Bright & Bold Bohemian Thanksgiving Ideas
Updated: Sep. 11, 2020
Celebrate the season with an adventurous theme. Our bohemian Thanksgiving ideas show you how to plan an unconventional gathering.
Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to be traditional. In fact, it’s the perfect chance to let your personality shine.
We’ll help you tap into your adventurous side with this unconventional Thanksgiving dinner. This fun, funky theme centers on vibrant colors, global flavors and unexpected twists. Learn how to plan the perfect bohemian menu, set a jaw-dropping table and make the most of your time with family and friends.
Find more ideas in our Thanksgiving hosting handbook.
How to Plan a Bohemian Thanksgiving Menu
A bohemian Thanksgiving is all about fresh, bold flavors. You can still serve the dishes guests know and love, but with fun surprises—think olive oil mashed potatoes or persimmon-squash pie. The trick is to find a palette of flavors that complement one another.
When planning the menu, we recommend starting with the main dish. Turkey is the obvious choice, but an alternative pick like chicken or lamb tagine also works well. If you do decide to go with the classic, bookmark our turkey guide for everything you need to know about cooking your holiday bird to perfection.
Then, plan your sides. Since the goal is a light, fresh plate, one or two starchy sides—such as stuffing or mashed potatoes—will suffice. Round out the table with two or three veggie-based sides, such as salad or cooked greens. Finally, plan a special beverage to complement your meal. If it’s an alcoholic drink, make two batches—one with alcohol and one without—so guests of all ages can imbibe. Get a full list of bohemian menu ideas.
Grilled Huli Huli Turkey Drumsticks
I'm never one to do things traditionally, so when it came time to hosting Thanksgiving, I went in a completely tropical direction. Borrowing my favorite Hawaiian chicken recipe, I substituted turkey legs and have never looked back. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California Love the look? Find this platter (and more!) here.
Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes with Pancetta
Classic American mashed potatoes take a trip to Italy with the flavors of olive oil, garlic, and pancetta. —Bryan Kennedy, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Bohemian Collards
I've added unconventional ingredients to these collards that make them unique and exquisite on the palate and on the plate. —Ally Phillips, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Butternut Squash Panzanella Salad
This colorful salad is easy to make—and it's even easier if you use precut chunks of butternut squash. You can use pecans in place of the almonds or watercress instead of the arugula or spinach. —Nancy Buchanan, Costa Mesa, California
Sparkling Apple Pie on the Rocks
This is the perfect fall cocktail. Apple cider mixed with a cinnamon caramel apple simple syrup and topped with bubbly—it's the best holiday drink ever! —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
Persimmon Squash Pie
I created this recipe for our local persimmon festival, using homegrown squash. Make sure the persimmons are ripe! I like to use a few extra toffee bits and pecans in the garnish. —Betty Milligan, Bedford, Indiana
Sweet Potato Orange Cups
Serve this refreshingly sweet side dish to your guests in separate cups you craft…from oranges! All you have to do is cut oranges in half, scoop out the fruit and fill the peel with the sweet potato mixture. It's a hit among our family and friends. —Melonie Bowers, Sugarcreek, Ohio
Pear and Pomegranate Lamb Tagine
Pomegranate, pear and orange go together so well that I decided to use them to prepare a Middle Eastern-themed tagine with lamb. This tastes delicious served over couscous, polenta or cauliflower mashed with feta cheese. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Corn Stuffing Balls
My mom had many "winning" recipes, and this was one of our family's favorites. I can still picture these Corn Stuffing Balls encircling the large meat platter piled high with one of her delicious entrees. —Audrey Groe, Lake Mills, Iowa
Quinoa-Stuffed Squash Boats
My colorful “boats” with quinoa, garbanzo beans and pumpkin seeds use delicata squash, a winter squash with edible skin that’s cream-colored with green stripes. In a pinch, acorn squash will do—but don't eat the skin! —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Apple Amaretto Sours
An amaretto sour had always been one of my favorite cocktails. This version has a special touch that makes it perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season. —Amber Forbes, Roper, North Carolina
Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Yogurt Sauce
I created my own cauliflower recipe in honor of my grandma, who taught me to love this delicious and healthy vegetable. She cooked with it all the time.—Lidia Haddadian, Pasadena, California
Brandied Apricot Tart
Canned apricots make this golden, buttery tart a wonderful option any time of year. I brush them with preserves and brandy, then sprinkle on almonds for a bit of crunch. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Potato Salad with Kalamata-Hazelnut Vinaigrette
Potato salad tossed with vinaigrette has a lighter taste than traditional mayo versions. I add velvety avocado and hazelnuts for cool texture and crunch. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington
Fresh Cranberry Relish
This no-cook cranberry medley spiced with cinnamon and ginger is a wonderfully refreshing complement for a savory entree. The tartness mellows as the relish chills.—Deb Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Roasted Green Beans with Lemon & Walnuts
I first tasted roasted green beans in a Chinese restaurant and fell in love with the texture and flavor. This is my Americanized version and it's always a big hit at our holiday table. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Wild Rice-Stuffed Pork Loin
This recipe features wild rice and apricot stuffing tucked inside a tender pork roast. —Kim Rubner, Worthington, Iowa
Harissa Sweet Potato Fritters
I had leftover sweet potatoes and had to think up a new way to use them. We love spice, so I flavored these fun fritters with harissa, just enough for flavor but not too spicy. If you want more heat, you can always adjust the spice to please your taste buds. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Winter Beet Salad
To save a little time on this sweet and savory beet salad, we recommend using packaged salad greens in this original recipe. The simple dressing is easy to assemble. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Rubies on Ice
Ginger and pomegranate are made for each other, and the color of this beverage is tantalizing. If you're looking for a nonalcoholic option, you can easily leave out the vodka for a delicious and festive drink! —Tara Deshpande, New York, New York
Apple & Apricot Stuffing
I found my stuffing recipe in a magazine years ago and made a few tweaks. I took out the pork sausage, and everyone likes the simpler version that features fruit and veggies. —Jeanne Horn, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutty Barley Bake
When I started bringing this distinctive dish to holiday dinners, a lot of people had never seen barley in anything but soup. They have since dubbed me "the barley lady", and now I wouldn't dare bring anything this dish. Even if I double the recipe, I come home with an empty pan. -Renate Crump, Los Angeles, California
Shredded Gingered Brussels Sprouts
Even people who normally don't care for Brussels sprouts will ask for a second helping of these. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Baklava Cheesecake
With sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs, my unique baklava cheesecake makes a grand display for office parties and other special events. —Aryanna Gamble, New Orleans, Louisiana
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
My family and friends love the warm and inviting flavors of the luscious citrus butter, smooth cream cheese, sweet dates, fresh sage and toasted pecans that surround and capture the deliciousness of sweet potato in every bite of this side. —Brenda Watts, Gaffney, South CarolinaHow to Set a Bohemian Thanksgiving Table
When setting the table, aim for a colorful, earthy vibe. Retro table linens are a great place to start, and fresh succulents and flowers are always eye-catching. For a truly bohemian look, use a wide variety of dishes and serveware—you don’t want everything to match. Consider buying one or two statement pieces, then fill in the gaps with items you already own. Thrift shops are also a great resource for eclectic finds. If you’re looking for decor inspiration, check out our guide to setting a bohemian table.
To keep the table from looking cluttered, stick to a few core colors. We chose shades of blue, yellow and magenta for our color scheme. And a few neutrals—such as white and gray—help to tone down the vibrant hues. If you’re stuck on what colors to use, steal a palette from a patterned scarf or piece of artwork. Garnering inspiration from an existing object makes it easy to see how a group of colors will go together.
Get the Look
Bohemian decor is having a moment. The eclectic, laid-back style is all about casual finishes, natural elements, and plenty of color. This tablescape will make your bohemian Thanksgiving meal shine. Check out these products for everything you need to make all of your free-spirited dreams come true. To complete the package, take a look at our full boho party guide and get tons more hosting ideas from our Thanksgiving handbook.
Colorful Plates
If bohemian is the style you're aiming for, it is not the time to shy away from color! These bright plates feature a geometric design in blue, coral, white, and gold that will liven up any dinner table. Try layering them with solid color plates for a mix-and-match, yet cohesive, design.
Vegetable Bowl
Every great boho tablescape needs beautiful serveware. Serve up some delicious olive oil and pancetta mashed potatoes in this gorgeous vegetable bowl. Each one is crafted with a unique glaze finish. The muted green color is stunning, without being too garish. Boho style is all about understated pieces that aren't trying too hard.
Glazed Platter
This glazed platter brings shimmer and color to the table. The oval shape and organic edges keep it feeling casual and one-of-a-kind; perfect for bohemian decor. And food served on this dish will be sure to impress your guests—why not start with this grilled huli huli turkey?
Gold Flatware
Although boho style is all about not trying too hard, you don't want your Thanksgiving table too totally informal. Turn up the luxury with this gold flatware. The minimal style ensures your forks and knives won't fight with the other elements on your tablescape. Plus, did we mention these are dishwasher-safe? (Learn how to load your dishwasher the right way.)
Stone Napkin Rings
Items from or inspired by nature are a key element to creating a bohemian Thanksgiving table. These agate napkin rings have a hand-crafted look, and the chic gold edging gives them just enough glamour for your special holiday table.
Macrame Table Runner
Did you get the memo? Macrame is back! And this hand-knotted, natural macrame runner is perfect for a bohemian Thanksgiving table. Use it to provide a base for your dishes and other decorations. The casual table linen mixes nicely with the other dressier items in the tablescape.How to Give Thanks: Gratitude Jars
To capture the true meaning of the holiday, make sure you and your guests take some time to give thanks. We recommend setting up gratitude jars. You’ll need a collection of mason jars—one for each guest—along with paper, pens, stickers and other crafting supplies. Label each jar with a person’s name, then throughout the gathering, write down small notes of appreciation for each other. At the end of the night, each guest will have a collection of heartfelt notes to take home.
Want More Ideas? Find Your Thanksgiving Style.
Transform your table this holiday by planning your Thanksgiving feast around one of our fun (and delicious!) themes. Take our quiz to find the perfect menu, stunning tablescape decorations and more—all based off of your personality.
