Traditional Thanksgiving Ideas
Updated: Sep. 11, 2020
Dreaming of a holiday that looks like it stepped out from a Norman Rockwell painting? Try these traditional Thanksgiving ideas.
Crisp linens. Sparkling crystal glasses. Giant helpings of casserole, stuffing and pie. And, of course, a golden turkey at the heart of it all. There’s just no beating a classic Thanksgiving dinner.
At my house, a traditional Thanksgiving dinner brings together family, sometimes from all corners of the country. And you better believe we break out the same traditions year after year: Dad will carve the turkey, Mom will make her special cranberry sauce (mmm…to hear those fresh cranberries popping on the stovetop!) and no matter the age, us “kids” will snack away on crispy fried onions before they make it to their place on the green bean casserole. Though we celebrate each year, these traditions never feel tired.
Whether you’ve been hosting the holiday for decades or are just starting this year, we’ve wrangled the best ideas for your traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Find more ideas in our Thanksgiving hosting handbook.
Traditional Thanksgiving Menu Ideas
For a truly traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu, you’ve got to have the classics:
- Turkey
- Stuffing
- Gravy
- Mashed potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Sweet potato casserole (a marshmallow topping is negotiable)
- Cranberry sauce
- Bread rolls
- Lots and lots of pie
Traditional Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Let’s face it, no matter how good Aunt Lydia’s cornbread is, the star of the show will always be the turkey. Every cook has their favorite way to prepare it: deep-fried, on the grill, or in the oven. However, for our traditional Thanksgiving feast, we found a turkey recipe is an absolute classic. Kim Forni shared her family’s best turkey recipe that roasts up crispy and golden on the outside and juicy on the inside. The secret? Brine the turkey in maple and sage the night before for an unbelievably juicy bird. Bookmark our turkey guide for everything you need to know about cooking your holiday bird to perfection.
From our family to yours, we’ve compiled some of our most treasured traditional Thanksgiving menu items that have been passed down from one generation to the next. Get all of our best traditional Thanksgiving menu recipes right here.
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Green Bean Casserole
This easy green bean casserole has always been one of my favorite traditional Thanksgiving dishes. You can make it before any guests arrive and refrigerate it until it’s ready to bake. —Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington After you've got dinner sorted, snag these Thanksgiving dinner gadgets and dress up your Thanksgiving table.
Classic Cheesecloth Turkey
This cheesecloth turkey uses a classic method, wine-soaked cheesecloth, to give you the juiciest turkey and most flavorful gravy you've ever tasted! Pair with your favorite sides for a complete meal. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Traditional Pumpkin Pie
Usually I prepare two different desserts for our holiday dinner, but one of them must be pumpkin pie—otherwise, it just wouldn't seem like Thanksgiving. My version calls for more eggs than most, making this pie's pumpkin custard fillings especially rich-tasting. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Buttery Mashed Potatoes
These creamy, buttery mashed potatoes use simple ingredients. The tricks are to use Yukon Gold potatoes and then to warm the cream and butter before adding them to the potatoes. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Before you start scooping the mashed potatoes, learn how to give a Thanksgiving toast that celebrates the season.
Grandma's Poultry Dressing
Every family seems to have their own favorite dressing recipe that becomes a tradition, and this is ours. It came from Grandma, who passed it down to my mother. Now our children have carried it into their kitchens. This is truly a good old-fashioned recipe. —Norma Howland, Joliet, Illinois
Spiced Cranberry Sauce
While this spicy cranberry sauce is simmering, the wonderful fragrance of the spices brings back happy memories of when my mother made it for the holidays. My husband and three sons are glad I’m carrying on her tradition! —Allison Thompson, Lansing Michigan
Sweet Potato Pone
Sweet potatoes are among my favorite vegetables, and this sweet potato pone is my absolute favorite way to prepare them. Not only is it an eagerly anticipated side dish for Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends each year, but also I make it to dress up ordinary meals. You can almost serve it as a dessert! —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York
Hot Cider
I dress up apple cider using lemonade, orange juice, honey and spices for a new version of a classic fall beverage. —Glenna Tooman, Boise, Idaho
Quick Green Beans with Bacon
Green beans with bacon and onions makes such an easy side dish. Fresh beans lend a crisp, bright flavor to any meal. They're best when served hot. —Mari Anne Warren, Milton, Wisconsin
Seasoned Roast Turkey
Rubbing the skin with melted butter keeps this simply seasoned turkey moist and tender.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
There are lots of ways to personalize this roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe to your own tastes, but it all starts with perfectly roasted sprouts. Keep an eye on them so they get crisp but don’t burn. —Karen Keefe, Phoenix, Arizona
Buttermilk Biscuits
"These biscuits are made from a recipe that's been in our family for years. They're simple to make and smell so good when baking! The wonderful aroma takes me back to those days when Mom made this meal—it's like I'm there in our family's kitchen again, with her busy at the stove."
Hot Spiced Cranberry Drink
I serve this rosy spiced beverage at parties and family gatherings during the winter. Friends like the tangy twist it gets from Red Hots. It's a nice change from the usual hot chocolate. —Laura Burgess, Ballwin, Missouri
Easy Apple Crisp
Here's an easy apple crisp! This is a delicious dessert perfect for young cooks to prepare. It's super simple to make since there's no crust—just a crumbly topping. Plus, with apples and oats, it's a wholesome treat. —Sheri Hatten, Devil's Lake, North Dakota
Seasoned Brown Rice Pilaf
For those of us who are white rice lovers at heart, this recipe makes brown rice taste great! Everyone takes seconds; it is that good. It is so easy to prepare. To convert for vegetarians, just substitute veggie broth for the beef broth. Any Thanksgiving leftovers are delicious the next day. —Amy Berry, Poland, Maine
Slow-Cooker Baked Apples
Coming home to this irresistible dessert on a dreary day is just wonderful; it’s slow-cooker easy. — Evangeline Bradford, Erlanger, Kentucky
Cran-Raspberry Gelatin Salad
Just like Grandma’s, this pretty gelatin salad has full berry flavor without being too tart. It’s perfect for any holiday dinner. —Rosemary Burch, Phoenix, Arizona
Corn Pudding
Cornbread mix and canned corn make this southern corn pudding casserole a snap to prepare. Now, this is real comfort food! —P. Lauren Fay-Neri, Syracuse, New York
Creamed Pearl Onions
When our children were small, we always celebrated Christmas at our house. This was one of many recipes I relied on that could be prepared a day in advance, which gave me more time to spend with guests. Everyone expected to see this vegetable dish on the table every year. —Barbara Caserman, Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Herbed Rubbed Turkey
Rubs really have a way of locking in the flavor of meats. Here a wonderful blend of seasonings makes turkey extraordinary.—Twila Burkholder, Middleburg, Pennsylvania
Special Squash Casserole
Squash has traditionally been a food our family passes up, but this luscious casserole is an exception to the rule. You won't find it among our Thanksgiving leftovers—it's one of the first dishes to go back to the kitchen empty. —Kathleen Cox, Wyoming, Michigan
Holiday Creamed Spinach
My mother made a variety of spinach dishes when I was growing up. This rich, delicious creamed version is the only one that stayed with me through the years.—Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Sweet Potato Pan Rolls
This tender rolls are one of my brothers favorites so I make them often. Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, they are great along side a wide variety of dishes from chicken to a bowl of chili.—Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland
Foolproof Gravy
Make your Thanksgiving or other special-occasion dinner easy with this can't-miss homemade gravy recipe. Use the drippings from your roasted turkey, and the gravy is done in just 20 minutes. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Smooth & Creamy Pumpkin Soup
My mother-in-law shared this recipe with me. She doesn't cook anymore, so now I make it for her, and she enjoys eating it as much as I enjoy making it. The pumpkin flavor brings a little Thanksgiving to any meal. —Helen Espinosa, Miami, Florida
Maple-Glazed Green Beans
After I picked my first green beans one year, I wanted to make a savory dish that was unique, quick and packed with flavor. I loved this so much I couldn't stop eating it. The next day I picked more beans and made this delicious side dish again. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California
Spiced Acorn Squash
Working full time, I found I didn't always have time to cook the meals my family loved, so I re-created many of those dishes in the slow cooker. This treatment for squash is one of our favorites. —Carol Greco, Centereach, New York
Carrot, Parsnip and Potato Gratin
Thanks to a challenge in the TOH online community a few years back, my husband and I tried parsnips and discovered that we liked them! In fact, I started growing them in my garden and have been trying new things with them, including this recipe. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Caramel Apple Strudel
My father, who was born and raised in Vienna, Austria, would tell us stories about how his mother covered all the kitchen counters with dough whenever she made apple strudel. This recipe is a modern, delicious way to carry on part of my family's heritage. —Sarah Haengel, Bowie, Maryland
Cranberry Fluff
This fluffy fruit salad gets its sweet-tart flavor from cranberries and whipped cream. We like it because it's not as sweet as many other "fluffs." I'm often asked for the secret to this luscious holiday salad. —Lavonne Hartel, Williston, North Dakota
Special Creamed Corn
This corn has earned a permanent place on our special-occasion menus. While my whole family loves it, my son would be especially disappointed if I forgot to include our corn dish. —Deb Hauptmann, Mohnton, Pennsylvania
Baked Pears
This baked pears recipe is very versatile. You can serve it warm or cold and for any size group. Chilled pears can be dressed up with a dollop of whipped topping, fruit-filled yogurt or ice cream. —Betty Schledorn, Ocala, Florida
Apple-Sage Roasted Turkey
A hint of apple flavor gives a slightly sweet spin to a holiday dinner’s main event. The lovely aroma wafting from your kitchen as this turkey cooks will have everybody talking. —Suzy Horvath, Milwaukie, Oregon
Pecan Sweet Potato Bake
The luscious sweet potato pecan recipe was handed down through my husband’s family, and it’s become a tradition for me to serve it during the holidays. Everyone loves it! —Nanci Keatley, Salem, Oregon
Slow-Cooked Wild Rice
This recipe has become such a family heirloom that I asked my mother's permission before passing it along. It has traveled to weddings, baptisms, landmark birthdays and wedding anniversaries—and it always makes people happy. —Janet Mahowald, Rice Lake, Wisconsin
Maple-Sage Brined Turkey
When the leaves start turning, it’s turkey time at our house. We use maple-sage brine to help brown the bird and make the meat incredibly juicy. —Kim Forni, Laconia, New Hampshire
Warm Spiced Nuts
I like to set out bowls of spiced nuts when hosting holiday parties. Sometimes I stir in M&M's to make it a sweet and salty snack. —Jill Matson, Zimmerman, Minnesota
Mashed Red Potatoes
These chunky mashed potatoes are rich enough to stand on their own. But if you like, take them over the top by adding your choice of cheese, bacon and/orsour cream. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mini Apple Crisps
My family and I pick Honeycrisp apples at our local orchard every September. We are always looking for new ways to use the apples and this has become a favorite. The kids go straight to the refrigerator, grab a crisp, top it with ice cream, and have a delicious after-school snack. I also put these in their lunches for a special surprise. —Sabrina Olson, Otsego, Minnesota
Country Turnip Greens
If you’ve never tried making turnip greens, my recipe is an easy, tasty way to start. Pork and onions give the fresh greens wonderful flavor .—Sandra Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee
Whipped Squash
This is an excellent way to serve one of the season's most delicious vegetables—butternut squash. Its rich flavor and golden harvest color really come through in this smooth vegetable side dish. —Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas
Quick Golden Squash Soup
This delectable soup feels like fall! Its golden color and rich, satisfying flavor have made it a favorite of mine—which is really amazing because I was convinced I didn't like squash until I tried this recipe. —Becky Ruff, Monona, Iowa
Beef Tenderloin Roast
This beef tenderloin roast is a simple way to dress up dinner. Prepare the rest of your meal while it bakes in the oven. —Judith LaBrozzi, Canton, Ohio
Glazed Julienned Carrots
There's just enough butter and sugar in this glazed julienned carrots recipe to bring out its natural sweetness. With just five ingredients, this recipe is ready to serve in minutes. —Mary Lou Boyce, Wilmington, Delaware
Cran-Apple Pie
We captured the flavor and splendor of fall in this pretty lattice fruit pie.—James Schend, Culinary Deputy Editor, Taste of Home
Thanksgiving Green Beans
Momma made these green beans only at Thanksgiving because, at the time, the ingredients were out of her everyday budget. Her original recipe inside her recipe box had five stars drawn on it. I would have to agree! —Marcia Shires, San Antonio, Texas
Autumn Harvest Mashed Potatoes
I first made these scrumptious potatoes as a surprise for my daughter during her freshman year of college. Canned pumpkin and a medley of root vegetables take ordinary mashed potatoes to extraordinary. —Susan Sutphin, Sevierville, Tennessee
Beets in Orange Sauce
To ensure your family eats their veggies, why not top your beets with an irresistible orange glaze! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pretty Duchess Potatoes
Comfort-food flavor comes in attractive packages that are just the right size! This recipe is a favorite Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving menu idea. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cranberry Ambrosia Salad
My paternal grandmother used to make this for Christmas dinner. I'm not sure how many batches she made, as there were nearly 50 aunts, uncles and cousins in our family. I still make the recipe in memory of her, and it's still as good as I remember.—Janet Hurley, Shell Rock, Iowa
Herbed Accordion Dinner Rolls
To dress up everyday dinner rolls, brush herbed butter over the dough, then form accordion rolls. The aroma from the oven is incredible! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Candied Pecans
I pack these easy candied pecans in jars tied with pretty ribbon for family and friends. My granddaughter gave some to a doctor at the hospital where she works, and he said they were too good to be true! —Opal Turner, Hughes Springs, Texas
Maple & Bacon Glazed Brussels Sprouts
For special meals, here’s a fantastic side dish that even children will love. The sweet maple syrup and smoky bacon complement the Brussels sprouts perfectly. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Special Roast Turkey
Before putting my turkey in the oven, I pour on a savory sauce that adds a pleasant citrus-soy flavor and helps hold the other seasonings I like to sprinkle on the roast. Turkey can be easily roasted with the giblets in the same pan. The giblets can be added later to the savory gravy sauce. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooked Applesauce
My sweet and chunky applesauce is a perfect snack or side dish with your favorite entree. Because it's prepared in the slow cooker, you can fix it and forget it before you and the family head out for some fun. —Susanne Wasson, Montgomery, New York
Sweet 'n' Tangy Carrots
With an irresistible brown sugar-mustard sauce, these simple simmered carrots bring bright flavor and color to the table. —Paula Zsiray, Logan, Utah
Traditional Holiday Stuffing
Sausage and sage add a gourmet taste to this stuffing. It's perfect for large family gatherings, but you can also save some for later. —Lorraine Brauckhoff, Zolfo Springs, Florida
Molded Cranberry Nut Salad
We try lots of cranberry recipes, and this one is always requested when we have family get-togethers at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's also been a favorite dish at every church party I've taken it to! —Eleanor Arthur, Seattle, Washington
Sweet Potato Casserole
I got this recipe from a friend years ago, and I've used it a lot since! So many of my friends enjoyed it that I've sent the recipe all over the country. I make it primarily for Thanksgiving, or with dinner when I'm serving ham. —Eleanor Sherry, Highland Park, Illinois
Easy Apple Cake
After testing many apple cake recipes with fresh apples, this old-fashioned cake is moist, dense and down-home delicious. Even better, it 's quick to fix and, served warm with whipped cream or a dollop of frozen custard, one of my family’s very favorite recipes for decades. —Sherry Ashenfelter, Waterville, Ohio
Icebox Rolls
I remember my mom making these rolls almost every Saturday so they'd be ready to bake on Sunday for company or someone just dropping by. Although they take a little time to prepare, they're really not all that difficult to make. And there's nothing in the stores that can compare to them! —Jean Fox, Welch, Minnesota
Slow-Cooked Golden Mashed Potatoes
Making a grand meal can be a little daunting, even for the most experienced cook. The convenience of the slow cooker for these classic spuds makes your task one step easier and allows you to spend more time with family. —Samantha Six, Fredricksburg, Indiana
Honey-Maple Glazed Ham
My graham cracker-crusted ham gets a double coating of a simple honey-maple glaze. The first half melts into the ham while the second half forms a sweet caramelized topping. —Alan Sproles, Knoxville, Tennessee
Fluffy Cranberry Delight
This was originally my daughter's recipe, and she or I will make it for one or more of our holiday get-togethers. It can be served as a fruit salad along with the meal or as a light dessert. It's particularly pretty in a cut-glass bowl on a buffet. —Ruth Bolduc, Conway, New Hampshire
Elegant Green Beans
Mushrooms and water chestnuts give new life to ordinary green bean casserole. Every time I make it for friends, I'm asked to share the recipe. —Linda Poe, Sandstone, Minnesota
Hot Spinach Apple Salad
With a light sweet-tangy dressing, the spinach doesn’t wilt and the apples retain their crunch. We serve this salad with homemade bread. —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois
Creamy Turkey Gravy
With my easy recipe, even someone who has never made homemade gravy before can be assured of success. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas.
Sage Dressing
This moist, hearty sage stuffing is nicely seasoned with sausage and fresh mushrooms. Sometimes I use it to stuff my Thanksgiving turkey and other times I bake it separately. —Betty Kay Sitzman, Wray, Colorado
Buttery Rolls
These lovely golden dinner rolls are tender, fluffy and delicious when eaten warm from the oven. —Debbie Leonard, Roseburg, Oregon
Cranberry Pumpkin Bread
Put leftover cranberries and pumpkin to great use in this moist quick bread. It’s very good with my "secondhand turkey" casserole for an after-Thanksgiving meal. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Juicy Roast Turkey
I can't wait to serve this juicy turkey at Thanksgiving—so I make it several times throughout the year. The aroma that wafts through the house as it bakes is almost as mouthwatering as the bird itself. —Terrie Herman, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Classic Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
These make-ahead mashed potatoes save me a ton of time on Christmas day. No more frantically whipping the potatoes while hungry family and guests hang around the kitchen! —Marty Rummel, Trout Lake, Washington
Easy Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie does not have to be difficult to make. This easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe has a wonderful taste and will be a hit at your holiday meal. —Marty Rummel, Trout Lake, Washington
Spiced Cider Punch
I’ve shared this recipe with many friends. It never wears out its welcome and is so easy to make. It’s also delicious warm. —Charles Piatt, Little Rock, Akansas
Triple Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry fans will ask for this sauce again and again. It's loaded with their favorite fruit—in fresh, dried and juice form. Orange and allspice make it awesome. —Arlene Smulski, Lyons, Illinois Did you know this is Illinois' favorite Thanksgiving dish? Find out the top Thanksgiving recipe from your state!
Sharp Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes
Try as I might, I can never follow a recipe exactly. Here's what I came up with when I made a family friend's scalloped potatoes recipe in my own kitchen. These potatoes are so good—you'll just keep going back for more. —Susan Simons, Eatonville, Washington
Best Ever Stuffed Mushrooms
At party time, I bring out a platter of my easy stuffed mushrooms. I like to make mine with reduced-fat sausage, but you can use regular for an indulgent treat. —Debby Beard, Eagle, Colorado
Scrumptious Sweet Potato Pie
There are many good sweet potato pies out there, but this one doesn't contain milk. It does have a splash of whiskey and a hint of lemon. —Suzanne Smith, Maumee, Ohio
New England Pumpkin-Walnut Bread
Pumpkin bread is for chilly mornings when you long for some homestyle New England food. Serve slices with a warm and soothing beverage. —Kimberly Forni, Laconia, New Hampshire
Roasted Acorn Squash & Brussels Sprouts
I love creating dishes with few ingredients and easy steps, like squash with Brussels sprouts. Maple syrup adds a slight sweetness, and pecans give it a toasty crunch. —Angela LeMoine, Howell, New Jersey
Grandma's Collard Greens
My grandmother made the best collard greens recipe in the world. Eating them with a slice of buttermilk cornbread is pure bliss. —Sherri Williams, Crestview, Florida
Aunt Margaret's Sweet Potato Casserole
My great-aunt made an incredible sweet potato casserole for our holiday dinners. I’ve lightened it up a bit, but we love it just the same. —Beth Britton, Fairlawn, Ohio
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Whenever I serve this easy mash, the bowl is always scraped clean. Before holiday feasts, I make it early and keep it warm in a slow cooker so I can focus on last-minute details. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
My family loves gravy, so I can never have enough of this make-ahead turkey gravy recipe on hand for a holiday dinner. The base is prepared with turkey wings and can be prepped in advance. —Linda Fitzsimmons, Fort Edward, New York
Honey Pecan Pie
Looking for a sweet ending to a special meal? This attractive pecan pie is bound to please with its traditional filling and honey-glazed pecans. —Cathy Hudak, Wadsworth, Ohio
Baker's Dozen Yeast Rolls
A yummy honey-garlic topping turns these easy dinner rolls into something extra special. Try ’em with soups and chili. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cinnamon-Sugar Apple Pie
Apple pie baked in a cast iron skillet is a real stunner. This beauty, with its flaky, tender crust, also works in a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. —Renee Schettler Rossi, New York, New York
Sage Sausage Dressing
Port is a sweet red wine that's often served as a dessert beverage, but it adds a deep flavor to our family's hearty stuffing. —Denise Hruz, Germantown, Wisconsin
Harvest Sweet Potato Pie
Years ago, we baked pies a few days before holiday gatherings and placed them in a tall pie safe on our back porch. My father called this sweet potato pie recipe "royal pie," because he thought it was fit for a king. It's a treasured hand-me-down family recipe. —Fae Fisher, Callao, Virginia
Grandma's Cranberry Stuff
What could taste better than turkey and cranberry on Thanksgiving Day? My grandmother's classic recipe makes the best cranberry stuff to share with your family and friends this holiday. —Catherine Cassidy, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Party-Ready Macaroni and Cheese
You'll always have a winner at the party when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Apple Crumble Pie
The crumb topping of this apple crumb pie recipe is awesome, which may explain why dessert always disappears fast. Or maybe it's the chunky apple filling. Either way, it's a family tradition. —Vera Brouwer, Maurice, Iowa
Cheesy Corn Spoon Bread
Homey and comforting, this custard-like side dish is a much-requested recipe at holiday dinners. The jalapeno pepper adds just the right bite. Second helpings of this tasty casserole are common—leftovers aren't. —Katherine Franklin, Carbondale, Illinois
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Almonds
If Brussels sprouts taste bitter to you, roast them for a gentle sweetness that goes with cranberries and almonds. This side dish won us over. —Claudia Lamascolo, Melbourne, Florida
Grandma's Rosemary Dinner Rolls
My grandma (I called her Baba) made these in her coal oven. How she regulated the temperature is beyond me! She always made extra rolls for the neighbors to bake in their own ovens. My mom and aunts would deliver the formed rolls at lunchtime. —Charlotte Hendershot, Hudson, Pennsylvania
Wild Rice Stuffed Squash
I made this recipe when we invited both our families to celebrate our first Thanksgiving in our new home. There were 37 of us, and those who tried this dish raved about it. —Robin Thompson, Roseville, California
Flaky Butterhorn Rolls
The recipe for these dinner rolls, slightly sweet and so very flaky, was my mother’s. They are simple to prepare because kneading skills are not required and the dough is easy to handle. My grandchildren have renamed them "Grandma’s croissants"! —Bernice Smith, Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota
Tender Whole Wheat Rolls
Even though these are whole wheat rolls they have a light texture and are soft and tender. This recipe reminds me of lots of happy meals with my family.—Wilma Orlano, Carroll, Iowa
Creamy Sweet Potatoes
I took my mother's delicious sweet potato casserole and gave it a new twist by adding the tempting taste of orange—a fruit very abundant in our state. The flavors are wonderful together and make this dish a family favorite. —Norma Poole, Auburndale, Florida
Slow-Cooked Green Beans
I spent hours in search of sides for a cooking demo to present to women from my church. These easy green beans became my star attraction. —Alice White, Willow Spring, North Carolina
Mashed Garlic Potatoes
I infuse creamy mashed potatoes with the subtle taste of garlic, which makes them a welcome addition to any meal. —Myra Innes, Auburn, Kansas
New Orleans-Style Scalloped Corn
This colorful casserole is popular for family gatherings in many New Orleans homes. I started making it years ago, and now our grown sons include it on their own menus. —Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida
Garlic Knotted Rolls
Using frozen yeast dough is an easy way to make homemade rolls. These cute knots add a special touch to any menu.
Nanny's Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
My grandsons rave over these creamy potatoes loaded with Parmesan. That’s all the endorsement I need. Sometimes I use golden or red potatoes, with skins on. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Porcini Mac & Cheese
This recipe was inspired by a mushroom mac and cheese I had at a local restaurant. I incorporated the fall flavor of a pumpkin ale, and it turned out better than the original. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, VirginiaTraditional Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas
Such a special occasion deserves special decor. And yes, you can be traditional without being stuffy. First, find a tablecloth you love, then work your color scheme from there. For the base of our traditional Thanksgiving look, we went with a deep plum tablecloth. Though it’s probably not the color Grandma would have chosen, plum is an underused seasonal color that deserves its place in the spotlight. Dark and bold colors like this can really make white plates and all those rich, golden dishes (like our favorite corn pudding casserole) shine. Get the look with all of our favorite table settings.
To fill in the table, go ahead and use the holiday as an excuse to break out that crystal stemware that’s been sitting in the cabinet. Or wipe the dust off a family heirloom to serve as the centerpiece. To get our look, add a few glass and metallic items. Then, balance out these hard textures with softer items like flower bunches and tall taper candles.
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Get the Look
The most memorable Thanksgiving gatherings always have a well-set table. In addition to cooking a traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu, you should consider the plates, serving utensils and glasses, as well as serving platters, gravy boats, napkins and more as part of the experience. For some help designing a timeless look, use our Thanksgiving table decor ideas here!
Dinner Plates
If you're in the market for new tableware, you'll surely love these antique white dinner plates, which are made from porcelain and feature a subtle embellishment along the rim. They'll look stunning piled high with all your favorite traditional Thanksgiving recipes.
Elegant Gravy Boat
What's Thanksgiving without gravy? Serve an amazing Thanksgiving gravy in this lovely antique white gravy boat, which will perfectly complement the dinner plates we're recommending. The boat comes with a matching platter to catch any runaway drips.
Chic Wine Goblets
Raise a toast to good company and good food with this set of crystal wine goblets. No matter what you're all sipping (we recommend this delicious spiced cranberry drink), everyone at your table will feel elegant with these glasses in hand.
Simple Baking Dish
You're going to need a high-quality baking dish for traditional Thanksgiving sides, like our yummy corn pudding. This casserole dish is a deep 13x9 that looks simply gorgeous. Just bring the dish from oven to table when it's time to serve.
Classic Carving Utensils
Carving a turkey is no easy feat (learn how to carve the right way!), which is why you need high-quality cutting utensils at your Thanksgiving feast. This beautiful carving set includes a pewter carving fork and knife, and the utensils will become a cherished family heirloom.
Linen Napkins
Swap out paper napkins for these beautiful linen napkins. The deep, rich color will make your table settings pop, and the linen fabric is pre-washed so it's incredibly soft to the touch.
Linen Tablecloth
Not only do tablecloths brighten up your table, but they also make cleanup significantly easier. So adorn your table with a traditional pick like this linen tablecloth. It comes in a variety of seasonal hues, though we're partial to the red wine color for this table setting.
Pewter Napkin Rings
No good at folding napkins? Make your job easier with a set of engraved napkin rings—pull the linens through, place them on the table and you're done.
Pewter Silverware
If you have a haphazard array of mismatched tableware, it might be time to upgrade to a more uniform set. This vintage-inspired flatware comes in a traditional pewter finish to match other items on the table, and these simple utensils work well as everyday dinnerware, too.
Heirloom Shot Glasses
To hold flickering tea lights for the table, think outside the box and use a sophisticated shot glass. Each glass has a beautiful diamond pattern that's inspired by cut crystal.
Pewter Tray
This beautiful pewter tray is a splurge, but the platter is perfect for displaying your Thanksgiving centerpiece. Plus, its handcrafted pewter finish perfectly complements the napkin rings.How to Give Thanks: Gratitude Garland
With all the meal prep, decorating and family running around the house, it’s easy to forget what the holiday is all about. Try this feel-good Thanksgiving activity at your table this year to reflect on the things that you and your family are grateful for:
- Before friends and family arrive, string a length of twine or ribbon in an obvious spot, such as on a mantel or at the top of a doorway.
- Set out paper leaves, permanent markers, and clothespins.
- Throughout the day, invite each person to write down what they’re thankful for on a leaf and string it to the twine
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.
Originally Published: September 11, 2020
