Thanksgiving is a celebration that happens each year in the USA and nowadays, in other parts of the world. Originating in 1621, after the first harvest that Pilgrims had in the New World, it’s remained a tradition for many across the country.
It’s an opportunity to celebrate, get together with loved ones, eat food, and to share what each person is thankful for. After a stressful few years for the world in general, this year’s Thanksgiving is likely to be a great one. However, it’s all about how and what’s organized during this day that makes for a great occasion.
This guide will share five of the best things needed to enjoy a Thanksgiving. Hopefully, it’ll be one to remember!
Serve up a signature cocktail
Whether it’s a alcohol or alcohol-free cocktail, serving up a signature cocktail is a great way to get the party started. These can be offered round as welcome drinks while everyone is getting acquainted with one another. If it’s not too challenging to provide some canapes or bowl food, this will all go down well with cocktails.
Ideally, it’s good to pre-make the cocktail mixtures for easy serving. However, if making them all from scratch, ensure all equipment and glassware are purchased in advance.
There are plenty of great recipes online for cocktails both non-alcoholic and alcoholic versions. Consider the holiday and what type of thanksgiving drink will match best for the occasion. A few recommendations would be Apple Cider Mimosas or Cranberry Pear Ginger Fizz. Anything with spice or apple in is going to go down a treat.
A delicious turkey
The turkey is the main event and is typically carved up by the person who is most familiar with a carving knife and fork.
To create a delicious turkey that is going to be the talk of the Thanksgiving dinner, it’s all about finding the right recipe. This turkey recipe from Yellow Bliss Road is a classic example of a turkey that will be succulent and juicy. Not only that but it provides golden skin that will look Instagram-worthy for all the young ones to snap up.
If anything, the turkey should be the one thing that’s spent on, especially as turkey can be notoriously dry. The better quality of the turkey and recipe, the more beautiful the turkey will be!
Ask guests to bring a dish contribution
For dish contributions, it’s important that all guests bring a little something to the table. This can be the case when the family get-together is growing and there are more mouths to feed as a result. By asking each guest to bring a dish, it can help provide a sense of togetherness through food. Everyone will be providing something for other guests to enjoy.
Make sure it’s noted who is bringing what so that the food isn’t being doubled or tripled up by guests. Ideally, there should be something unique for each person. Do ask guests to bring a mixture of starters, mains and dessert dishes.
Play games or watch a seasonal film
For after-dinner activities, every household is a little different from the next. Some prefer to play games or go for a walk, while others would rather lounge on the couch, watching a seasonal film.
Making this a tradition is a great way to make the occasion more meaningful. If you play games, make sure to play the same games every year to make it more nostalgic. There are plenty of seasonal films to get guests in the mood for the festivities in December, so maybe find a classic film that everyone can enjoy.
Get everyone to write down what they’re thankful for
Being thankful is the main objective during Thanksgiving. With that being said, make sure to get everyone to note down what they’re thankful for. They may want to read it out and share it with others, and some may not. Don’t force those who don’t want to share as the personal acknowledgment is more than enough for some.
Acknowledging what we’re thankful for is humbling and can often be a highlight for those who are attending the shindig.
Make this Thanksgiving the best one yet
Thanksgivings come around like clockwork, much like Christmas. It can get a bit monotonous over time, so it’s always good to revamp and refresh thanksgiving celebrations every so often. Make this year one of the best by taking these tips and utilizing them for this year’s Thanksgiving celebrations in the home.
