Thanksgiving Guide: Menu Plan, Family Activities & More

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We’ve created a one stop shop for all of your thanksgiving needs.

In this guide, you’ll find:

Meaningful and fun family activities
Thanksgiving Menu recipe ideas by category
More Tips and Tricks for preparing and hosting

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Thanksgiving Activities

It never hurts to have some activity ideas up your sleeve. Here are a few that your family might enjoy!

Make a Thanksgiving Tree – A family activity that all can participate in. Free printable included.
Table Talk Cards – Great conversation starters!
30+ Thanksgiving Crafts – Want to keep those little hands busy? Here are some great ideas.
Set out a puzzle. I personally love Ravensburger Puzzles. They are high quality and don’t fall apart!

Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas

Appetizers

Charcuterie Board – This is one appetizer that you can’t mess up and everyone loves.
Hummus & Veggie Sticks – Tasty and not too filling. Need to save room for that turkey!
Homemade Chex Mix – My grandma would have bowls of this out everywhere when we celebrated Thanksgiving at her house. Be warned, it’s addictive!
Easy Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze – My mother-in-law makes a version of this every year.
Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball – NEED I SAY MORE!?

Main Course

Turkey (We love this Step by Step Guide for the Best Roast Turkey by The Yummy Life.)
Smoked Turkey – Takes a bit of time but totally worth it! A smoker is necessary.
Holiday Ham with Cranberry-Orange Glaze – An easy alternative to have for anyone who doesn’t love turkey.

Side Dishes

Autumn Chopped Salad – Trust me. This one is a WINNER.
Simple Homemade Stuffing – So easy. You’ll never go back to store bought after this.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Made in the Instant Pot to save time!
Sweet and Savory Roasted Carrots – A yummy twist on baby carrots.
Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans – Who wants a green bean casserole when you can wrap them in bacon??
10-Minute Cranberry Sauce – Gorgeous color and amazing flavor in just minutes. Make ahead and freeze! (You could also try out our Apple Cranberry Sauce if Cranberry sauce is a bit too tart for you.)

Dessert and Drinks

Pumpkin Dump Cake – Easier and tastier than pumpkin pie, in our humble opinions.
Snickerdoodle Cookies – These are SO good. Fun to have kids help with the prep, too.
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Latte – Such a treat to have before or after a Thanksgiving meal!
Apple Pie Bars – Made with a delicious green apple filling and a buttery sugar cookie crust.
Pie in a Jar – These personal-sized pies are made in little mason jars that can go straight from your freezer to your oven to your mouth.