While the majority of Thanksgiving party ideas may center around the food you serve, hosting a memorable event goes beyond just what’s on the menu.From mood lighting and activities to plan. , to Thanksgiving decoration ideas, it’s the special details that create the festive atmosphere and make the party a success.
Of course, once you’ve done all the cooking and table setting, you may not have the time (or energy) to do anything that fancy. Here, we’ve gathered fun ideas and expert advice to suit all kinds of duties and effort levels, from casual get-togethers to Turkish day soiree.
thanksgiving party ideas
A Thanksgiving party should mimic the theme of the day. It is a time to celebrate with friends and family and appreciate what you have. Activities and details should focus on bringing people together and creating a sense of connection (even if watching a game (even if they were huddled together on the couch for the sake of it).
If the overall theme is warm and inviting, it’s sure to be a memorable day.
1. Make a “cheesecake”
(Image credit: Together at the table)
Thanksgiving table decorating ideas may be at the heart of your party plans, but if you want your hosting to be truly memorable, know that the route to your guests’ hearts is through their stomachs.
An elaborate cheese board is certainly a good time, but for a simpler approach to serving camembert to a crowd, try a “cheese cake.”
“We’re a family of cheese lovers, so we served a ‘cheesecake’ rather than a traditional cheese board,” says Capucine de Wolfe Gooding. together at the table (opens in new tab), co-founder of tableware brand Juliska. “It looks gorgeous and is perfect for a large party.”
To make your own, simply stack several cheeses on a serving tray or cake stand. Add a touch.
2. Scent the scene
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Scent is one of the easiest ways to create a cozy atmosphere, and the best Thanksgiving decorations combine good looks with great smell. A simple DIY potpourri adds a festive touch, but it’s far more delicate than cooking a turkey in the oven.
Easy recipe? In a large freezer bag, combine dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, pine cones, whole cloves or whole allspice, and a few drops of orange and clove essential oil. Shake until everything is mixed, then pour into a decorative bowl and enjoy as a centerpiece for Thanksgiving.
“If you have room on the stove or in your slow cooker, you can also mix the ingredients with a few cups of water (no need to dehydrate the oranges first) and simmer them together,” he suggests. home and gardenDeputy Editor-in-Chief, Jennifer Ebert.
3. Make a signature cocktail
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Serving signature cocktails makes your guests feel like they’re at a special event, but it also simplifies your job as a hostess. Offers.
Mix large batches and pour onto beverage servers for easy pouring, or place all ingredients on the bar or countertop and let your guests do their own thing.
4. Served in a buffet style
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Any party can be as much fun as the host or hostess. Please. It takes some of the pressure off of you and invites more helping hands.
“If you’re inviting a large crowd to Thanksgiving, a buffet is the way to go. It also makes for a beautiful presentation,” says De Wolf Gooding.
5. Decorate with plans
(Image credit: Jane Bales)
When planning your Thanksgiving table setting, we recommend choosing a palette for your table. (opens in new tab).
“Use complementary colors in tableware, linens, and accessories. Then build all the layers of the table to match your ceremony: linens, florals, candles, place cards, menus, and keepsakes,” she says. .
6. Build a wall of appreciation
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Reinforce the day’s theme by inviting guests to join your appreciation wall. To create one, cut a length from a large roll of paper or fabric. Then put it in a large picture frame or hang it on the wall with masking tape. Have your guests write down a few things that bring them joy.
For an interactive idea, you could use kraft paper instead of tablecloths and have guests write thank you notes in place settings.
7. Light a candle
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Lights play a big part in setting the mood for any party. On Thanksgiving, dim the lights and light the candles to transition from party time to dinner. This instantly indicates that it’s time to eat and talk.
For an easy Thanksgiving party idea to set the mood for dinner, line the vintage taper holders in the center of the table and add fall-colored candles to match your Thanksgiving decor.
8. Decorate the children’s table
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If you have kids at your Thanksgiving party, give them special attention to your child’s table and help them create their own memories. Thanksgiving craft ideas.
9. Play games
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No cozy gathering is complete without a few games. A conservative approach might be to put a variety of board games on the table for guests to freely participate in, or play a team game of Checkers or Scrabble to get everyone involved.
In the latter case, divide the party into two teams, with each member of the team taking turns making one move (or adding one word) and waiting until a winner is determined. This is great when guests have freedom of movement throughout the night. Thanksgiving Mistakes to Avoid? Forced Fun – Not everyone likes to play games.
10. Offer kid-friendly snacks
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A highly rated Thanksgiving-themed food on the creativity charts, it will satisfy the picky eaters in your group, but doesn’t require much extra effort.
Copy this cute idea by cutting the sandwich into circles and adding apple slices like wings (fixing them to the plate with dots of nut butter). Finish off the illustration with a leg made of pepper strips and a sliced carrot beak, then add a bow on top.
11. Pump up a hot cocoa bar
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Interactive treats like hot cocoa bars turn desserts into fun party activities. For special occasions, take the hot his chocolate his spread up a notch without the marshmallows in your mug.
Have a variety of cocoa bases, such as unsweetened cocoa powder, commercial hot chocolate, or melted chocolate. Then add stations for gourmand-approved mix-ins such as chili powder (for Mexican-style cocoa), cinnamon sticks, mint leaves or peppermint extract, and fresh whipped cream.
How can you make Thanksgiving fun for adults?
If your crew tends to sit on the couch until dinner is ready, this year offers a fun new idea for party guests to get involved. Install outdoors. You can also display the game on an outdoor projector.
stay in? A perfect excuse for classic board games like Scrabble, Scattergories and Chess.
Of course, it’s useful to have plenty of appetizers on hand. As well as a bar cart and an area where guests can mix their own pre-dinner drinks.
What can children do when they are bored with Thanksgiving?
For kids, Thanksgiving means a day at home that can be tantamount to boredom. Prepare Thanksgiving crafts to keep them occupied, or assign simple cooking tasks they can handle and take them to the kitchen.
You can also take cues from adult activities and have fun garden games and outdoor movies when the weather permits, or board games and coloring books for the kids.
