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 this Thanksgiving by planning a bohemian-inspired meal. 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.
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 potatoes mashed with olive oil and pancetta or pie made from a creamy persimmon filling. 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 alternative proteins like lamb or chicken also work well. 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 here.
Grilled Huli Huli Turkey Drumsticks
Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes with Pancetta
Bohemian Collards
Butternut Squash Panzanella Salad
Sparkling Apple Pie on the Rocks
Persimmon Squash Pie
Sweet Potato Orange Cups
Pear and Pomegranate Lamb Tagine
Corn Stuffing Balls
Quinoa-Stuffed Squash Boats
Apple Amaretto Sours
Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Yogurt Sauce
Brandied Apricot Tart
Potato Salad with Kalamata-Hazelnut Vinaigrette
Fresh Cranberry Relish
Roasted Green Beans with Lemon & Walnuts
Wild Rice-Stuffed Pork Loin
Harissa Sweet Potato Fritters
Winter Beet Salad
Rubies on Ice
Apple & Apricot Stuffing
Nutty Barley Bake
Shredded Gingered Brussels Sprouts
Baklava Cheesecake
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
How 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 servingware—you don’t want everything to match. Consider buying one or two statement pieces (we’re in love with this macrame table runner), then fill in the gaps with items you already own. Thrift shops are also a great resource for eclectic finds. If you’re in need of some product 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. If you're feeling the hippie vibes this holiday season, why not decorate your Thanksgiving table with a boho theme? Check out these products for everything you need to make all of your free-spirited dreams come true. Bohemian Thanksgiving menu ideas you need to try.
Glazed Platter
Every great tablescape needs beautiful serveware. This glazed terracotta 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? Buy here.
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. Buy here.
Vegetable Bowl
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. Buy here.
Stone Napkin Rings
Items from nature or inspired by nature are a key element to creating a bohemian look. These stone napkin rings look like they were collected and hand-crafted. The chic gold edging gives them just enough glamour to be the perfect addition to your special holiday table. Buy here.
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? Even bohemian hippies don't like doing dishes (though if you must, try these tips to make it way more pleasant). Buy here.
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. Buy here.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.