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.
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.
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.