Thanksgiving Menu Guide — EXPAND KITCHEN & HOME

Nov 6

Nov 6 Thanksgiving Menu Guide

Hosting a holiday can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! Our Thanksgiving Menu Guide has fool proof tips that will help keep you organized and on track- whether you’re a seasoned pro or hosting Thanksgiving for the first time.

Our Take Along Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie has all the flavors of Thanksgiving!

1-2 Months Ahead- Guests, Location and Contributions

Now's the time to map out your game plan. You don't have to know all of the answers at this point, but start to plan ahead on who you'll invite, where you'll host and who will bring what dishes.

Guest List- Confirm your guest list, which will help inform you of the time, location and approximate amount of food that you want to serve.
Location- Are you hosting it at home, a potluck at a friend's house, or renting a big party room?
Contributions- Begin to map out the basic menu. This will help prepare you for what you need to buy, what you are ordering and what others are bringing.
Help Others- Ask each guest to bring a few cans of food, and drop off the donations during December to your favorite local charity or food bank.
Logistics- If family and friends are coming from out of town, help make hotel reservations or get their space ready.
The Vibe- Think about your viewpoint for Thanksgiving. Some hosts have a special theme each year. Surprise your family and friends with a vibe like All Organic or Farm Inspired, a Southern Feast, American Southwest, California Cool, Surf, Turf & Turkey, Haute Cuisine (super fancy!), Modern Glamorous or my favorite, a very Classic American Thanksgiving.
Budget- If you are hosting, it can get expensive. Set an approximate budget and try to stick to it, including alcohol, decor and food. Download apps with discounts, look for sale items and compare prices at stores, and stick to seasonal produce. Save "splurge" items for a few select dishes or drinks, and use canned and frozen foods, too.
Super Simple & No Time- Host a Potluck style Thanksgiving. Be sure to delegate wisely (even the paper goods!), and as the host, prepare a main course or a larger portion of the meal.

Fresh, seasonal ingredients like apples make desserts, like our Apple Squares, shine.

Early November- Menu Planning

As you plan out your menu, you can start to make some ahead to freeze and order a few items that are tricky to prepare or easy to reheat.

Easy Starters- Set up a stocked crudité or charcuterie board, chips and salsa (check out our Chimol recipe). Brie en croute is perfect for the holiday season.
Your Big Dish- Depending on how many people you have, serve 1-2 main dishes. Plan to make a classic turkey and gravy, and choose a beef, duck, ham, fish or vegetarian main course. Consider how you are preparing your dish such as grilling, the slow cooker or the oven. If you are planning a gourmet main course from a fancy catalog, select your delivery date now and place the order (heat and serve!). Who says you have to make a big turkey? For a smaller scale holiday, roast turkey breasts or make a ground turkey stuffing casserole.
Pick Three Sides- Three sides is usually a safe way to go on Thanksgiving. There's all of the classics such as stuffing, green bean casserole, our Roasted Carrot Tart, mashed potatoes, white cheddar macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries, corn bread, salad and rolls. Adapt these to fit into your vibe. Always consider family favorites, they stay that way for a reason.
Kids- Kids can eat from the adult menu but add a few things to make it special for them depending on the age ranges. Serve turkey burger sliders on biscuits, mini hamburgers with sweet potato fries, mini hot dogs, breaded cheese sticks, mini quesadillas and fruit kebabs. Check out the frozen appetizer section of your market for all sorts of bite sized selections. Create an interactive dessert like a build your own s’mores platter, sundae bar or fondue.
Special Guests- Consider older adults, guests with dietary restrictions, vegetarians or other special needs who might be coming to share the holiday. Ask in advance how you can make them more comfortable. Our Grilled Tofu with Red Wine is vegetarian and can be made gluten free.
Desserts- Pumpkin, pecan and apple pies, maple spice cake, cookies and chocolates. Check out the dessert section on our blog! Our Easy Pumpkin Bread, Sunken Apple Caramel Cake and Raspberry or Maple Cheesecakes are great options. Pair after dinner drinks or espresso with the desserts.
Bar- Consider if you are you are offering a special cocktail or punch, beer while watching the games and serving wine at dinner. Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc table wines are safe bets for turkey and beef courses. Place a bowl of our Fall Snack Mix out for football watching!
Homekeeping- If you are working on some home projects, now’s the time to complete them. Clean out the refrigerator, freezer and tune your appliances.
Super Simple & No Time- Go to the catering department of your local market and order the main dish and two sides. Ask your favorite restaurant if they offer holiday dishes. Buy frozen petits fours or a ready to eat pie sampler from the bakery and a few pints of ice cream. Arrange for a cleaner to assist you before, during or after the holiday meal to take the stress off the big meal.

Make ahead snacks are a time saver. Our Fall Snack Mix is pictured here.

Two Weeks Before Thanksgiving

Easy Starters- Buy supplies and groceries needed for starters. Set aside non-perishables in one location.
Your Big Dish, Sides & Desserts- You can make two smaller turkeys if serving a big crowd and carve one in advance. Now's the time to review your menu and make a few dishes ahead of time to freeze. This will cut down on the last-minute rush and reduce oven competition time.
Bar- Set up your bar with the basic equipment like bottle and can openers, jigger, muddler and a mesh strainer. Stock the bar with appropriate glassware, cocktail napkins and a large ice bucket with tongs. Red plastic cups are never out of place, either (set out a permanent marker so guests can write their name on the cup)! Make sure you have basic liquor like gin, vodka, whiskey and rum, plus two bottles of bitters. Buy a few mixers suck as tonic and seltzer water, soda, juice and drink starters. Grab a few mini bottles or one rare liquor for specialty drinks. Seasonal or local craft beer is just right. Offer a few nonalcoholic and kid beverages.
Kids- You’ll want to entertain the kids. For pre-k or grade school ages, set up a craft station so they can make holiday placemats or hand turkeys. For teens, order holiday mad libs, Jenga, a trivia game and set up a phone charging station.
Tablescape- Based on your vibe, design a simple centerpiece. Set out a pressed tablecloth, votives, seasonal natural decor and family heirlooms. Order a centerpiece if it's easier.
Homekeeping- Clean and set out special china, serving pieces, cutlery, candlesticks and linens. If possible, set the table and the buffet. Label your serving pieces. Stock trash bags and clean out the vacuum. Purchase storage containers of various sizes that you can pack leftovers for guests and for yourself. Use both freezer proof and traditional storage containers. Clean your nice camera if you use one.
Pair Back & Stay Organized- Make a Thanksgiving checklist and include grocery shopping. Pair back on anything you can if it’s too much to manage.

Super Simple & No Time- Buy frozen appetizers and sides. Use a medium sized pumpkin and some small gourds for the center of your table or order a centerpiece. Get a seasonal disposable tablecloth, dishes and cutlery.

A baking mold is an easy way to make a quick dessert look special! Our Easy Pumpkin Bread is pictured here.

1-2 Days Before Thanksgiving

Your Big Dish, Sides & Desserts- Thaw, prepare and brine the turkey or marinade the main attraction. Defrost sides and prepare anything that can be made ahead of time. Check on anything that needs to go from the freezer to the oven and prepare how to manage your oven, toaster and microwave. Finish any cooking or baking needed for the sides and desserts.
Bar- Cut up lemon, lime and mint sprigs, cover with plastic wrap. Finish setting up the now stocked bar. Set up the coffee and tea service if serving.
Tablescape- Pick up pre ordered centerpiece and finish setting the table.

Kids- Set up the kids’ area and add a charging station.
Homekeeping- Assign immediate family members to suitable clean up duty ahead of time so they know what to expect. Pull out the storage containers for leftovers and garage bags. Rake the leaves and clean up the front porch. Tidy the house. Set out recipes, kitchen towels and keep them handy.
Pair Back & Stay Organized- Remember to keep it simple. Refine the Day of Thanksgiving checklist and grocery list. Set out a festive but comfortable outfit for hosting. Take a break and think about Cyber-Monday.
Super Simple & No Time- Maybe your plans have changed. Run to the prepared section of your market for full meals that are heat and serve, pick up a pie from the bakery and visit the floral section. Ask the store manager to help stock your cart with seasonal necessities. Have each guest bring a bottle of wine and a corresponding appetizer for a Thanksgiving wine tasting.

Fresh veggies and dip make an easy and elegant appetizer.

You can never go wrong with a classic and rustic apple pie!

The Day of Thanksgiving

Easy Starters- Set out starters in key locations such as the kitchen island or by the football game.
Your Big Dish, Sides & Desserts- Working backwards from your guest’s arrival time, preheat the oven and begin cooking. Save time for reheating the sides, letting the turkey rest (30 minutes to keep the meat juicy!) and carving. Finish last minute garnishes on desserts.
Bar- Uncork the wine and let it breathe. Set out the ice and cold beverages a half hour ahead of time. Start the coffee and tea service.
Tablescape- Light the candles and set out any room temperature items on the table or buffet right before guests arrive.
Kids- Ask teens to organize a touch football game and set the playlists for the day. Set out mad libs towards the end of the meal.
Homekeeping- Light the fireplace. Keep the vacuum and cleaning wipes available. Wash as you go. Be prepared for spills and a glass or dish to break.
Sit Back & Enjoy Thanksgiving- You’ve worked so hard. Sit back and enjoy the holiday with your guests.
Super Simple & No Time- Order Chinese, ask guests to come over in their best pj’s and put on a great movie.