Thanksgiving is a holiday filled with tradition. With family gathered around your table and a feast of traditional dishes, there is something comforting about the familiarity of it all. At More Than Paper, we’re here to give you a few creative food and décor ideas that will make your 2024 Thanksgiving feel familiar, but exciting ! It’s not just a day of turkey and football on the couch – Thanksgiving is a day to make memories with family and friends. Follow a few of these tips to make this holiday feel anything but ordinary!
FOOD
While classics like turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie hold a special place in our hearts, adding a contemporary twist can invigorate the holiday table and surprise your guests. Plus, families these days are anxious to incorporate some more healthy cooking techniques to fuel their family. Offering items that satisfy dietary restrictions shows attention to your guests needs, too.
Here are some 5 traditional Thanksgiving dishes reimagined for a fresh take on this time-honored holiday.
(Photo of Turkey & Quinoa Stuffing from "Arts & Crackers". Please view the original photo and source by clicking here.)
1. Herb-Butter Turkey with Citrus Glaze: Instead of the standard roasted turkey, try brining your bird in a mixture of citrus juices and herbs. The bright flavors of orange, lemon, and fresh thyme will elevate the traditional flavors. After brining, rub the turkey with herb-infused butter and roast it!
2. Quinoa and Mushroom Stuffing: Swap out the traditional bread stuffing for a hearty quinoa and mushroom version. Sauté a mix of mushrooms, onions, and celery, then combine with cooked quinoa, fresh herbs, and a splash of vegetable broth. This gluten-free alternative is packed with flavor and offers a nutritious twist on the classic stuffing.
3. Sweet Potato and Chipotle Mash: While many families serve sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows (loaded with calories and sugar), consider a savory mash instead. Boil and mash sweet potatoes, then mix in chipotle peppers for a kick, lime juice, and a pinch of cinnamon for a smoky, spicy side dish.
4. Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa: Elevate your cranberry sauce by transforming it into a vibrant salsa. Combine fresh cranberries, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and a hint of sugar for a sweet and spicy condiment. This salsa pairs beautifully with turkey and adds a colorful pop to your Thanksgiving spread. You’ll really wake up the flavors here!
5. Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu: Instead of the usual pumpkin pie, impress your guests with a pumpkin spice tiramisu. Layer coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a creamy pumpkin mascarpone filling, spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon. This no-bake dessert offers a rich treat and modern presentation.
At More Than Paper, we’re proud to have some serving dishes that will work perfectly for your Thanksgiving table. Here’s a round-up of some of our favorites. These also work great as hostess gifts!
- This personalized melamine platter uses Fall colors. Dishwasher safe for easy clean up, this stylish design is perfect for serving turkey or other dishes at your Thanksgiving table.
- Enjoy this personalized dipping board that is engraved with your name! Use it for bread, crackers, cheese, dips, olive oil, & just about anything. Looks great on your table!
- These festive Thanksgiving napkins will be great served with your cocktail of choice: . The ivory napkins with brown print scream “Fall” and are extra festive for the holiday.
- For a hostess gift, we love these engraved wooden spoons. Choose from 4 different text styles, each with a different feel.
DÉCOR
While typical Thanksgiving décor tends to be fall-like colors of red, orange, brown mixed with flowers and foliage, here are some ideas to add spice to Thanksgiving décor!
1. Customized Place Settings: Make your guests feel special (and save the headache of “where to sit”) by personalizing their place settings. Use natural elements like small pumpkins or gourds as name cards. Simply write each guest’s name on a leaf or a slice of wood and place it on their plate. This thoughtful detail adds a charming touch to your table and encourages guests to engage with one another.
2. Thankful Tree: Create a thankful tree as a centerpiece or a decorative addition to your home. Use a branch placed in a vase and hang tags or paper leaves from it. Encourage your family and guests to write what they are thankful for and hang it on the tree. This interactive decoration not only adds a unique element but also promotes gratitude during the meal. Alternatively, you can ask your guests to write what they are thankful for on an index card, or a colorful cardstock and read it as you go around the table. Feel free to keep it simple but use the idea of expressing gratitude as the focal point! Visit Lifeway Kids / Kids Ministry to see this example below.
3. Thanksgiving Quotes and Signs: Infuse your space with the spirit of Thanksgiving through decorative quotes and signs. Create or purchase wooden signs with heartfelt sayings like “Grateful, Thankful, Blessed” or “Gather.” Display them on your dining table, shelves, or walls to remind everyone of the holiday's meaning. Many craft and discount home stores have an abundance of these type of signs for a great price! This one below was found on Etsy, please visit this link to view & shop now!
4. Incorporate Family Heirlooms: Old can feel new. Personalize your decor by incorporating family heirlooms or seasonal items that have sentimental value. Whether it’s a vintage tablecloth, a cherished serving dish, or framed family photos, these elements can add a meaningful touch to your Thanksgiving celebration.
5. Candlelight Ambiance: Use candles to create ambiance! Use a mix of battery-operated pillar candles and tea lights placed in a variety of holders like mason jars, glass hurricanes, or even hollowed-out pumpkins. Arrange them along your dining table or around your living space to add warmth and elegance to your Thanksgiving gathering. The more the better! You can adjust your room lighting to dim settings or off-completely (depending on how many candles you have, of course!) This image was used from AfternoonArtist, visit this source here.
Enjoy the season and let your creativity flow as you prepare for a memorable Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends. Happy decorating and happy feasting!
