Every year around this time, families around the world gather to celebrate the American holiday of Thanksgiving. It’s a time to celebrate the good things in life and to share a meal together. Whether you’re hosting a big Thanksgiving dinner or looking to make a few special dishes to bring along to someone else’s, this guide is here to help. We’ll provide you with all the tips, recipes, and more that you need to make this Thanksgiving the best one yet. From traditional dishes like roasted turkey, to creative sides and desserts that are sure to impress, we’ve got you covered. So, get ready to make some memories and delicious food this holiday season!
What is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a special holiday that takes place every year. It is celebrated in the United States and Canada, as well as other countries around the world that received immigrants from these countries. People celebrate this holiday by sharing a meal together and reflecting on all of the good things in their lives. At the heart of this holiday is gratitude. This is a time of year when we take time to appreciate the things and people in our lives that make us happy. Traditionally, Thanksgiving is a time when people gather around the table and share the bounty of the harvest. Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to gather, share food, and reflect on the past year. People often host Thanksgiving dinner at their home. This is a great way to bring everyone together.
What to bring to Thanksgiving
One of the best things you can do as a guest is show up with something in hand. Bringing a homemade dish is a great way to show the host how thankful you are for the invitation and all the work they put into preparing for the event. Here are some classic dishes to bring to Thanksgiving dinner:
- Pumpkin pie: If there’s one thing that is synonymous with Thanksgiving, it’s pumpkin pie. This rich, sweet, and creamy American dessert is perfect for sharing at the end of the meal.
- Cranberry sauce: You can’t have Thanksgiving without cranberry sauce on the table! This classic accompaniment to turkey is a perfect sweet and tangy addition to any meal.
- Garlic mashed potatoes: If you can’t decide on one thing to bring, make a big batch of mashed potatoes. They are the ultimate side dish for sharing at Thanksgiving dinner and can be eaten with just about anything.
- Stuffing: There’s nothing quite like warm, homemade stuffing. This delicious side dish is a must-have at any Thanksgiving dinner table.
- Brussel sprouts: Once considered a crazy side dish, Brussels sprouts are making a comeback. These savory and sweet veggies are a great way to add some color and variety to the table.
How to make the perfect roasted turkey
When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, there’s one dish that everyone is waiting for: the roasted turkey. The classic roasted turkey is the centerpiece of the holiday table. While it may seem like a daunting task, roasting a turkey is actually quite simple. The secret, however, is in finding the best type of turkey for roasting. Here are some tips for roasting the perfect turkey:
- Find the right turkey: While turkeys may look similar, they all taste and cook differently. Choose a turkey that is labeled as “oven-ready”. This type of turkey is ready to go out of the bag and into the oven.
- Prep the turkey: Take time to properly prepare the turkey before roasting. This means rinsing the turkey and patting it dry. You should also remove the neck and giblets from the main cavity of the turkey.
- Season the turkey: Once you’ve removed the giblets, fill the cavity of the turkey with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and a few sprigs of parsley. Doing so will not only add flavor to the turkey, but it will also infuse the meat with moisture.
- Roast the turkey: Place the seasoned and prepared turkey in a roasting pan and place it in a 400°F oven. All ovens are different, so check the turkey at least 30 minutes before the recommended cook time to make sure it’s not done yet. If the skin is browning too quickly, cover the turkey with aluminum foil.
Side dishes to serve
There are some dishes that are classic Thanksgiving side dishes. When you’re planning your menu, be sure to include these crowd-pleasers:
- Mashed potatoes: This classic dish is a must for any Thanksgiving table. Whether you prefer them creamy or chunky, mashed potatoes are rich and delicious.
- Green bean casserole: This classic casserole is a savory side dish that brings together all the best parts of Thanksgiving.
- Cranberry sauce: There’s no better way to add some tartness to your plate than with a scoop of cranberry sauce.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables are a great way to add some savory flavor to the table. They go great with almost anything.
Delicious desserts
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’re in luck. There are so many delicious desserts to choose from on Thanksgiving. These are some of the most popular:
- Pumpkin pie: See above!
- Apple pie: This baked apple with a flaky crust is a classic American dessert.
- Pecan pie: This is another classic baked dessert that is great to serve at any meal.
- Maple walnut pie: This iced pie is easy to make and is a delicious way to end any meal.
- Chocolate ganache cake: This rich, fudgy cake is a great way to end any meal. It’s also a great make-ahead dessert, so you can bake it ahead of time and then let it sit in the fridge until you are ready to serve it.
Tips for hosting a successful Thanksgiving
- Make a plan. This is the first step to a successful Thanksgiving. Sit down and map out the menu, the drinks, and even the decorations.
- Shop early. Make sure you have everything you need for the big meal a few days before Thanksgiving. This will give you time to buy any forgotten items and to double-check your kitchen to make sure there aren’t any last-minute disasters.
- Relax! Relax and try not to worry about forgetting something or not having enough food. Everything will work out in the end, and Thanksgiving is about spending time with one another, not about the perfect meal.
- Invite guests. Make sure that you invite people to come and share the Thanksgiving feast! It’s a great tradition and a wonderful way to get friends and family together.
Decorating Ideas
Decorating for a Thanksgiving celebration is easy and fun. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Make garlands: Make garlands out of fall leaves, vines, and any other natural decorations that you can find. These add a beautiful touch to any room and are perfect for Thanksgiving.
- Add some greenery: Nothing says “Thanksgiving” like a little bit of greenery. Add a little sprig of something green to your table or centerpieces for a special touch.
- Create a tablecloth: For a festive tablecloth, gather brightly colored fall leaves and arrange them over a white tablecloth.
- Create a menu: Create a menu for your guests with the items on your table. This is a fun way to add a little bit of decoration to your table at the same time.
