Before we dive into the holiday season too much, let’s focus on Thanksgiving plans. Our goal? Eat (or serve if you’re hosting) recipes that are not only delicious, but also easy to make.
We have hosted several friendsgivings with you over the years, so we’re going to share some simple craft ideas you can create to add extra festive flair to your decor.
So, grab a leisurely drink (like hot gingerbread chocolate) and keep scrolling!
The adage “keep the best for last” is usually true, but we start with desserts because … why not? This unbaked pumpkin pie is a crowd-pleaser and can be prepared the night before.
If you’re a chocolate fanatic like us and love an easy no-bake option, you have to make our chocolate silk cake.
Cranberry Pie bars are the perfect mix of sweet and tart, and the crumbly topping is out of this world. We also have a recipe for easy apple pie bars that is just as amazing.
If you are a sweet potato fanatic, you will love this sweet potato cake with moist marshmallows. The bourbon is completely optional, but it’s a fun twist.
You could make a bunch of sticky pecan cake buns or a small amount of cinnamon buns the night before Thanksgiving and toss them in the oven for a sweet morning treat.
If your making a turkey this year, click here to read Emma’s tips for baking a foolproof turkey and her turkey brine recipe.
Do you prefer a vegetarian option? Emma’s lentil meatballs with cranberry sauce are amazing. Make an extra batch – these went quick when we friendsgiving them a few years ago!
Or you could make stuffed meatballs. All the flavors of Thanksgiving in one bite? Yes, please.
Let’s talk about salads. This Brussels, kale and cranberry salad is topped with the most amazing homemade dressing. In this case, trust us!
It’s hard not to put fresh cranberries on top All because they are so good.
This autumn-inspired salad is topped with filling crotons. Correctly-self-made filling Croutons.
Here’s another option that is both unique and full of flavor – red quinoa, kale, and grapefruit salad. It’s filled with soothing ingredients and the grapefruit brings the perfect serving of spicy goodness.
Is It Really a No-Green Bean Casserole Thanksgiving Roundup? This macaroni casserole with green beans is very special. Who doesn’t love macaroni?
Another must-have? Mashed potatoes. This slow cooker mashed potato recipe is incredibly easy to make and incredibly good. We like to add lots of chives and cheddar cheese on top!
If you like beets (and their beautiful color), you can pair them with potatoes to make beet puree and potatoes with goat cheese.
Brussels sprouts (especially when they’re extra crispy) are a staple on our Thanksgiving table. Here are three recipes we love:
So, we’ve got the green bean casserole covered. If you’re looking for another option that’s decadent and crazy well, you have to make this filling with baked mac & cheese. You need to!
Cheers to seasonal cocktails! We love a good hot toddy – especially this cranberry-flavored hot toddy and apple-cinnamon version.
Think of something cuter than a spiced pumpkin pie martini with a tiny cake topping. We dare you … 😉
We love this festive orange and cranberry margarita and prosecco cranberry mimosa (perfect for a Thanksgiving brunch theme).
Another crowd puller? Cranberry jello shots with a rosemary garnish.
If you have guests this year, Emma’s Friendsgiving hosting tips are a must when you have guests.
This cardstock leaf garland is so cute and easy to make. It is even more special when you write what you are grateful for on each sheet of paper.
Mandarins aren’t just for snacking. They’re so pretty when you incorporate them into your decor like we did with this fresh mandarin wreath and edible centerpiece.
These votive candles, punched in pewter, radiate the most beautiful shine.
If you’ve never brought a stove to a simmer before, have to try these “recipes” this season. They make your home smell amazing.
We love this placeholder idea! Add pumpkins to your table and use a colored pencil to add your guests’ names.
Or you could make a set of pumpkin pie place cards. The “whipped cream” cotton ball is too sweet.
This pretty white and gold Christmas wreath can be made with a few supplies from your local craft store (and can be used for Thanksgiving or Christmas).
How much fun are these splatter napkin rings?
When you get supplies for a DIY wreath at the craft store, use fluffy yarn and fake flowers to make your own fall flower garland. So beautiful!
And just for fun, we thought we’d add a hostess gift guide and a home cooked gift guide. A nice bottle of wine makes a great gift, but the more the better!
Send lots of love to this Thanksgiving Day 🧡 -The ABM team