Thanksgiving…Tablescapes, Sides, Desserts, Activities and More on Weekend Meanderings

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. 

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.

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.

Easy Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter

13 Best Turkey Recipes

How to Cook A Turkey

Sheet Pan Roasted Turkey

Dry Brined Turkey

Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

Cranberry Hazlenut Turkey Wellington

The Perfect Deep Fried Turkey

80 Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas

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

Mushroom Stuffing

Cornbread Stuffing

Green Bean Casserole

Vegan butter & Herb Stuffing

The Best Mashed Potatoes

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Cheesy Herb Potato Stacks

Kale Ceasar Salad

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.

Rosemary dinner rolls

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

Bourbon Sweet Potato Pie

Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce and Pecans

25 of the Best Thanksgiving Desserts

12 of My Favorites Cranberry Recipes

Perfect Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Cheesecake

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.

1. Go for a walk
2. Play games and do puzzles
3. Start decorating for Christmas
4. Do crafts or maybe make ornaments with the kids
5. Go to the movies
6. Stay home and have a holiday movie marathon
7. Plan a scavenger hunt
8. Volunteer at a soup kitchen
9. Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
10. 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

 Subscribe to the blog and you will get the latest recipes and post to your inbox! You can also keep up with me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook.

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.