Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday celebrated in various ways across the United States. Whether you're hosting a traditional dinner in Atlanta, Georgia, or a casual friendsgiving in Chicago, Illinois, the essence remains the same: Gathering with loved ones, expressing gratitude, and indulging in a delicious feast. However, planning and hosting the perfect Thanksgiving dinner can be overwhelming, even for experienced cooks.
From menu selection to table setting, countless details must be considered when thinking about how to make Thanksgiving dinner memorable. This comprehensive guide offers expert advice to help you curate a Thanksgiving spread that will leave your guests impressed. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, we'll provide the insights you need to create an unforgettable holiday celebration.
Dorthy Kern with Crazy for Crust shares that she finds that the key to a stress-free Thanksgiving is making your desserts ahead of time. “No one wants to be trying to make homemade pie crust or pumpkin pie while making the turkey.” Kern recommends to make your pies a few weeks ahead of time, cool them, then freeze them wrapped well in plastic wrap.
Make sure to accommodate all dietary preferences so everyone at the table can enjoy a great Thanksgiving, suggests Lucy Johnson with Edible Ethics. For example, you can make your pumpkin pie vegan by swapping out the eggs and cream for coconut cream, or create a gluten-free version of your favorite stuffing by using gluten-free bread.
Roshani with Hungry Lankan shares “to focus on balancing traditional dishes like roasted turkey and stuffing with creative sides such as spiced sweet potatoes or cranberry chutney, while accommodating dietary needs to ensure every member feels included—plus, prepping for it with family members is half the fun!"
Instead of turkey, consider a vegan roast for your table, suggested by Ed and Natasha Tatton with BReD Made by Ed. You may crave traditional dishes you grew up with involving animals, but you can be mindful of the impact of your meal. Creativity can go a long way. Search for animal-free versions of classic dishes online, or visit your local vegan grocery store to see what’s available.
This Thanksgiving, make sure to offer dishes that cater to all food preferences by including dishes that are vegan, gluten-free, or simply wholefood-based, as recommended by Eating Vibrantly. Simple dishes like this oil-free popcorn or this raw vegan chocolate are sure to delight your health-conscious guests.
Eating Vibrantly also shares to add even more delicious produce to your Thanksgiving feast with plant-based condiments, like this raw vegan pesto or this macadamia mayonnaise.
Jude Sharp, founder and head baker with The Unsweetened Tooth located in Seattle, WA, says, "When curating the perfect Thanksgiving menu, focus on inclusivity by offering options that cater to a variety of dietary needs, such as gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, keto-friendly, and no-sugar-added or low-carb dishes — especially desserts. Since this is a major dessert holiday, many people with restrictions often feel left out. Ensure that guests with health conditions or lifestyle choices can still indulge by providing delicious alternatives, so everyone has a seat at the dessert table. An inclusive menu allows all your guests to savor the celebration without missing out."
Hosting Thanksgiving can be overwhelming considering the dietary requirements of all guests, says Liz Douglas with Glow Diaries. Liz shares “Consider making a few dishes that are already allergen-free and/or vegan-friendly so you don’t have to make separate variations of each dish. Think roast potatoes in olive oil (rather than butter), dense grain salads, or a pot of rich mushroom bourguignon. You’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious these recipes can be, and it will help make all your guests feel welcome and included in the holiday meal.”
Eunice Lim, founder of Food Travel Babe, shares, "Give your Thanksgiving classics a fun twist — mix traditional dishes like roasted turkey with fresh, seasonal ingredients that showcase your personal style and creativity. Make your table look as good as it tastes by playing with different textures and colors, so every dish feels like it belongs together, both in flavor and how it looks!"
Natacha Sanz-Caballero shares how she loves an elegant Thanksgiving table. Natacha says, “If there’s an occasion to show your best linens, china, and silverware, this is it. However, an elegant table doesn’t have to be stiff, and you can, in fact, imbue some level of whimsy without losing a thread of sophistication. She shared a few tips to achieve this. Natacha suggests mixing and matching plates that are different but follow a pattern, for instance, the same or similar material and color group.
As opposed to a larger centerpiece, she chooses one theme for a center table spread and distributes them from one end of the table to the other; that way everybody has something nice to look at. Natacha also shares “that nothing beats a candlelight-lit table, which gives a touch of elegance yet is whimsical. Like with the center table decor, spread the candles from one end of the table to the other. Everybody will have the perfect glow!”
Sometimes asking your guests to bring something they can eat really makes the day more inclusive, as recommended by Catherine Rose with Divinely Gluten Free. It allows variety and things you may never have thought of making. Serve the gluten-free creamed spinach as a dip with the gluten-free hard rolls cut into bite-sized pieces. This is a classic combination that is both delicious and easy to eat.
Hannah Dela Cruz, founder of Make It Dough and author of Sourdough Every Day, shares that her secret to a wonderful Thanksgiving is embracing hors d'oeuvres. “There’s always that moment when everyone starts feeling a little peckish and impatient for dinner. A large charcuterie board is perfect for guests to snack on without spoiling their appetite for the turkey. Hannah recommends serving up a large Sourdough Discard Focaccia, sliced into two-bite portions and served with balsamic vinegar and olive oil or a flavorful herby chimichurri. It’s easy to prepare a large batch with minimal effort. She adds that it can be made in advance, so it doesn’t take away oven space from the all-important turkey and sides.
“Creating a timeline and sticking to it is most important for a successful Thanksgiving gathering," says Henrie Marie with Thyme of Season. Marie recommends planning your menu weeks before allowing time for any special ordered items to arrive. Making items such as pies a week or so in advance, they freeze well and are ready to bake when you need them. Prepping vegetables and appetizers, such as dips, a day before helps tremendously. Lastly, decorate and set the table days before too, so it’s perfect without the stress; just don’t use it.
Amada Powell with A Cookie Named Desire also highlighted the importance of making your desserts days ahead of time and putting them in the refrigerator, freezer, or at room temperature depending on the particular dessert you choose. Amanada also shares this expert tip: “You can warm your desserts, like pies, in the oven when everything is finished cooking using the residual heat, so it is warm and ready to be enjoyed by everyone by the time dinner is finished.”
LeAnne Yaakubov with Lion’s Bread shares, "Start prepping and chopping the ingredients 2-3 days ahead of time and set the table the night before.” LeAnne recommends “taking out all of the serving dishes and labeling each one with a sticky note that indicates the dish she is putting in it”. She also recommends “sticking to tried and true classic recipes, making a big cocktail pitcher, and letting everyone graze on a simple but elegant cheese platter while you're finishing up the meal. Also, breathe."
Thanksgiving is a beautiful reminder that gratitude transcends location, be it a cozy apartment or a sprawling house. It's a time to gather loved ones, both family and friends, new and old, and celebrate the bounty of the season. While the specifics of your feast may differ — a gluten-free creamed spinach dip with crusty rolls for some, a vegan roast for others — the core message remains the same. Let this Thanksgiving be a celebration of togetherness, delicious food, and the things that truly matter. Use these expert tips to create the perfect moment. So raise a glass, share a laugh, and savor the company of those who make life special.
Jasica Usman is a Content Marketer at Redfin, leveraging her marketing and real estate expertise to boost the company’s online presence. Jasica’s passion for crafting compelling narratives drives engagement and conversion. Outside of work, she enjoys classic ‘90s sitcoms, dancing, and spending time with her family and energetic dog, Tucker.