Thanksgiving Menu 2019 - I'm sharing what we served at our Thanksgiving dinner this year, going over what worked and what could be improved on for next year.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Table of contents
- Thanksgiving Menu 2019
- RELATED: My Complete Thanksgiving Guide
- What Worked
- What Would be Better
- Also
- RELATED: Thanksgiving Menu (2017) and Black Friday Super Sunday Cyber Monday Favorites 2019
- "Christmas-Giving"
- Our Other Recipes and Posts
Thanksgiving Menu 2019
Hi Everyone, I am sharing what we served for our 2019 Thanksgiving Dinner.
This was our 3rd year in a row hosting at our home and this year my parents were able to make it for the first time (now that they are both retired!)
I'm also sharing somethings that worked well and somethings that I would like to improve on to make the holiday go smoothly for next year.
RELATED: My Complete Thanksgiving Guide
P.S. - The family photo I shared is from my @preppyroots Instagram account which is my life stuff IG account, follow me there to see content that's more lifestyle-oriented vs. food-related as on my @lifeslittlesweets IG account.
What Worked
- Spreadsheet - Every year, I do a google spreadsheet and this year it really helped keep my brain organized and coordinated. I make note of who is bringing what and color code as things get cooked to help me see my progress, I also record what I want to accomplish each day so that I can stay on track
- 1 Large Table - having 1 large table instead of having a kids table and adult table - this worked because I usually have to help my kids somehow with eating so it was best to have them close to me and it was nice to have everyone sitting around one large table
- Dessert Table - I had all the desserts on a sideboard as the "Dessert Table" and that went exceptionally well. It was great to have the desserts, ready to go, in one area, with extra plates, napkins and utensils.
What Would be Better
- Last Minute Changes - making sure we don't do any last minute changes (almost everyone made some), there were some last minute changes and we had some similar dishes. It didn't make too much of a difference but it would be nice not to have any repeats
- Working Ahead More - making sure that I do my sides and gravy a day ahead - that was the intention but it didn't work out that way this year - there's always next year!
- More Gravy Boats - having an extra gravy boat - it would have been nice to have one at both ends of the table. This was the first year we did 1 long table, so I did not need 2 gravy boats before (also, the first year we had 12 people, including kiddos!)
- Beverage Area - have a designated beverage area; I sort of had one but it was a bit crammed and it would be nice to have one that was more spread out with glasses and ice ready to go.
Also
- Vintage Recipes - After Thanksgiving, I was researching vintage Thanksgiving recipes, I think it would be fun to have a few of those grace the table or at least test some out for the blog, think "Cranberry Jello Salad" and the like 🙂
- More Recipes - I would love to include more classic, standard Thanksgiving recipes like Creamed Corn, Candied Sweet Potatoes (Yams), Parker House Rolls, duch*ess Potatoes/casserole, Dressing/Stuffing (I have a great recipe I have served that I would like that share soon on the blog) or Creamed Spinach and Pearl Onions - things I remember my paternal Grandparents serving for nostalgia's sake - I love nostalgic food!
RELATED: Thanksgiving Menu (2017) and Black Friday Super Sunday Cyber Monday Favorites 2019
"Christmas-Giving"
- This year we had a mash of of Thanksgiving and Christmas because my parents were in town from New Hampshire and I know not everyone would be all together for Christmas. My mom suggested having a "Yankee Swap" which was very fun. I think it's great because it's a fun game, an ice breaker and gift-giving all in one. It was the first time Eric's family had ever done one!
I would love to hear how your Thanksgiving celebration went?
What worked well?
What didn't?
Where did you celebrate?
Please let me know in the comments below!
Our Other Recipes and Posts
If you like this Thanksgiving Menu 2019 post, check out our other recipes and posts on the blog:
- Dumpling Recipes Collection
- Holiday Side Dish Recipes Collection
- Peach Cobbler Recipe
- Blueberry Cobbler Recipe
- Friendsgiving Menu
- Oatmeal Recipes Collection
- Pumpkin Recipes Collection
- Halloween Recipes Collection
- Simple Syrups Recipe Collection
- Strawberry Galette
- Cherry Recipes Collection
- Halloween Recipes Collection
- Soup Recipes Collection
- Quick Breads Recipe Collection
- No-Knead Bread Rolls
- Ice Cream Recipes Collection
- Slow Cooker Crock-Pot Butter Corn
- Apple Recipes Collection
- Basil Recipes Collection
- Blackberry Recipes Collection
- Lemon Rosemary Salmon
- Thanksgiving Sides Recipes Collection
- Root Beer Float Recipe
- Perfect Sage Thyme Butter Whipped Potatoes
I’m sharing what we served at our Thanksgiving dinner this year, going over what worked and what could be improved on for next year.
1
Homemade Gingerbread Coffee Recipe
Homemade Gingerbread Coffee is sweet and the Gingerbread Syrup in it has molasses, black pepper, allspice, cloves, nutmeg and vanilla, it has creamy steamed half and half and it topped with Gingerbread Spice Mixture. This hot coffee drink is really a treat for the taste buds and all the senses. #ad
2
How To Make Pumpkin Spice Mix
Have you ever wonderedHow To Make Pumpkin Spice Mix? This easy recipe tutorial brings yourpumpkin spicebaked goods to a new level!
3
Homemade Gingerbread Syrup Recipe
Homemade Gingerbread Syrup Recipeis perfect for adding to coffee or espresso drinks, co*cktails, or over desserts. Enjoy this sweet, spiced syrup all through the Autumn, Winter seasons or whenever you are craving that Gingerbread flavor!
4
Homemade Gingerbread Spice Mixture Recipe
ThisHomemade Gingerbread Spice Mixture Recipehas allspice, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, ground nutmeg and fresh ground black pepper medley. This spice mix is perfect for the Autumn and Winter holiday season, add it to all your favorite drinks and desserts!
5
Easy Pecan Pie Recipe
My sister-in-law, Nicole, made an amazing pecan pie, here's a pecan pie recipe on our blog: "ThisEasy Pecan Pie Recipeis a sweet, delicious, classicpierecipe – perfect for theThanksgivingtable or anydesserttable. You can take a shortcut using a 9-inch, pre-made, deep dish pie crust and enjoy a sweet homemade pie filling. It goes great with a hot cup of coffee or tea. (makes 8 slices)"
6
Incredible Homemade Apple Pie
My parents brought a delicious apple pie (my husband's favorite!) from a local orchard, here's my apple pie recipe: "This classic,Incredible Homemade Apple Piehas an incredible flavor with a buttery, crisp crust one can only dream about. Bring this epic homemade pie to your next holiday gathering and get ready for the fanfare it brings! (vegan option)"
7
Slow Cooker Crock-Pot Butter Corn
This is a kid-friendly must for our Thanksgiving table!: "Slow Cooker Crock-Pot Butter Cornis the easiest side dish you could possibly have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Holiday gatherings or any dinner. All you need is frozen corn, unsalted butter, salt, pepper and any optional seasonings. This side dish is also a kid-friendly favorite recipe! (gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan option)"
8
Hot Apple Cider
Photo Credit:Amazon.com
I made Crock Pot Hot Apple Cider with cinnamon sticks - it was so delicious!
Here's an affiliate link to Apple Cider from Whole Foods that you can order from Amazon.com:
9
No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream
I got some lactose-free, store-bought vanilla ice cream to serve with the pies for dessert, here is a homemade, easy vanilla ice cream recipe on our blog: "This 3-ingredient,No-Churn Vanilla Ice Creamis creamy, scoopable and delightful over your favorite dessert. (makes 1 loaf pan)"
10
Perfect Sage Thyme Butter Whipped Potatoes
My mom made a classic, mashed potatoes recipe with Yukon Gold potatoes, here's one of my blog's whipped potatoes recipe on the blog (I served these last year from Friendsgiving!): "Perfect Sage Thyme Butter Whipped Potatoes are savory, full of flavor and a favorite on the Holiday table. Enjoy these creamy, butter-infused, whipped Yukon Gold potatoes at your meal! Keep them warm in a slow cooker for easy serving."
11
Vanilla Whipped Cream
Vanilla whipped cream, also called vanillaChantillycream, is the perfecttoppingto a dessert, ice cream or even a coffee drink.
12
Cornichons Gherkins
Photo Credit:Amazon.com
Here's the link to the kind of Cornichons Gherkins (dill) that I served for appetizer. Here's the affiliate link to the same kind on Amazon.com. My mom also brought sweet ones.
13
Herbes de Provence Roasted Sweet Potatoes
I roasted 6 sweet potatoes with basic seasonings, here's a roasted sweet potato recipe on the blog: "With only5 ingredients–Herbes de Provence Roasted Sweet Potatoesare a simple & delicious way to enjoysweet potatoes;they are seasoned with aromaticHerbes de Provencemake the perfect side dish to compliment any meal!"
14
Pumpkin Pie
I was planning on making pumpkin pie but my parents brought 2, here's my go-to pumpkin pie recipe on the blog:
"Pumpkin Pie is a dessert that is perfect for dessert early Fall through the Winter. Filled with aromatic spices and delicious pumpkin filling, there’s nothing like a homemade, fresh-baked Pumpkin Pie! (vegetarian)"
15
How to Roast a Turkey
I did a 2-day dry brine for our 17-18 pound, fresh local turkey from Goat Hill Farm (I highly recommend them if you are local!). Here's a basic Roasted Turkey recipe tutorial on our blog:
"Roasted Turkeyis a savory and delicious staple recipe that every cook should know especially forThanksgivingandChristmas. The recipe only requires turkey, unsalted butter, stock, salt, pepper and optional ingredients and is actually very simple to make!"
16
Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe
ThisHomemade Turkey GravyRecipetutorial helps you make the most delicious turkey gravyfrom scratch! It’ssavory, the perfect consistency (thickened withall-purpose flour), herb-infused withsage,rosemaryandthyme(optional) and has a splash ofsherryorwhite wine(optional).
17
Garlic Herb Dry Brine
This year I used a delicious dry brine given to me by my neighbor (she got it from Costco). It had all the herbs, plus vanilla beans, orange peel, apple, peppercorns, etc. I also added fresh 1 fresh lemon. It was so good. I am thinking about creating a homemade version of this dry brine since it came out so good. I also did a 2 day brine which gave the best results yet for a roasted turkey. Here's the Dry Brine recipe that I usually use on my blog:
"ThisGarlic Herb Dry Brinemakes a turkey or roast delicious, flavorful and savory. A key dry brine recipe to have in your back pocket!"
18
Sweet Hawaiian Dinner Rolls
Photo Credit:Amazon.com
I served store-bought Sweet Hawaiian Dinner Rolls because they are a favorite among the kiddos. I would love to make a homemade version for the blog. Here's an affiliate link to them on Amazon Whole Foods:
19
How to Make Kale Chips
My sister-in-law, Nicole, brought an amazing Massaged Kale Salad with slivered almonds, crumbled feta and dried cranberries - it was so refreshing to have a recipe like this at Thanksgiving. I would like to remake a version of her salad for the blog, in the meantime, here's a Kale Chips recipe: "Kale Chipsare a savory, healthier-for-you than potato chips snack which can be easily customized to your tastes. It only takes a few ingredients, regular olive oil, sea salt, fresh ground pepper, and optional Italian four-cheese blend and 20 minutes to roast, to make these delicious Kale Chips!"
20
Rosemary-Infused Cranberry Sauce
Michel, my father-in-Law, brought a classic cranberry sauce made from locally-harvested cranberries and Linda, my mother-in-law, brought a cranberry sauce with orange and nuts. Here's a Rosemary-Infused Cranberry Sauce recipe on our blog:
21
Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
My mom made Roasted Brussels Sprouts (with olive oil and Herbes de Provence and herbs from my garden, Thyme and Rosemary) and my Linda, my mother-in-law, brought a brussels sprouts dish as well.
"TheseOven Roasted Brussels Sproutsare the perfect, healthy, vegan side dish for dinner or holiday gatherings. Simply seasoned and always delicious! (vegan, gluten-free)"
22
Crescent Rolls
Photo Credit:Amazon.com
Eric's mom, Linda, brought Crescent Rolls and Nicole, my sister-in-law, made them with my daughter. The kids love them and they make a great, tasty roll to serve with dinner. I am linking to "IMMACULATE BAKING COMPANY Organic Crescent Rolls" (8 oz.) that you can order from Amazon Whole Foods.
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Sara Maniez
Owner at Life's Little Sweets
Sara is an architectural designer turned work-at-home Mom. She lives in New Jersey by way of New England and New York, with her husband and 3 kids under 8. She loves design, being creative, and spending time with family and friends. She loves checking out local businesses and eats and being apart of the local farm to table community.
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