Tablescapes, dinner, sides, desserts, an outfit and all things Thanksgiving on weekend meanderings.
Good Saturday morning friends!
Today I am joining Kim and Juliet for weekend meanderings, our weekly series of things that caught our eye, piqued our interest, adventures, style, life and so much more.
I am a wee bit tired this morning, we went to a bon fire party last night and I stayed up way past my bedtime. Luckily I have no plans for the rest of the day so maybe I can take a nap later.
It was a busy week on the blog, I started off with DIY scented lavender bath salts and DIY decorative matches then shared my all time favorite cranberry recipes, many of which you can make for Thanksgiving. And then ended with my Friday Favorites post where I shared 2 delicious cocktails, a few comfort food recipes you will love and of course lots of links, books and articles.
Lets’ Meander
We interrupt our regularly scheduled Christmas content this week to talk about the “reason for the season” and the month of November… Thanksgiving!
I won’t lie, once the calendar flipped from October to November my mind was on Christmas. Actually, as I have been bombarded with catalogs since September the seed for early holiday excitement was already planted.
I still have pumpkins scattered about the house and a wreath on my door but the Christmas Tupperware is creeping into the house.
Today let’s talk about Thanksgiving. Setting a beautiful Thanksgiving table, the food, and then things to do after you enjoy your scrumptious meal.
Setting the Table
Creating a beautiful table to welcome family and friends doesn’t have to be a challenge. Simply use what you have, pumpkins, fresh fruit, i.e, pears, apples, pomegranate, add some candles, some foraged greenery and voila you have a beautiful centerpiece. If you want to save on time you can always use a centerpiece from the florist.
Cindy is the master of creating looks with foraged finds so if you need a little inspiration check out this post.
Image Classy Girl Wear Pearls
Next, lay the table. Start with a tablecloth, placemats or chargers. They add texture and color to the table. A plaid throw or a scarf are an easy alternative as well. Don’t forget to add a little color and pattern with your napkins.
I like to use my everyday white plates and then add character or a nod to the season with decorative salad plates. This is also the perfect time to bring out your grandmothers china! Mix and match your favorite pieces.
Image Ella Claire
This easy, beautiful Fall table from Ella Claire is a perfect example of effortless style.
Thanksgiving Feast
Thanksgiving is all about the food, it doesn’t compete with costumes, a bunny or presents. There are a few key components to Thanksgiving dinner; the turkey, mashed potatoes with lots of cream and butter, green bean casserole, stuffing/dressing, rolls and pie. The rest is gravy as they say.
Turkey & Gravy
Turkey is the star of the meal for many, some people roast it, some people deep fry it. I rounded up a few turkey recipes and information on cooking it just in case it is your first time.
Image The Curious Plate
Easy Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter
Image Rock Recipes
Cranberry Hazlenut Turkey Wellington
Side Dishes
I have to be honest, turkey isn’t my favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal. I love the plethora of side dishes, the wild rice, the stuffing, the salads and sweet potatoes. Here are a few side dishes you might want to add to your Thanksgiving dinner.
Wild Rice with Pecans and Cranberries
15 Salads That Might Outshine the Bird
Rolls
Is it really Thanksgiving if you forget the rolls? More times than I can count we have either forgotten to bake the rolls or we left them in the oven and they burned. Luckily we always make extra if this happens.
Image Cooking Classy
Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls
20 Recipes for Thanksgiving Rolls, Biscuits and Breads
Dessert
Pies, cakes, cookies, bread, and tarts… they are all invited to the Thanksgiving table. Apples, cinnamon, cloves, and, of course, pumpkin are the stars of the menu but there is always room on the dessert table for your families favorite chocolate cake.
Slab apple pie with crumble topping
Mini Pumpkin Pies with Speculous Crusts
Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce and Pecans
25 of the Best Thanksgiving Desserts
12 of My Favorites Cranberry Recipes
Need Help with Thanksgiving
Just in case you need a little help with your Thanksgiving dinner here are Inas Thanksgiving Tips.
Call the Butterball Hotline
Get Gobble! The Thanksgiving Playbook written by Nadine Isaac’s the sister of Katie of our favorite blog Preppy Empty Nester.
What do Do On Thanksgiving Aside From Eating
After the big meal here are a few things to keep you busy.
- Go for a walk
- Play games and do puzzles
- Start decorating for Christmas
- Do crafts or maybe make ornaments with the kids
- Go to the movies
- Stay home and have a holiday movie marathon
- Plan a scavenger hunt
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen
- Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
- Do a local Turkey Trot
Outfit of the Week
This sophisticated look can be dressed up or down and is comfy enough for a day of Thanksgiving eating!
pleated skirt//(sold Out//this skirt is similar//boots//sweater//bag//nails//earrings//ring//scarf
Last But Not Least
What To Do With Thanksgiving Leftovers
Easy Christmas Decorating Ideas Tips and Tricks
I love these hand crafted ornaments.
Flower Magazine Designer Show House
When to Start Paperwhites for Holiday Blooms
Don’t forget to get your advent calendars! It will soon be time to countdown to Christmas! This one is almost sold out!
If you want to make one yourself check out Annies family calendars.
THAT’S IT
I hope that you enjoyed meandering today and that when you leave here you pop over to see all of the things that Kim and Juliet have discovered this week.
If you missed any of the previous Weekend Meandering posts you can find them all here
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MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE
Have a wonderful and safe weekend!
This post contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase I will earn a commission at no cost to you.
Thanksgiving Prep Talk and Leftover Ideas
Saturday Meanderings and My Favorite Thanksgiving Finds From Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn
Thanks & Gratitude
Queen Elizabeth II, Rosemary Verey, and all things British on today’s Weekend Meanderings.
Thank you so much for including my potato stacks in this delicious round up! They are definitely one of my fave ways to serve potatoes and I love that they can be easily scaled up or down! xo
You are very welcome! I cannot wait to make them.
Elizabeth,
So much to read here. I will save all these recipes for when I start making my menu. Love the rice and cranberries with pecans and will try that. Looks delicious. Love the tables. I usually go for a simple look , but do what you do with salad plates for some variation.
I’m not into Christmas yet … A few things are on my radar though.
Hope you enjoy the weekend! I will sit down and read your Friday post with a cup of tea this weekend!
x Kim
The wild rice and cranberry with pecans is one of my all time favorites. I usually go pretty simple if we are having a lot of people, if it is my husband and I than I make it more fancy because there is more room on the table.
I am not really buying anything, I am just looking.
Have a wonderful weekend Kim!
xo
Thanksgiving in Canada happens in October, and it’s not the over the tip way it’s done in the States.
We like to make everything over the top in the USA. Happy weekend William!
Great ideas, Elizabeth! Everything looks so good. I’m Pinning away! One of my favorite things about the holidays is yeast rolls. Is there anything better? Well, maybe mashed potatoes. And the two together … my two main food groups. I can’t believe we’re into November and talking about these things … with Christmas around the corner. I’d better get busy! xo
Juliet, we are kindred spirits. The mashed potatoes and yeast rolls are my favorite as well. And the pumpkin pie!
Love the table setting from Ellis Claire!…that is my style …and that Wellington thing amazing!!!….have a nice Sunday…and eh….I am hungr Now
It really is a beautiful table scape. I hope you have a wonderful day!
Elizabeth, you always have the best ideas! I think I could get every recipe from your well researched post!!
Xx
Thank you Annie! I hope that you have a lovely week!
TURKEY IN THE PIZZA OVEN……………THE VERY BEST WAY!
AND SO SO MOIST!!!
BEEN DOING THAT FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS!
ONE HOUR AND 15 MINUTES AVERAGE COOK TIME!!!!
HOW MANY TREES?DID YOU SAY 8?
XXX
Elizabeth, that is the best idea ever! I never thought of that!
No, unfortunately not 8 trees, just 5 smALL ONES.