Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Menu

I am not the biggest fan of the Thanksgiving meal. While I love the holiday tradition of Thanksgiving and the inevitable “Turkey Bowl” football game that evolves with family and friends, I just really don’t care for the traditional Thanksgiving fare. The entire meal is brown, orange and white, with a touch of cranberry. No pun intended! There is never anything green on the plate! Call me crazy, but gobs of sticky mashed potatoes, dried turkey, and a handful of bland casseroles just doesn’t do it for me anymore.

I'm over it. 

 I have been thinking about what my ideal Thanksgiving Day meal might be. I would completely be satisfied ordering really good pizza (I know…uncultured swine that I am) but my husband wouldn’t go for it. As someone who enjoys cooking, I thought I could do better than pizza. I came up with the following for an alternative Thanksgiving meal. Click the links for our favorite delicious and fail-proof recipes.

Menu

Pimento cheese sandwiches and shrimp cocktail

Kale salad with dried cranberries, apples and toasted pepitas

Butternut squash risotto topped with crispy pancetta

Steamed haricot vert with brown butter and shaved toasted almonds

This year we are not travelling for the Thanksgiving holiday (thank goodness!!!!) and we are celebrating with just the four of us.  I think I will save myself the hassle and disdain for turkey and stuffing and hopefully head out on the slopes for some Thanksgiving Day skiing!

What will you serve for your Thanksgiving meal this year? Need more inspiration? Don't forget to follow us on Pinterest!

Thanksgiving Décor and Entertaining Ideas

Most people dread the holidays. The amount of work that goes into making a "magical moment" for family and friends turns into a total stressed out disaster that is so scarring you remain gun shy for the next 365 days until it rolls around again. We used to take a turn or two on the crazy holiday merry-go-round until we realized how to jump off. We've rounded up our must-know tips for a semi stress-free holiday entertaining and easy decorating ideas.

Centerpiece: We love a gorgeous arrangement of grand blooms. However, if you don't have enough time to create an arrangement yourself, arrange a collection of potted herbs, boxwoods, and plants in decorative ceramic planters on the table for a nice touch without spending tons of time. 

If you're more traditional and can't live without a classic centerpiece, grab a few bundles of pre-cut flowers at the grocery store (we especially love chocolate lilies) and arrange with seed pods, fruits and veggies you can get in the produce section while knocking off the rest of your Thanksgiving grocery shopping trip. Asparagus, squash, figs, artichokes, pomegranates, and kumquats work great in a fall-themed floral arrangement.

It's not necessary to set the table with a water, champagne, red wine, white wine, and tea glass. Instead, keep your setting minimal. You can always add more as the night progresses. 

GDS Tip: Don't be afraid to play with patterns and prints. Mix your formal china with a traditional napkin, whimsical table cloth, and rustic candlesticks for a layered look with personality.

Give kids a spot of their own. Have a few snacks ready-to-go on the table so they're not starving and you're not running around the house looking for a little bite for them before the meal starts.

Get crafty: a few makers, glue sticks, embellishments and blank cards will do the trick. Let them make the place cards so they stay busy while you're putting the finishing touches on your sweet potato soufflé.

People love to congregate in the kitchen and that's the last place you need bystanders. Instead, set up a seating group away from the action so you can finish cooking without dodging a traffic jam while your guests relax. A fire pit with a few throws is a great spot to unwind.

Keep a bar cart nearby for a mobile wet bar. Stock it with spirits, champagne, mixers, garnishes, non-alcoholic options, ice, and glassware. 

Want more fabulous inspiration? Check out our Turkey Day Pinterest board!