into thin little ruffly bites, then did a hard sear in a cast-iron skillet to get the char I’m always after. A quick toss in a sweet vinegar sauce with a secret ingredient (apple cider!) and a sprinkle of toasted pecans, dates, and chilli flakes, and these are pretty close to perfect.  

Holiday Jewels Kale Salad

Look no further for the most stunning (and simple) salad your Thanksgiving menu planning mind could imagine. Apples, pomegranate seeds, and a mouth-watering mustard-shallot vinaigrette make these greens a must-have for all your holiday gatherings.

Cacio E Pepe Brussels Sprouts

I’m already obsessed with Brussels sprouts, but when you add parmesan, lemon zest, and hazelnuts to the mix, consider me dead.

Pies & Tarts

Pumpkin Pie with Gingersnap Crust

This pumpkin pie is my all-time favorite. While pumpkin is most people’s classic Thanksgiving pie, I find it can get a little boring without enough flavor built in. Thankfully, this recipe is full of sweet and spicy notes, and the gingersnap crust is the most genius take on tradition. (If I do say so myself.)

Classic Buttermilk Pie

This Classic Buttermilk Pie recipe is a Styles family classic. My mom is the pie baker in the family—we always beg her to make all the pies for Thanksgiving. So I think you’re going to love this classic buttermilk pie recipe. It’s so simple to make, yet the flavor is rich and delicious. 

Easier-Than-Pie Warm Apple Tart

This tart is hard to cut warm, but it melts in your mouth. (And no one minds a warm crumbled apple tart spooned into a bowl, with ice cream melting on top.) Cool, it is equally alluring and easier to serve in perfect slices. But the best thing about this tart—besides eating it—is knowing how easy it is to make it again. 

Apple Ginger Pie (Gluten-Free)

When the time rolls around to do my Thanksgiving menu planning, this pie always seems to make the cut. Granny Smith apples keep the pie from being overly sweet, and the warm spices make a slice of pie the comfiest cozy dish to curl up with after-dinner—and for breakfast the next morning with a cup of coffee! 

Chocolate Pecan Slab Pie

This always-delicious classic is bulked up to feed a crowd. The trick is doubling my favorite recipe and baking it in a jelly roll pan instead of a classic pie tin. Cut into squares instead of sliced in triangles, it’s similar to a pecan bar but doesn’t skimp on the gooey pecan filling. 

Now, I’m going to post up in front of the fire with my hot tea and stack of cookbooks. Happy Thanksgiving menu planning!

This post was originally published on November 12th, 2020, and has since been updated.

I Always Use This Exact Formula for My Thanksgiving Menu Planning

Little known fact: I started my career in catering. When I landed in Austin at age 21, I scored a job as an event planner at a catering company, having no idea how much I’d fall in love with the rush of making sure a high-pressure event went off without a hitch. (And if something did go wrong, making sure my client never knew about it!) I was single and living in a new city, and I can remember staying up late at my neighborhood coffee shop, pouring over menu ideas to create a food experience that was the perfect balance of interesting and familiar, satisfying without being heavy. To this day, I feel the same way about Thanksgiving menu planning.

It was during those late-night work sessions that my slight obsession with menu planning was born. For me, settling in with my cookbooks and designing a menu for a dinner party is a true creative outlet. Over the years, friends have shared that they feel ill-equipped in the area, and I get a lot of menu-planning questions from you guys here and on IG—especially as the holidays approach.

Intuition is a key ingredient in my Thanksgiving menu planning process. However, when it comes to this holiday in particular, I lean on a tried-and-true formula that checks all the boxes for what the people want, without totally exhausting the host (me) or resulting in way too much food. Some leftovers are good. But a massive casserole dish that barely got a dent put in it? Not so much.

Read on for my tried-and-true Thanksgiving menu planning formula, then get inspired with some of my favorite recipes so you can mix and match to make it your own.

Here’s the general formula I use when deciding what we’ll be serving each year. Thankfully, most of my family members are great cooks, so I also use this formula to divvy up what people will bring potluck-style.

  • Turkey. Adam usually fries one, and I often roast a second turkey for leftovers. If we’ve got a really big group, we’ll pick up a honey-glazed ham, too.
  • Gravy. Not my favorite, but it must be done.
  • Potatoes. Mashed, roasted, or scalloped.
  • Dressing. Or “stuffing,” depending on where you live. Cornbread, white bread, wild rice, oyster.
  • Orange Vegetable. Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, acorn squash, carrots.
  • Green Vegetable. Brussels sprouts, green bean casserole, broccolini, sautéed greens like collards or kale.
  • Bread. Rolls, focaccia, cornbread. I usually pick these up from a local bakery.
  • Pies. Pumpkin, pecan, chocolate, buttermilk, apple, I could go on and on.

Remember: if you’re having a smaller group, choose your faves and leave the rest. Just because it’s Thanksgiving doesn’t mean you need to spend the entire day in the kitchen.

Now for the fun part! Scroll on for my favorite recipes for Thanksgiving. Choose one from each category, and you’ve got yourself a foolproof Thanksgiving menu all served up.

Turkey

Brined Roast Turkey

No matter how many turkey recipes are out there (thousands? millions?) not a November rolls by that I don’t type “What’s the best Thanksgiving turkey recipe?” in my Google search bar hoping to gain some clarity. And although there are many delicious ways to cook ’em, from stuffed to spatchcocked to fried, it’s hard to beat the simplicity of a classic brined roast turkey—especially when it’s cooked to perfection with crispy skin and an interior that’s juicy and flavorful. So, in an effort to finally nail down the absolute best, foolproof technique for a brined roast turkey, I called in the pro: Michael Fojtasek, the owner/chef of award-winning restaurant Olamaie, here in Austin.

Potatoes

Make-Ahead Vegan Mashed Potatoes

It’s hard to picture Thanksgiving without a savory bowl of buttery-smooth mashed potatoes on the table. And this crowd-pleasing version can actually be enjoyed by everyone. It just so happens to be vegan without sacrificing any of the classic creaminess that they’re all craving. Perhaps the best part of these mashed potatoes is that they can be made a couple of hours ahead of the feast so you’re not scurrying to mix them up when everything else is going on the table. Starring Yukon Golds, these have a velvety texture that’s to die for. 

Faux Parmesan Cauliflower “Potatoes”

As a self-pronounced mashed potato connoisseur, the idea of cauliflower mashed potatoes did not originally excite me. How could they possibly live up to the real thing? This recipe for faux parmesan cauliflower mashed potatoes from chef and author, Helene Henderson’s cookbook, Malibu Farm Sunrise to Sunset, alleviated all of my doubts. Not only do they look like cheesy mashed potatoes, but they taste like them, too. I have tried cauliflower mash after cauliflower mash, and no other recipe can match this one’s authentic potato flavor.

Orange Vegetable Side

Roasted Honeynut Squash

Everything about this roasted honeynut squash recipe makes it a top-tier option for your Thanksgiving menu planning options. Topped with pecans for the perfect crunch and hot honey for a bit of a kick, guests will be raving over this unique and flavorful side.

Sweet Potato and Caramelized Date Salad

Sweet potatoes are an obvious choice for an orange Thanksgiving side dish, but this salad is anything but basic. Pomegranate seeds bring a tangy contrast to the savory flavors of the autumn root veggie, and caramelized dates encapsulate the perfect sweet salad topping.

Roasted Acorn Squash

When it comes to Thanksgiving sides, Tieghan Gerard, aka Half Baked Harvest, absolutely nailed this roasted acorn squash. Squash is always a filling side that everyone loves, but isn’t always prepped to its fullest potential. It’s balanced, sweet, and a little bit nutty. What more could you ask for?

Blood Orange and Beet Salad

Have you ever seen a prettier color combo? Bring the beets and oranges in a bowl separate from the yogurt, then arrange on a platter just before serving.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes With Brown Sugar Cornflake Crunch

If you love a nostalgic take on recipes, this classic Thanksgiving side dish was made for you. The filling is made of fresh mashed sweet potatoes and topped with a crunchy, brown sugary topping for the ultimate blend in textures. One bite will bring you right back to your golden youthful days watching Saturday morning cartoons and eating a big bowl of cornflakes. 

Roasted Delicata Squash and Kale Salad

Sheela Prakash shared her kale salad recipe from her cookbook, Mediterranean Every Day. It’s warm, comforting and our favorite salad to include in our Thanksgiving menu planning. 

Honey Roasted Carrots with Sage and Pepitas

Halved carrots are tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasted at 425 F until just cooked through and crispy on the edges. Meanwhile, I make the secret sauce on the stovetop: a deliciously syrupy mixture of orange zest and juice, rice vinegar for a burst of acidity, a big squeeze of honey, sliced jalapeño or a shake of red pepper flakes (I go back and forth), and the key addition of fresh sage, which perfumes the entire dish with autumn vibes.

Dressing/Stuffing

Vegetarian Skillet Cornbread Stuffing With Kale and Caramelized Onions

This vegetarian cornbread stuffing streamlines the usual process by omitting that first step of baking a loaf of cornbread, then crumbling or chopping it up before folding in the mix-ins. This one is more of a cornbread/stuffing hybrid: you make an awesome cornbread batter and fold all the toppings and seasonings right into the mix, then bake it all together. Not only does it make the entire process quicker start-to-finish, but I love the rustic look of serving it right from the cast-iron pan it bakes in, especially with the vivid shades of red onion and kale crowning the top. 

Green Vegetable Side

Sweet & Sour Cider Brussels Sprouts

Instead of leaning on my typical method of roasting halved sprouts until crispy, I shredded these into thin little ruffly bites, then did a hard sear in a cast-iron skillet to get the char I’m always after. A quick toss in a sweet vinegar sauce with a secret ingredient (apple cider!) and a sprinkle of toasted pecans, dates, and chilli flakes, and these are pretty close to perfect.  

Holiday Jewels Kale Salad

Look no further for the most stunning (and simple) salad your Thanksgiving menu planning mind could imagine. Apples, pomegranate seeds, and a mouth-watering mustard-shallot vinaigrette make these greens a must-have for all your holiday gatherings.

Cacio E Pepe Brussels Sprouts

I’m already obsessed with Brussels sprouts, but when you add parmesan, lemon zest, and hazelnuts to the mix, consider me dead.

Pies & Tarts

Pumpkin Pie with Gingersnap Crust

This pumpkin pie is my all-time favorite. While pumpkin is most people’s classic Thanksgiving pie, I find it can get a little boring without enough flavor built in. Thankfully, this recipe is full of sweet and spicy notes, and the gingersnap crust is the most genius take on tradition. (If I do say so myself.)

Classic Buttermilk Pie

This Classic Buttermilk Pie recipe is a Styles family classic. My mom is the pie baker in the family—we always beg her to make all the pies for Thanksgiving. So I think you’re going to love this classic buttermilk pie recipe. It’s so simple to make, yet the flavor is rich and delicious. 

Easier-Than-Pie Warm Apple Tart

This tart is hard to cut warm, but it melts in your mouth. (And no one minds a warm crumbled apple tart spooned into a bowl, with ice cream melting on top.) Cool, it is equally alluring and easier to serve in perfect slices. But the best thing about this tart—besides eating it—is knowing how easy it is to make it again. 

Apple Ginger Pie (Gluten-Free)

When the time rolls around to do my Thanksgiving menu planning, this pie always seems to make the cut. Granny Smith apples keep the pie from being overly sweet, and the warm spices make a slice of pie the comfiest cozy dish to curl up with after-dinner—and for breakfast the next morning with a cup of coffee! 

Chocolate Pecan Slab Pie

This always-delicious classic is bulked up to feed a crowd. The trick is doubling my favorite recipe and baking it in a jelly roll pan instead of a classic pie tin. Cut into squares instead of sliced in triangles, it’s similar to a pecan bar but doesn’t skimp on the gooey pecan filling. 

Now, I’m going to post up in front of the fire with my hot tea and stack of cookbooks. Happy Thanksgiving menu planning!

This post was originally published on November 12th, 2020, and has since been updated.

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Checklist for a Stress-Free Feast

There’s only one way to ensure a stress-free and seamless Thanksgiving: detailed, down-to-the-minute planning. I’m typically one to take a laid-back approach to entertaining, but Thanksgiving is the one day when free-styling is usually a terrible idea. Even for seasoned entertainers, this meal has a lot going on at once. (Especially if you have a big group or are accommodating multiple dietary restrictions.) My solution: A Thanksgiving checklist. Mine is complete with a timeline that counts down everything needed to pull off the feast. And today, I’m sharing my Thanksgiving checklist to make sure your holiday goes off without a hitch.

Featured image by Christie Graham.

How to Create a Thanksgiving Checklist That Works for You

Make a Plan

I’ve learned that the more detailed my plan is on the front end, the more I can kick back and relax on the day of. Start with a list of how many people are attending. I send an email to the entire group and get specific on arrival and mealtimes with guests so everyone knows what to expect. This is also a great way to find out if there are any dietary restrictions and get some volunteers to pitch in on the menu.

Make it a Potluck

I can’t imagine hosting our big family gathering without lots of people pitching in on the menu. I’ve found that everyone loves having the chance to contribute their own traditions to the table. My dad always makes the stuffing, my mother-in-law brings her broccoli casserole and gravy, and my mom is on pie duty. Anyone who doesn’t cook is bringing wine to contribute. It takes a village, and asking for help is key to keeping my Thanksgiving Day manageable and the overwhelm at bay.

Don’t Feel Like Every “Thanksgiving Food” Has to Be Included

Especially if you’re shouldering the bulk of the cooking yourself, my biggest piece of advice is to keep the menu relatively limited. People do not need both mashed potatoes and potatoes au gratin, I promise. Just remember, every additional dish equals more groceries, more prep, and more clean-up. Take an honest look at the menu and ask yourself if you’re trying to do too much. If so, figure out what item will be missed the least, then ditch it from your menu.

Keep Drinks Simple

In years passed, I’ve had a slow cooker full of cider that I’ve dressed up with spices along with a bottle of bourbon on the side for guests who want to spike theirs. In other years, I’ve simply opened a bottle of something sparkling and served guests as they arrived. On the dinner table, set a juicy red wine, a crisp white, and a big carafe of water. Give everyone one wine glass and one water glass and let them fill and refill themselves. Done and done.

Hit Up the Rental Company

My first real job was in catering, and I quickly learned that renting glassware and silverware is kind of the most awesome thing ever. For one thing, if you’re hosting a big group, who has 20 forks and knives lying around? But the real key to this one is in the clean-up. Just imagine the feeling at the end of the night of loading all those dirty wine glasses into a crate and putting them in your car to drop off the next morning. Bliss!

Three Weeks Before Thanksgiving

Plan the menu. It all starts with a smart menu that isn’t so ambitious it turns you into a crazy person. Strategic menu planning is the key to conveying the stress-free vibe that we all want to feel on Thanksgiving. Advance planning also gives you the chance to consider how your various menu items will taste and look together, which goes a long way towards the enjoyment of the overall meal. A few things to think about:

  • Variety: Thanksgiving is notorious for being monochromatic—the mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls, and turkey can turn an entire plate an unappealing shade of cream. So, I always throw in a beautiful salad bursting with fall veggies, and this year I’m adorning my cornbread “stuffing” with jewel-toned toppings. Similarly, try not to repeat the same ingredients in multiple dishes. (If your app is bacon-wrapped figs, skip the bacon in the Brussels.)
  • Dietary Restrictions: If your family and friend group is like mine, there are certainly going to be some gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian eaters around the table. Thanksgiving can be tricky, since it often relies on a classic menu of recipes that aren’t by nature super accommodating. My suggestion is to make enough of the classics to keep the traditionalists happy, but make sure there’s at least a main, a veggie, and a starch that works for everyone around the table.
  • Consider your timing: Ever had one of those Thanksgiving moments when it’s 30 minutes before mealtime, and suddenly everything needs to be in the oven to finish cooking at the same time? Me too. I’ve learned to get very strategic at the beginning of my planning to make sure prep can be paced out. For example, this year’s cornbread stuffing is mostly made on the stovetop, and can hang out at room temp for awhile before digging in.

Two Weeks Before Thanksgiving

Order your turkey. Plan to buy one pound per person (or you could go up to 1 1/2 pounds per person if you want leftovers.) Get our tips on how to make the ultimate Thanksgiving turkey.

Make a shopping list. A solid shopping list is an absolute necessity for this occasion. Be sure to check the staple ingredients that you might assume you always have enough of. One Thanksgiving, I randomly ran out of salt in the middle of cooking!

Buy your shelf-stable groceries. Don’t make the mistake of waiting until the day before Thanksgiving to buy cranberries, canned pumpkin, or any of the other shelf-stable necessities that could make or break the meal. In fact, I like to stock up on everything except fresh produce, dairy, and meat a couple weeks in advance so I can rest easy.

Two Days Before Thanksgiving

Hit the store for your perishables. This is a great time to double-check your grocery list to ensure you’re not forgetting anything important. In addition to your fresh produce, herbs, turkey, and refrigerated items, now’s the time to grab wine, sparkling water, flowers, extra trash bags, ice, and lots of foil for wrapping up leftovers.

The Day Before Thanksgiving

Brine your turkey and store it in the fridge.

Make the chutney, then store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Make the vinaigrette, and store in a mason jar in the fridge.

Pre-cut your squash, red onion, and kale for the salad. Store in gallon-sized Ziplock bags in the fridge.

Set the table, arrange flowers, and place serving pieces where they’ll go on the buffet.

Prep the guest bathroom, making sure the trash is empty, the soap is full, hand towels and toilet paper are well-stocked, and there’s a vase of flowers or a great-smelling candle next to the sink.

Thanksgiving Morning

Preheat the oven to 375 F.

Chill your white wine.

Massage the kale for your salad.

Three Hours Before

Prep the turkey, and get it in the oven.

Make your cornbread stuffing. Keep it covered on the counter until it’s almost time to eat.

Two Hours Before

Make your mashed potatoes. They can hang out on the stovetop with a lid on. 15 minutes before serving, reheat over low.

Roast the veggies for your salad.

Pop open a good bottle of sparkling wine to sip while you finish cooking—it’s a holiday!

Fill a pitcher with filtered water and lemon slices, then place in the fridge to get really cold.

One Hour Before

Arrange your charcuterie board and set it out. It’ll be ready and waiting for any early arrivals, and the cheese tastes better when it has come to room temperature.

Pop red wine in the fridge to slightly chill.

Make Brussels sprouts. Cover them and set out on the stove until it’s time to eat.

Check the turkey for doneness. When it registers 165 degrees F, cover with foil and allow to rest until ready to carve. (It’ll come up 10 more degrees before you carve it.)

15 Minutes Before

If you have early-arriving guests, don’t hesitate to give them simple tasks like opening wine and slicing lemons for water. Putting them to work will actually put everyone at ease.

Rewarm mashed potatoes on the stove.

Pop the cornbread stuffing in the oven to rewarm.

Toss together all the ingredients in your salad and set it on the buffet.

Carve the turkey, place everything in its designated spot on the buffet, call your guests to help themselves, and then kick back and enjoy the feast.

This post was originally published on November 2, 2021, and has since been updated.

Finally—The Pumpkin Pie with Gingersnap Crust I Ask for Every Thanksgiving

When it comes to Thanksgiving pies, are you team pumpkin, pecan or apple? (and yes, “all of the above” is an acceptable answer.) For me, pumpkin pie is the absolute essence of fall, and its easily my most eagerly anticipated item on the Thanksgiving menu. For the last several years, I’ve lobbied my mom (our family’s official pie master) to make this particular gingersnap pumpkin pie recipe with a custardy filling and spicy gingersnap crust. For me, it’s the best pumpkin pie recipe on the planet—so this year, I’m finally sharing it with you.

A truly great pumpkin pie recipe is all about that balance of texture and flavor. Our version takes the classic pie and gives it an aromatic twist with a crust that’s impossible to resist. The gingersnap adds a warm, spicy contrast to the creamy pumpkin filling, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.

And if any of you share my usual tendency to just skip the pie crust and eat only the filling? Well, that won’t be the case with this gingersnap-studded, candy-like crust that gives the filling a run for its money as the star of the show.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this gingersnap pumpkin pie

For the crust:

  • gingersnaps
  • sugar
  • salt
  • unsalted butter

For the filling:

  • whole milk
  • vanilla extract
  • cinnamon
  • sugar
  • salt
  • egg yolks
  • cornstarch
  • can of pumpkin
  • unsalted butter
  • heavy cream

How to make this gingersnap pumpkin pie

I’d like to start by saying—traditional pies are not my strength. Baking a homemade flaky, buttery pie crust intimidates me, and as mentioned earlier, my mom is the real pie queen in our family so I usually leave it to her. So trust me when I say: this one is an absolute no-brainer. Here are the basic steps:

  1. Make the crust: combine the crushed gingersnaps with the sugar, salt, and butter, then press it into your pie dish. Refrigerate, bake, then let cool.
  2. Make the filling: simmer together milk, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, and salt over medium.
  3. Whisk together your egg yolks with cornstarch and sugar, then whisk in the warm milk mixture. Return it all to the saucepan, and cook over medium while whisking until it’s bubbling.
  4. Add the pumpkin and butter, whisk it together, and you’ve got your custard.
  5. Pour it into the gingersnap crust and refrigerate. Then make it pretty with whipped cream, crushed gingersnaps, and (if you’re feeling extra) add some star anise and cinnamon.

The final result is a filling that’s light-as-air and proves to be insanely addictive (I usually find myself standing at the refrigerator door late that night, nibbling “just one more” sliver. One of Thanksgiving’s greatest pleasures.

Scroll on for the recipe…

Print

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Description

Let me just say: this pumpkin pie is quite simply the best. A silky-smooth custard filling & spicy gingersnap cookie crust make an incredibly addictive combination.


for the crust:

  • 1 1/4 cups ground gingersnaps, plus more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

for the pie:

  1. 2 cups whole milk
  2. 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  3. 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  4. 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  5. 1/2 cup sugar
  6. Salt
  7. 4 large egg yolks
  8. 1/4 cup cornstarch
  9. 1 1/4 cups solid-pack pumpkin (from one 15-ounce can)
  10. 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
  11. 1 1/4 cups heavy cream, whisked to medium peaks

  1. Make the crust: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine gingersnaps, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir in melted butter. Press mixture into bottom and up sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Refrigerate for 15 minutes, then bake until crust is golden brown, about 15 minutes. Let cool.
  2. Make the filling: Bring milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, 1/4 cup sugar, and a pinch of salt to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Meanwhile, whisk egg yolks with cornstarch and remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a medium bowl.
  3. Gradually whisk about 1/2 cup milk mixture into yolk mixture. Gradually whisk in remaining milk mixture. Return entire mixture to saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until bubbling in center, about 3 – 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Immediately whisk in pumpkin, then butter.
  4. Pour filling into gingersnap crust, smoothing the top with an offset spatula. Refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours. When ready to serve, top with whipped cream and crushed gingersnaps.

Notes

  • Store this pie in the fridge until ready to serve.
  • It keeps covered in the fridge for 4 – 5 days.

*Recipe is adapted from a Martha Stewart version.

  • Prep Time: 30
  • Cook Time: 25

Keywords: gingersnap pumpkin pie, thanksgiving pumpkin pie recipe

Pull Up a Chair—My Warm & Natural 2023 Thanksgiving Table is Here

Is it just me, or does life feel busier than ever right now? The days are so full, and while they’re packed with people and projects that I’m incredibly grateful for, I frequently long to slow it all down and soak up more unhurried days at home (anyone else bingeing #quietlife content?) Which is why I’m feeling extra excited for Thanksgiving this year. It means an entire week to bake cozy recipes, watch holiday movies, and read in front of the fire. And as you guys know from all the Thanksgivings I’ve shared here in the past, one of my favorite parts of the entire holiday is taking time to set an extra special Thanksgiving table for our families.

My usual approach to family dinners is laid-back and casual. Let’s be clear—I’m not usually designing elaborate tablescapes—my focus is really on making the food delicious and spending quality time our families. But—Thanksgiving is different! This is a day when I embrace the chance to go all out and make the table feel really special. I have so much fun planning it, and then when our family shows up and sees this really special table, it’s like a mental cue that says—today is a festive day.

In today’s post, I’m sharing my “practice round” for our real family Thanksgiving this year. I’m going with warm, natural wabi sabi vibes, and I’m using all dishes from Casa Zuma and incorporating some fall produce from the grocery store and olive branches from my backyard. And of course I’ll include links where you can find everything below. So let’s go set the Thanksgiving table!

Get inspired

I approach setting the table as a creative project and the table is my blank canvas. I always start by creating an inspiration board on Pinterest so I can hone in on my color palette and what materials I want to use. Then I shop my own house for vases, candles, and linens that I already own that fit the vibe of what I want to create.

The fun part is figuring out how to style everything in a way that feels fresh and different from last year. I don’t usually get super theme-y – I’m not a big fan of having things I only get out once a year. If I’m going to buy something new, I’m looking for things with a timeless quality that I can mix and match with everything I already own.

Keep it stress-free

My top priority with any Thanksgiving tablescape is that it’s not going to stress me out. That’s why my number one tip is to set the table completely the night before—on Thanksgiving, there’s already so much to do just to get all the food on the table, I want my table to be already set and ready to go. 

Color palette

I love a neutral color palette any time of year, so at Thanksgiving I lean hard into all the organic earth tones. I love all of those muted autumn colors, but I also want my Thanksgiving table to feel special, so I rely on lots of texture to warm things up. From the table linens to the woven serving pieces, I incorporate so much texture so my table feels warm and layered.

Laid-back linens

I am not one for perfectly starched linen tablecloths. My vibe is almost always a casual linen table runner or linen table throw that lets the beauty of our teak wood table show through. Today I’m using our white table throw from Casa Zuma and it feels really fresh, like the perfect palette to everything we’re going to layer on top of it.

Also hot tip: I almost never iron my tablecloths anymore. I love my wrinkle release spray, and give the entire linen tablecloth or runner a spritz before I shake it out or throw it in the dryer. The result is that perfectly rumpled (but not too wrinkled) look that I love.

Celebrate fall’s bounty

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to let food double as decor. Often I’ll set out a cheeseboard on the center of the table so its like a centerpiece and appetizers in one. This year, I kept it really simple and got inspired by the idea of a modern cornucopia, but instead I used my mango wood serving platter, and just filled it up with the prettiest fall fruits and veggies.

Bring the outdoors in

Instead of buying flowers, I headed into the backyard and pruned a few branches from our olive tree, then laid them simply down the middle of the table. The effect is so pretty—almost like a natural runner.

Warm & rustic dinnerware

If you know me, you know that I am a DISHES GIRL – beautiful stoneware and pottery dinnerware is one of my passions in life, and that love was one of the main things that inspired me to start Casa Zuma. All the pieces in our collection are in a neutral color palette, so that I can mix and match all of the pieces and continually come up with a fresh look. 

Today I’m using plates from our Playa dinnerware collection, recycled glass goblets, and our teak wood flatware sets. I gravitate towards pieces that are handmade and rustic and not too perfect. These are the things that really give a table its character and make it feel warm and welcoming. 

Spark conversation

I love to tuck simple conversation starters under each plate, to spark lively discussion throughout the meal. Creating connection and meaningful conversation is what it’s all about.

Pour a glass 

I love using a mix of our recycled stemless wine glasses, tumblers, and goblets for a table that’s not too perfect. And I love recycled glassware for a few reasons:

  • It’s a sustainable option (it removes millions of pounds of glass waste from landfills)
  • It’s also beautiful and it’s more durable because it has this thicker wall – I always put these in the dishwasher.
  • And aesthetically, I just love the more rustic and casual look that recycled wine glasses and goblets bring to the Thanksgiving table.

Add sparkle with candlelight

I always say that flickering candlelight is the easiest way to make an impact on the table. You could literally let a grouping of simple pillar candles be your entire centerpiece, and it would still feel special.

I have a mix of ceramic and wood candlesticks that I’ve been collecting for years, and I like to mix and match them together on the table. Some of them are special marble and stoneware pieces I’ve collected through the years, while others are from Target—the high-low mix totally works.

***

And that’s my 2023 Thanksgiving table! I hope that you feel inspired to use what you have, infuse it with a little creativity, and take your cue from nature and the beauty of the fall season. With your own unique style as your guide, you can create a Thanksgiving table that’s all your own and that brings more joy to your holiday this year.

And don’t forget to hop over to the Youtube episode to watch me set the table start-to-finish—I’ve been loving creating these videos and hope that you’ll subscribe to our channel!

20 Thanksgiving Table Ideas On Our Editors’ Pinterest Boards

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Whenever the conversation arises, others offer up Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and even Halloween. But with the coziness, theme of gratitude, and opportunity to gather with my favorite people (not to mention eat all of my favorite foods), Thanksgiving always wins out. And of course, the majority of hosts dedicate their time and attention to the dishes themselves. But the power of Thanksgiving table setting ideas is that they serve to create an atmosphere and an environment that welcomes your guests with grace and warmth. I’d argue that’s something to spend a little time considering.

Thanksgiving tablescapes can go in infinite directions. But we prefer to align our approach with the season and spirit—taking inspiration from nature and setting a table that’s elegant, organic, and understated. With this guidance, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.

20 Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas

Whether you opt for a Thanksgiving dinner or lunch (or sometime in between—the holiday throws out all convention when it comes to our mealtime), these Thanksgiving table setting ideas are a true celebration of the year’s most anticipated feast. We looked back in the archives to pull inspiration from our favorite tables over the years. From modern monochromatic to organic and earthy, scroll through our favorite Thanksgiving table setting ideas that we can’t wait to weave into our holiday decor planning. Trust us, your turkey will be in good company.

Psst… for more guidance on table setting etiquette, consult our guide to basic, casual, and formal table settings.

Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Use Dried Flowers

There’s no need to face the crowds on Thanksgiving morning to pick up a fresh arrangement. Dried flowers are having their moment, and we love the sustainable approach to creating a beautiful tablescape. Dried grasses, amaranth, and even hydrangeas lend a gorgeous visual texture to the table. Arrange in an earthenware, ceramic vase and pair your flowers with neutral linens. You won’t believe the impact this simple touch adds to your Thanksgiving feast.

Add a Grazing Board for Edible Color

IYKYK: we’re all about a good grazing board here. And while it serves as a perfectly good appetizer and pre-cursor to the main meal, it can also be a way to give your table an interactive quality. Split pomegranates, whole pears, and halved figs all look gorgeous layered on a board with olives, nuts, cheeses, and dried meats. While the holiday may be all about the turkey and pie, we’re always here for the snacks.

Use Branches in Creative Ways

We love the dramatic look of branches arranged in a tall vase. But if there’s anything we’ve learned from the Barefoot Contessa (and we’ve learned a lot), it’s to keep your table decor height at a minimum to ensure guests can see each other across the table. Instead, set a table runner down and place branches so that they run parallel to the length of your table. It creates a whimsical, woodland scene that feels straight out of a Thanksgiving fairytale.

Go Monochrome

While we love the layered look of linens, plates, and flatware in different, but coordinating colors, there’s something so dramatic about a Thanksgiving tablescape done in one tone. (Particularly when that color is white.) Here, the color palette serves to accent and emphasize the shades brought forward through the food and natural touches. If you really want your menu to stand out, opt for this look. Just be sure to garnish your mashed potatoes with a lot of parsley—you don’t want them getting lost in the shuffle.

Match Accents of Copper

As far as materials go, copper is a natural choice this time of year. It echoes the darkened leaves and shorter days of the season. What’s more, it pairs perfectly with green, serving as a strong, beautiful backdrop to the small sprig of olive branches giving depth to the simple napkin and flatware setting. It’s simple Thanksgiving table decor at its finest. To take it a step further, try writing or typing out your Thanksgiving menu and slipping it between the napkin and flatware.

Use Fruit as a Centerpiece

Persimmons reach their ephemeral peak this time of year, and lining them down the center of your Thanksgiving table adds gorgeous pops of color. It’s a design trick that’s so easy to create. Just be sure to keep your table linens simple so they don’t compete with your centerpiece. And if you can’t find persimmons, seasonal fruits like pears, apples, pomegranates, or even mini pumpkins work beautifully as well.

Add a Sprig of Something to Your Napkin Ring

Rosemary, olive, eucalyptus, or dried flowers are an easy way to dress up a plain napkin ring. Even if you’re keeping your table decor streamlined and simple, add a little depth to your place setting with something from nature that ties the whole look together.

Serve a Buffet

When you’re serving a crowd at Thanksgiving, you often have to do the challenging dance of making the food accessible, but also ensuring it doesn’t take up too much space at the dining table. Rather than having everyone shuffle in and out of the kitchen, set up an additional table to serve as a buffet. This frees up space for your decor and puts your dishes within reach so guests won’t have any trouble going up for seconds.

Keep Candles Low-Key

It’s easy to overdo it on the candles. When you’re tempted to illuminate a million tea lights, tapers, and pillar candles, take a step back and embrace a less-is-more approach. We like just a few taper candles at different heights to create enough variety and interest without competing with your guests’ view or your table’s precious real estate. Plus, little flickers of light are so much more elegant.

Go Maximalist With Greenery

Add height and color to a simple runner by arranging greenery all along the center of your table. Pick up a few bunches of eucalyptus from the grocery store (hi, Trader Joe’s) and place them so that groupings of leaves extend out in alternating directions. It’s such an easy, low-effort, high-reward trick.

DIY Pinecone Place Cards

When we have the time, who doesn’t love a good holiday craft? Spend an hour or so the weekend before Thanksgiving putting together these darling pinecone place cards. (With Gilmore Girls playing in the background and a mug of something warm nearby, this sounds like an ideal Saturday activity.) Purchase some cardstock, write your guests’ names in simple lettering, and secure to a pinecone. You may need to go foraging or you can easily find bulk mini pinecones online. It’s simple and stunning.

Incorporate Color in Unexpected Ways

When it comes to adding color to the Thanksgiving table, we like to leave the work to our accessories. Keep your larger pieces—dinnerware, tablecloth, etc.—largely neutral and look to the details for an opportunity to incorporate color. Linen napkins are an easy way to do this, as the look will still feel balanced and symmetrical if you keep the accent color the same at every setting.

Create a Three-Color Palette

Pythagoras was right when he theorized three as a perfect number, symbolizing harmony and balance. And when it comes to your Thanksgiving table setting, going with three primary colors is the best way to ensure you don’t go overboard. Here, the look leans feminine with an aesthetic of green, red, and white—echoing the transition from fall to winter. Run a pine garland down the middle of your table and dot it with pomegranates. A white linen tablecloth and cream napkins are a gorgeous way to complete the look.

Establish a Sweets and Bites Table

For many people, this holiday is all about the pie—and as a result, you oftentimes have far too many desserts than vacancies on your table. We like to set up a small dessert table with no more than an arrangement and perhaps a few tea lights for decor. Layer in vessels of different heights to keep the simple setting dynamic, but before you add anything more, remember: this is all about the sweets.

Echo the Fall Harvest

Set a reminder of what you’re grateful for with edible, seasonal touches woven throughout your table. A minimalist cheese plate is a gorgeous—and tasty—representation of the harvest. You can even place a decorative bowl full of pears and apples for even greater impact. Add a few white pillar candles to the mix and bask in the glow. Fruits and foliage are an alliterative pairing we’ll always be happy to let guide our design decisions.

Ground Each Setting With Fall Leaves

Fallen leaves are in abundance, so set out on an autumnal adventure gathering the prettiest ones for your Thanksgiving table. Get step-by-step instructions on pressing and preserving leaves and enjoy the relaxing activity in the lead-up to all the holiday excitement. Once the leaves have dried, you can paint them for a vintage look and use a gold, silver, or white Sharpie to write your guests’ names on each. I love completing this simple Thanksgiving table setting idea with an accent of gourds and pumpkins running along the table.

Streamline Your Pumpkins

Speaking of pumpkins, the tendency is often to go overboard with your harvest. Instead, we like to stick with two colors to ground the focus and simplify the table. Green and white pumpkins look so elegant paired together. Try adding a few mini pumpkins to the mix for a sweet autumnal touch.

Go Glam With Gilded Touches

The December holiday season is all about the sparkle, and if you’d like to embrace the visual magic starting with Thanksgiving, there are a few easy ways to keep the look in check. You can spray mini pinecones with gold leaf spray paint. Or, if you don’t have time for crafts, simply purchase a beautiful golden bundle of pinecones. We also like simple green and silver candles with a soft sparkle to their exterior to help illuminate your table.

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Add Whimsy With Vintage Plates

I love using vintage plates to merge different design aesthetics. Here, the colorful china is layered over wicker chargers to add a little charm and interest while still keeping the table setting cohesive. Mirror the vintage appeal with silver flatware to unite the look.

Don’t Forget About Seating

No matter the aesthetic of your Thanksgiving table, coziness is always a consideration. To make your guests feel the most at home, drape faux sheepskin pelts over wood benches or chairs. Not only does it lend a little hygge to the vibe, but if your holiday meal is anything like ours, they’ll be grateful for the extra comfort a few hours in.