We all have Thanksgiving traditions, whether it’s a dish that everyone looks forward to all year long or Grandpa’s speech that kicks off the meal. When it comes to a holiday so steeped in custom, friends and family know exactly what to expect when they arrive on your doorstep. That’s comforting — if a bit boring.
Why not add some new traditions to surprise and delight your guests? We’ve got 19 Thanksgiving ideas that will make your guests give thanks that they’re at your holiday gathering. From creative table layouts to making your loved ones feel good, we’ve found the best ideas from real Thanksgiving (and Friendsgiving) gatherings. Read on to find some new ways to host this age-old celebration.
Grand entrances aren’t just for weddings. This Friendsgiving celebration warmly welcomed — through a floral-flanked entrance — 50 women for networking and support during the hectic holiday season. We love how a beautiful entryway sets the tone for an even more beautiful gathering.
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Thanksgiving happens on the fourth Thursday of each November — that we can count on. Far less predictable is the weather, which can range from sunny and crisp to overcast and soggy. We love a solid bad weather backup plan that’s also beautiful, and this clear tent protects guests while making magic with string lights and rustic wood chandeliers.
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Home isn’t the only place that the heart is — the love is wherever you and your friends and family are. Consider hosting your warm and welcoming Thanksgiving at a special spot, like a hotel, restaurant, or other spot that holds meaning. Bonus: let the professionals make the meal and serve it so you can really relax and enjoy the holiday.
The vendors who made this event happen:
photographer: Miller Studio Boston | florals: Winston Flowers | venue & caterer: Four Seasons Boston (One Dalton Street) | rentals: PEAK Event Services | entertainment: Entertainment Specialists | beverage: Martignetti Companies | caterer: Four Seasons Boston (One Dalton Street)
Even if you’re celebrating in a warmer climate, you can infuse your Thanksgiving décor with traditional fall hues. We adore how this gathering brought in colorful foliage with autumn trees and branches to both the backyard and indoor settings.
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Instead of separate tables, consider having all guests face each other by arranging seating more creatively. We adore how this rustic-chic Thanksgiving dinner keeps the centerpieces low and the conversation flowing.
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Consider your guests: Who hasn’t seen each other in a while? Who might have something in common? Create interesting conversation with assigned seats — and do it beautifully with creative place cards. We love how these place cards remind guests they are loved, while also creating a sensory experience with dried herbs and orange slices.
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photo courtesy of & event planner: Stacey Moe Events | vintage rentals: Relics Vintage Rentals
We love the idea of seating guests with words of gratefulness. The sweet signage at this Thanksgiving soirée reminds friends and family (in clever fashion) that the host is happy to be spending the holidays with them.
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Velvet manages to be both glamorous and cozy, the perfect mix for a fall celebration. We adore how this Thanksgiving gathering brought velvet to the tabletops in multiple vibrant hues on mini pumpkins and as wraps for the terra cotta pots. We also appreciate the sustainability of utilizing plants as décor — you can even allow guests to take them home afterwards.
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Whether it’s your tablecloth, runner, or napkins, table linen offers the perfect opportunity to infuse interesting patterns into your Thanksgiving décor. We like how this black-and-white checked table runner brings a modern touch to vintage pink florals and greenery.
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There’s no need to ensure you have enough matching plates, napkins, and more for guests. In fact, place settings are much more interesting when mixed and matched. We love how this Thanksgiving tablescape varies florals, linen texture and hues, as well as the napkin holders and even the dishes to stunningly gorgeous effect.
The vendors who made this event happen:
photographer: Milou & Olin Photography | event planner: Danielle Gibson Events | floral design: Scarlette & Grace | winery: St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery | videography: Giggle and Riot Funbooths | paper products: Blushtype
After looking at thousands of celebratory photos, one thing is clear — glasses don’t need to be, well, clear. We adore how hued glassware can coordinate with table décor for a cohesive vibe. The smoky wine goblets at this Thanksgiving gathering made a modern statement.
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We’ve talked about how every element on your table creates an impact — from glassware and dishes to linen and florals. But we want to remind you that candles can do more than add a dreamy vibe; they can bring vibrant color, as well. We love how these hobnail glass votives infuse jewel tones into the tablescape.
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photo courtesy of & design & décor: A Perfect Event
Sure, you can spend the afternoon and evening keeping your guests’ goblets full, but what a treat for you and your friends and family to be pampered by expertly-mixed sips. Setting up a bar and a mixologist not only frees your time, but make a Thanksgiving dinner feel extra special. While you’re at it, offer a signature cocktail—something with cranberries, maybe?
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A descriptive menu allows guests to eagerly anticipate the delectable meal to come. While you’re at it, why not get creative with your menu and place it in an unexpected place? We like the cleverness of this menu printed on the bread sleeve, meaning guests are greeted with their roll and highlights of the meal to come at the same time.
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Gluten-free? Vegan? Lactose-intolerant? Cool chalkboard-like signage keeps guests safe while they graze on your holiday fare. The menu for this Thanksgiving gathering — including roasted root vegetables, marinated Kalamata olives, and warm New England-style seafood chowder — makes us wish we were invited.
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photo courtesy of & caterer: Joy Wallace Catering
Turkey represents tradition, sure, but you can impress guests with additional offerings that wow. We appreciate the extensive menu at this beautiful backyard Thanksgiving gathering, as it includes crab legs and tuna tartare, lobster, and more—bringing a coastal vibe to the fall table.
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If you focus your fare on seasonally-available produce, you’ll quite naturally “taste the rainbow” (thanks, Skittles). Consider how your Thanksgiving menu items will complement each other on the plate to engage the senses — remember we also “eat” with our eyes.
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This autumn take on Tic-Tac-Toe has us oohing and aahing. What a clever take on an outdoor activity from organic, seasonal materials. We imagine kids and adults alike rearranging these pumpkins into winning order.
The vendors who made this event happen:
photo courtesy of & caterer: Joy Wallace Catering
Of course, guests will naturally gather around the table for good food and conversation; but a great host ensures there are additional communal areas. We like how this Canadian Thanksgiving offers groupings of couches and chairs on the lawn (ah, LA in November) for friends and family to mix and mingle.
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People Also Ask…
What are some Thanksgiving day traditions?
Some popular Thanksgiving traditions include: having everyone share what they’re grateful for, breaking the wishbone for luck, watching a parade and/or football, participating in a run (or “turkey trot”), and more.
We also appreciate love when hosts coordinate a holiday giveback — whether that means donating to a food bank, inviting lone neighbors to join your festivities, or serving at a soup kitchen.
How can I start planning my Thanksgiving gathering?
There’s no question that hosting a large group — even comprised of your most beloved friends and family — can be stressful. We always suggest choosing the tasks you find most intimidating or challenging and outsourcing them to professionals.
Hire an event planner to coordinate the guests, timeline, and other vendors. Choose a décor and floral company to create a beautiful entrance and tablescape. Find rentals in your area for additional tables, dishes, coordinating chairs, lounge areas, and linen. Hire a photographer to not only capture the day, but for posed portraits while your loved ones are all together.
And, of course, one of the bigger jobs of the day, feeding your brood, can be given to a top caterer. A skilled catering team will work with you to plan a menu of fare that wows while accommodating all of the dietary preferences and restrictions of the group, allowing you to relax and enjoy the holiday.
featured caterer
M CULINARY CONCEPTS
This team earns rave reviews for being flexible, attentive, and communicative. We love how their visually-stunning (as well as delicious) cuisine adds instant style to any celebration. photographer: Abel Ones