From the food to the table to your mindset, here’s how to put a little spark back into Turkey Day.
Hey, turkeys! With Thanksgiving Day around the corner, you’re most likely starting your game plan now. But rather than stressing about recreating Grandma’s signature apple pie or ironing your tired old table linens, maybe 2022 is the year you breathe some life back into the year’s favorite dinner party. We’ve got 7 ways to refresh your Thanksgiving food, table, traditions and outlook – just in time for Turkey Day.
Mix up the Entrée
It might sound radical but hear us out. In our (highly non-scientific) study, for every die-hard turkey lover we found, there was at least one who thought the star bird was for the birds. So if turkey isn’t your cup of gravy, make 2022 the year you stop and mix it up.
The idea really isn’t unprecedented: according to History Channel, the first Thanksgiving dinner likely featured venison, fish and other seafood, and historians are still unsure about the inclusion of turkey (say whaaaat?).
Delicately roasted chicken? Mouth-watering, honey-glazed ham? Baby back ribs smoked ‘til fall-off-the-bone tender? Go for it. If you need some inspo, we loved Food & Wine’s list of alternate Thanksgiving entrees that will give that old bird a run for its money.
Get Quirky
We love autumn just as much as the next pumpkin-spice-crazed girl online, but we also get that a Thanksgiving table – with all its brown tones and grandma’s silver – can feel a little stuffy. That’s why we’re always proponents of keeping things fun and unexpected.
This year, put away the crisp white linens and the wedding china and opt for something a little quirky and casual. We love the mix of autumn colors and bold graphic patterns in our fall collection’s napkin sets (spoiler: Pumpkin Spice would look perfect on your table.). Pair with your everyday, neutral dinnerware and a rustic charger or coordinating placemat for a Thanksgiving table that’s as fun as it is functional.
Give Old Favorites a New Twist
Walt Whitman once famously wrote, “I am large, I contain multitudes.” Existentialist or not, you’re not bound by expectations, and neither is your Thanksgiving dinner! So if your traditional menu – or traditional tablescape – is feeling a little tired, change. it. up.
Instead of grandma’s green bean casserole, why not try a more modern take – like Garlic and Bacon Green Beans from Julia’s Album? Eat This, Not That’s got modern versions of old favorites, so give it a read and see what strikes your Thanksgiving fancy!
Make Food Fun Again
If your Thanksgiving love language isn’t “modern and refined” or “traditional and elegant,” opt for “just plain fun!” There’s no need to stress over roasting the Instagram-worthy turkey or perfectly latticed pie crust. Instead, make your food fun.
If you’re making dinner rolls (everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving side), why not make them look like actual pumpkins? This tutorial from Beyond Kimchee will give you a little inspiration. You can also turn your favorite sides into fun little finger foods, like these cute Mac ‘n Cheese Bites from Chef in Training or these adorable Sweet Potato Bites from Delish. When it comes to fun food, don’t overthink it; just go with your gut (literally!).
Make it a Game
Thanksgiving is a lot of work, but you can make it a little more fun by incorporating some family-friendly games your entire guest list will approve of. Nix the tired old “I’m thankful for” round-robin exercise and put that gratitude into something more dynamic, like this cute idea from PlayPartyPlan. Each family member draws a skittle and finds something to be thankful for based on the coordinating color category.
Don’t stop there! Country Living’s got 40 Thanksgiving-themed games for you to play this Turkey Day, so wobble on over and choose one (or 40).
Create a New Tradition
Family traditions have to start somewhere, and if you’re not sure what might be meaningful for your family, we suggest doing a little research! The Pioneer Woman has 45 Thanksgiving traditions for your family to adopt this year.
From creating your own place cards to taking in the autumn foliage, collecting canned goods or playing a round of flag football, you’re bound to find something that speaks to your family – and will continue to for years to come!
Show Your Gratitude
With all the events, parties, shopping and cooking associated with the holiday season, it can be easy to lose the meaning in all the gravy and tinsel. This year, take some time to consider your own gratitude. Whether it’s a morning meditation or an evening yoga class, be present with your blessings and pause to truly appreciate your life and its beauty (even through the hard things!).
We’ll start. This has been a phenomenal year for Geometry House, and we couldn’t have done it without your business and support. We truly appreciate each one of you!
From our families to yours, we wish you a happy, healthy and bounteous Thanksgiving!