Traditional Thanksgiving celebrations typically include gathering with extended family and friends who are like family to feast on delicious holiday staples and spend quality time with a crowd of those we love.
Larger gatherings aren’t a given this year, but we have a special opportunity to set aside the stress, slow down and savor the gift of time with our very closest family members. That being said, scaling a big Thanksgiving dinner down to a more intimate gathering can seem somewhat intimidating.
Your go-to Thanksgiving dinner might traditionally include a large turkey, a spiral-sliced ham, a host of elaborate side dishes, and a table full of desserts, but if ever there was a year to scale back a bit, guilt-free, this is it. It might be tempting to try to make this Thanksgiving feel like every other one, but this is the perfect opportunity for you to relax and lean into less stress. This year has taught all of us the importance of being present and grateful for what we have, and this Thanksgiving is another opportunity to do just that.
1. Streamline your Thanksgiving dinner menu.
Rather than preparing every single Thanksgiving food favorite this year, choose one main dish and build your meal around it. Why not let each family member choose one Thanksgiving dinner “must?” Spend a little time talking about everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving side dishes and desserts, and craft your menu from the favorites. Determine which dishes make the cut, and assign each person to prepare their favorite dish.
2. Choose Thanksgiving side dishes that save you time in the kitchen.
Creamy mashed potatoes, herb-infused stuffing, sweet potato casserole, fluffy rolls, and of course, pumpkin pie with fresh whipped cream… If there’s one thing we can all count on at Thanksgiving, it’s incredible food. Rather than resign yourself to a crowded grocery store and hours in the kitchen, take advantage of this year and order delicious heat and serve Thanksgiving side dishes to be delivered right to your door. Choose from traditional holiday favorites like the ones below, or view our complete Thanksgiving side dish selection here.
3. Take advantage of the unique opportunity to change things up.
Change has been something we’ve all become accustomed to this year, so why not take advantage of it and try something completely different? Perhaps a traditional turkey dinner has never been your favorite, but due to tradition you’ve always kept it the centerpiece of your meal. This is your year to try something new, like a flavorful Prime Rib Roast, grilled Ribeye Steaks, or even Surf and Turf! We recommend:
4. Celebrate the reason for the season.
The season of gratitude is when we express our thankfulness for all we have, and for those we love, but take advantage of the quieter holiday to be intentional with your gratitude. Use the additional time you have to share memories of your own Thanksgiving traditions from throughout your life with those around the table, and ask them to do the same. Tell stories of memorable Thanksgiving moments, and share memories about loved ones who aren’t able to be present this year. Ask each person to share something they are thankful for this year, and if there’s a new tradition they’d like to adopt from this year in the years to come.
5. Savor rest and take the day “off.”
One of the greatest benefits of keeping Thanksgiving simple and close this year is you truly have the opportunity to rest and enjoy time with your family. Rather than preparing every dish from scratch, let us do the heavy lifting and take advantage of our complete oven-ready meals. Choose between customer favorites, such as:
One fully cooked (10-12 lb) Herb Roasted Turkey, comfort-food favorite (32 oz) Baked Potato Casserole, delicious (30 oz) Creamed Spinach and decadent (8 in) Lemon Cream Cake. Everything you need, delivered straight to your door.
One (4.5-5 lb) Prime Rib Roast, one (30 oz) Creamed Spinach, 8 (5 oz) Twice Baked Potatoes with Cheddar and Bacon, and one (7 in) Mississippi Mud Cake.
Two (2 lb) Chateaubriand Tenderloin Roasts, one (32 oz) Baked Potato Casserole, 22 (.45 oz) Crispy Asiago Asparagus, and one creamy (7 in) New York Cheesecake. Perfection for your people, with a fraction of the effort.
With our help, you’re ready for the perfect, intimate Thanksgiving family dinner! What are you doing to celebrate Thanksgiving this year?
