A Thanksgiving Guidebook

My cheat sheet for getting dinner on the table with my sanity in tack.

I think we all love the idea of Thanksgiving but if you are reading this, you are probably the one making it all happen…the table setting , the food, cleaning the house, the hosting of in-laws or guests….and if you are anything like me, that is too much on one person to make it in any way fun.

So I decided to write down a formula on what you…ahem, I, need in terms of a menu with some links for delicious recipes that won’t lead us astray.

Here are my Guidelines:

1) A bread thing. I like a dinner roll, here in Canada we have delicious par baked rolls in our Grocery Store freezer section that you can finish cooking and are delicious. I love to see these piled up in the middle of the table. Check your local grocery store or buy fresh from a local bakery.

2) A salad. I enjoy a really thinly sliced kale, brussels, and apples, with some store-bought candied walnuts or pecans, shaved parm, and balsamic vinaigrette. The Harvest Salad in my Foolproof Thanksgiving Guide is amazing. Alternatively, the Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Prosciutto Salad is also a no-brainer.

3) Some sort of potato

Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, pureed parsnip, etc. Again - go sign up for my newsletter to get the potatoes au gratin recipe in there. It’s what you need here. My family goes nuts for these potatoes and they can be done in advance.

A Stuffing

My mom makes the best stuffing that is mostly butter, onions and day-old bread. She puts in the cavity of the turkey so it absorbs the turkey drippings. This Mushroom and Herb option is a lovely vegetarian side dish.

5) Two veggies that bring some colour. Anything goes here! I’d stay away from anything too starchy so as to provide some variety away from the potato option above.

6) Gravy and Cranberry Sauce I actually can’t stand cranberry sauce (anyone with me here!?), so you’ll find the canned version at my table. But If your crowd likes it, go for it. The gravy with the turkey is pretty much why I show up! ;-)

7) Turkey. Obvi.

8) Pies and ice cream. I am happy to buy a pie for this. Although, if you haven’t yet tried my apple crisp recipe - again ….available in my Foolproof Thanksgiving Guide when you sign up for my newsletter…you are seriously missing out! IF, and that’s a big if….eat the leftovers for breakfast with your yogurt.

Great fall decor and gift ideas for Thanksgiving

Don’t forget that I have rounded up some lovely home decor items for you if you need anything last minute. You can find my Amazon Storefront here.

There is no better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than with friends and family. Let’s try to remember that it’s not about the decorations, the gifts or really, even the food. Take time to slow down and savour your time with loved ones.

What are you Thanksgiving traditions? Those are the reason we keep so much love and excitement around this time of year. I’d love to hear how you and your family celebrate this magical time.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving.