Thanksgiving is almost here (wasn’t it just Halloween?!) and then Christmas will be here, and then … OK, before we get too immersed in the holiday season, let’s focus on Thanksgiving plans. Our goal? Eat (or serve) recipes that aren’t only delicious, but easy to prepare, too. We’ve hosted many Friendsgivings with you along the years, so we’re also going to share decor tips we’ve learned along the way, DIYs, and even some easy hostess gifts you can make if you’re not hosting this year. So, grab a hot beverage (like triple hot chocolate) and keep reading …
Sweet potato crème brûlée isn’t just amazing—it’s also easy to serve. Toasting the marshmallows is the best part. 🙂
Need another sweet potato dessert option? Try this pie topped with boozy marshmallows.
It’s hard not to put cranberries on everything. This salad is the right amount of healthy with the creamiest dressing.
Making a turkey this year? Click here to read Emma’s tips for a foolproof turkey (and the best gravy recipe).
If a veggie option sounds better, you should make lentil meatballs. Make an extra batch—these went fast for us!
Try to think of something cuter than a pumpkin martini with a tiny pie garnish … I dare you.
Cauliflower is such a versatile vegetable, and we love implementing it in recipes like this casserole.
Elsie made this cheese tray five years ago and we’re still obsessed.
Back on the cocktail train (and cranberry train–ha) with a sparkling Prosecco mimosa. Perfect for a brunch-themed Thanksgiving.
Another crowd pleaser? Cranberry Jello shots with rosemary garnishes.
As you can see, we love our Brussels sprouts extra crispy. In fact, we just love Brussels sprouts. This easy recipe involves baking and plenty of parmesan cheese.
Mmm. Cranberry pie bars. Be sure to add a scoop of ice cream to your plate, too.
Slow cookers (or Crock Pots) are a GODSEND. Make a big batch of mashed potatoes ahead of time. So easy.
If you love beets (and their pretty color), add them to your potatoes. This recipe was so good!
For all the chocolate lovers—this chocolate silk pie is easy as pie (pun) because it requires no baking.
Moving on to decor and hosting, Emma’s Friendsgiving hosting tips are a must if you’re having guests over this year.
Still loving this vibrant decor and the giant balloons from Friendsgiving a few years ago.
We also love this garland DIY if you want to decorate with gold accents.Mandarins aren’t just for snacking—you can make a festive wreath with them, too!
Punched needle votives give off the prettiest glow.
Omg. If you haven’t made a stove simmer before, you have to try one of these “recipes” this season. They makes your home smell sooo good.
Love this simple idea! Add pumpkins to your table and use a paint pen to add the names of your guests.
This pretty white and gold wreath can be made with a few supplies from your local craft store.
We love the splattered effect on these napkin rings made from oven-bake clay.
Here’s a few party favor ideas. A few years ago, Emma made homemade butters for everyone to use on their rolls and take home. Loved it!
How cute are these eucalyptus hair wreaths? They smell so good, too.
Tiny pumpkin pies can double as gifts when you wrap them up in pretty fabric.
What about hostess gifts? A bottle of wine is always good, but so is something homemade. 🙂
A set of recipe cards would make a cute gift, especially on Thanksgiving.
‘Tis the season for pumpkin spice everything, including homemade body scrub.
Everyone loves bath bombs, right? These are made with green tea and lemon essential oil.
If you haven’t made your own candles before, this is a simple tutorial to follow. We love that these are clean burning and made with beeswax.
A thoughtful gift for any foodie—wooden trivets. You can feel the love when someone spends the time to make a gift like this. 🙂
If you loved this post, be sure to pin it and it share with your friends. xo.
8 Comments
All these delicious recipes are making me drool! I really wish we celebrated Thanksgiving here in Hong Kong. Your celebrations sound super fun! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
yes! thank you! i will need this to plan thanksgiving – one of the items on my “19 by 2019”
https://tps-steph.blogspot.com/2018/11/0012-19-by-2019.html
Yesssss, awesome roundup, thank you! I feel like everyone is just skipping straight to Christmas and I’m not ready for that yet!
I just need to bookmark everything on here for the holidays!!! Especially those lentil meatballs & the turkey cheese tray 🙂 🙂 SWOON
Woof Xo,
Michelle & Watson
https://www.watsonandwalls.com/blog/best-dog-friendly-hotel-cafes-in-los-angeles
Can i toot my own horn and suggest an item that would make a GREAT THANKSGIVING HOSTESS GIFT?
It’s a set of 6 Cute Ceramic Owl Planters! Available on AMazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JVPTGTR
I am the artist/plant lover who created these owls. I decided to combine my passion of art + gardening. 🙂
You can buy a set and personalize them by planting some cute plants! Succulents, Herbs, Cactus… etc…
Thank you for everything you ladies do here. I’ve been a longtime fan reading this blog during my lunch hour. 🙂
Sandra
I’m not from the USA so, your blog has kind of introduced me to a few things that I don’t know of the American culture. Friendsgiving is one of the posts I LOOOOOVE reading about! They are an inspiration to me! Thank you for your hard work. xx
Your all ideas Are Perfect and unique but Cauliflower is just lovely an i want it on my table on the day of thanksgiving <3
So many cute ideas!!! LOVE the cheese platter and the personalized pumpkins are such a creative touch!