Thanksgiving Menu Ideas: What Recipes Will You Make & PIN?

I am about to share a parade of mouthwatering prospects for your traditional Thanksgiving feast, and I hope you are prepared for the delicious loveliness! Thanksgiving Menu Ideas: Inspiring Recipes to Plan & PIN has beautiful photo inspiration, sources for yummy side dishes and recipes, and shopping resources in case you need a few.

PERSONAL YADAYADA: In case you missed a few personal reflections shared recently, find it at the end of this post here. I’m still muddling through chronic illness with troubling new symptoms. We know I have an autoimmune disease (lived with Crohn’s since age 18) but we’re not sure if the new pain and neuropathy is a different illness.

Thanksgiving Menu Ideas: Recipes to Plan & PIN!

The incredibly soulful Thanksgiving tablescape above is reason enough to begin preparing our hearts for the holiday. Debbie of Wonderful Life Farm shares the most amazing recipes and ideas for making the everyday special. Find her recipes HERE.

Thanksgiving feast with turkey and beautiful Plymouth turkey dinnerware and serving pieces from Williams Sonoma.  #thanksgiving #tablescape #turkeydinner #dinnerware
Holiday feast – Williams Sonoma – Thanksgiving Menu Ideas as well as Winning Recipes to Plan and PIN.

Romantic & Inspiring Placesetting

This placesetting styled at Sunstone Winery and snapped by creative genius Elizabeth Messina a few years back continues to inspire me whenever I think of bringing together pretty elements for the Thanksgiving table.

Isn’t it special?

Vintage china in an elegant placesetting at a rustic farm table - rich and elegant tablescape inspiration - photo by Elizabeth Messina. #placesetting #romantictablescape #vintagestyle
Photo: Elizabeth Messina…certainly lovely indeed.

For more lovely tablescape inspiration, see THIS STORY.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Festive & Pretty Apple Cocktails & Mocktails

It can be so much easier to prepare cocktails or mocktails for a group in one fell swoop on Thanksgiving rather than mixing individual drinks. I mean there are always a million details to coordinate in the kitchen on turkey day, right?

6 Autumn Apple Recipes + 6 Simple Fall Decorating Tips - Hello Lovely Studio. #fallvibes #fallrecipes #applerecipes #autumnapples
Find more apple recipes here…in case you’re an apple fan in fall!

Both of these can be non-alcoholic by swapping ginger ale for the booze.

Apple cider cocktail in clear glass pitcher - Williams Sonoma. #applecocktail #cocktails #applecider
Sparkling Apple Cocktail RECIPE – Williams Sonoma…certainly pretty and delicious.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Vintage Etched Pitcher - Come discover Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas & Winning Recipes to Plan and PIN.
Etched Pitcher…in case you need a pretty pitcher.
Funny quote about moon on Hello Lovely Studio. #funnyquote #moonquotes #cleverquote #naturequotes
Red handled Swiss paring knife
Swiss Paring Knife…in case you need a kitchen essential.

If you want to keep things recipe-free, look no further than mini bottles of sparkling cider…wouldn’t these be darling in a large tub of ice or at individual placesettings with a ribbon?

Uplifting inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio from @mattcama: Not to spoil the end for you... #quotes #inspirationalquote #strugglequotes #encouragement #healing #hopequotes

And to keep headaches away, here’s another alcohol-free bubbly from Spain:

Sparkling white non-alochol wine from Spain.
tap image for buying info
Sonora Outdoor Etched Stemless Wine Glasses. Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas & Winning Recipes to Plan and PIN.
Etched Stemless Wine Glasses – in case you need these for the holidays.

This drink that appeals to me and will probably make an appearance at my Thanksgiving. It is festive and pretty, celebrates harvest season, and is a breeze to throw together.

Encouragement quote - if you're reading this, I hope something beautiful happens to you today - from Michele of Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquote #encouragement #positivevibes

I always make two versions of sangria, one is always alcohol-free (ginger ale in lieu of wine), and I usually opt for sparkling wine or cava rather than just white wine.

Delicious cocktail or mocktail idea for Thanksgiving with apples and cranberries - sangria recipe from Delish. #sangria #thanksgivingrecipes #thanksgivingmenu #applecranberry
Apple Cranberry Sangria RECIPE – Delish (photo: Chelsea Lupkin)…certainly yummy indeed.

Healthy Fall Crudités + Two Dip Ideas

Pumpkin Seed Hummus is such a genius thing to serve on Thanksgiving, and I love the idea of offering more than one dip option!

Crudites and dip platter for Thanksgiving - Williams Sonoma. #thanksgivingmenu #appetizer #crudites
Goat Cheese Buttermilk Dip, Pumpkin Seed Hummus, as well as fall crudités. Dip and Crudités RECIPE – Williams Sonoma.

So many beautiful ways to serve this appetizer, and I have a big ‘ol drawer devoted to just white serving pieces – so versatile and makes entertaining so much easier.

Terrasoul Superfoods organic pumpkin seeds (pepitas) - Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas & Winning Recipes to Plan and PIN
Organic Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) – in case you love organic.
Marble Round Platter - Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas & Winning Recipes to Plan and PIN
Marble serving platter ideas, Williams Sonoma…certainly lovely indeed.
Marble pastry board or platter for cheese boards and charcuterie. Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas & Winning Recipes to Plan and PIN
More marble board ideas HERE…certainly an entertaining essential.

I am crazy about marble serving pieces and everyday storage options (such as for salt/condiments…I use THESE), and I shared a marble serving set the other day on this board (marble serving set is bottom right):

Thanksgiving Dinner Mashed Potatoes

I love experimenting with mashed potato recipes and methods. Do you use a ricer? It is what I used for years until I got lazy and went back to a hand mixer. In the past, I shared an awesome tip for making mashed potatoes ahead of time and keeping them warm in a crock pot.

Inspirational quote about love and struggle from SillyHippy. #inspirationalquote #sillyhippy #quotes #encouragement

Here’s another method for juggling all the meal prep on the big day.

Make ahead mashed potatoes from Williams Sonoma. #mashedpotatoes #thanksgivingmenu #holidays
Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes RECIPE – Williams Sonoma…in case you need a delicious recipe for Thanksgiving.

How gorgeous are these serving pieces!?!

Plymouth turkey serving dishes from Williams Sonoma. #dinnerware #tabledecor #thanksgiving #thanksgivingturkey
Plymouth Turkey Serving Pieces – Williams Sonoma – in case you love these for Thanksgiving.

I love the simplicity of the leaf pattern on the edge of this serving bowl!

Deluxe mashed potatoes recipe from Williams Sonoma. Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas & Winning Recipes to Plan and PIN
Creamy Herb Mashed Potatoes RECIPE – Williams Sonoma – in case you need a delicious recipe for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Gravy Ideas

Does making gravy cause your brain to turn to gravy? I freak out every year and always have a backup ready-made gravy standing by. Using a gravy base and following the instructions for the recipe seems like a smart idea!

Williams Sonoma Classic Turkey Gravy Base - Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas & Winning Recipes to Plan and PIN
Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas as well as Winning Recipes to Plan and PIN.
Jars of gravy base from Williams Sonoma to make a delicious Thanksgiving gravy. #gravyrecipe #thanksgivingdinner #mashedpotatoes
Gravy Base – Williams Sonoma – Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas as well as Winning Recipes to Plan and PIN.

I told you this post was going to engage your appetite!

Delicious gravy poured over Thanksgiving mashed potatoes - Williams Sonoma. #mashedpotatoes #gravy #thanksgivingtable
Williams Sonoma – Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas as well as Winning Recipes to Plan and PIN.

Pretty & Simple Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas

Here’s that gorgeous Plymouth Turkey serving dish again–this time full of a gorgeous pear salad I am dying to make!

For pear fans, don’t miss THIS.

Plymouth Turkey Serving Bowl
Pear Salad With Blue Cheese & Walnuts RECIPE…in case you love a pretty salad idea.

My sons love sweet potatoes, and here’s a smart way to serve them while pleasing the sweet tooth and savory tooth alike. Choices!

Yummy sweet potato side dishes for the Thanksgiving feast! #thanksgivingmenu #sweepotatoes
Sweet Potatoes 2 Ways Side Dish – Williams Sonoma…certainly yummy indeed.
Set of 4 10" gratin dishes to serve Thanksgiving side dishes in style!
Set of 4 10″ Gratin Dishes…certainly a friendly price indeed.
Kirkland Ground Saigon Cinnamon
My favorite cinnamon indeed…KIRKLAND Ground Saigon Cinnamon

Delicious Stuffing for the Holiday Meal

Bread is sort of my soul mate so stuffing has always been my favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal. Every year (except for a couple of them when I couldn’t eat bread at all), I resemble a soft, squishy loaf of bread the day after Thanksgiving!

Is it just me?

What stuffing do you traditionally make for Thanksgiving? Cornbread? French bread? Stuffing with sausage?

Ralph Waldo Emerson quote about letting go of imperfect days. #inspirationalquotes #ralphwaldoemerson #strugglequote #encouragement

Here is a beautiful way to serve stuffing…

Cornbread stuffing baked in a Nordic Ware bundt pan makes a charming statement at the Thanksgiving table! Williams Sonoma. #cornbreadstuffing #recipeidea #thanksgivingrecipe #thanksgivingstuffing #thanksgivingmenu
PIN ME!!!! Thanksgiving Stuffing Baked in Nordic Ware Bundt – Williams Sonoma…so inspiring indeed.

Isn’t it a swirling splendid vision of stuffing bliss? I’ll be making a g-free version of stuffing as well.

Hello Lovely Thanksgiving Menu Ideas - come find yummy inspiration and the unexpected. #thanksgivingmenu #thanksgivingdinner #recipes #fallvibes #holidaymeals
Pin this Post to save for future reference!

My Favorite Chef for Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas

Ina Garten Cook Like a Pro: Recipes and Tips for Home Cooks
Ina Garten Cook Like a Pro…certainly lovely indeed.

Did you know you can easily make a dent in the stress of cooking for the feast by ordering deliciousness like the green bean casserole below?

Not that you care, but have I told you I adore green beans?

I was that odd child whose eyes lit up when they appeared at dinner time.

Green Bean Casserole from Williams Sonoma means you don't have to worry about your recipe's success! #greenbeancasserole #thanksgivingmenu
Green Bean Casserole – Wililams Sonoma

Oh, ma petit chou! Do you love little cabbages too?

Inspirational optimistic and hopeful quote to encourage from @greentoblack. #quotes #encouragementquotes #inspirationalquotes

Here’s another side dish you can order online and have one less detail to think about for the holidays.

Brussel sprouts with bacon is a yummy take on a delicious Thanksgiving side dish! #brusselsprouts #thanksgivingmenu
Brussel Sprouts With Bacon – Williams Sonoma

Raise Your Hand if You Want to Eat This Leftover Turkey Sandwich

Leftover Thanksgiving turkey on a beautiful sandwich! #turkeysandwich #thanksgiving #leftovers
Williams Sonoma
no products

When You Prefer Your Autumn Cozy

Lovely & Comfy Possibilities

If you have been wanting to try J. Crew’s tissue turtleneck, a few colors are at an unbeatable price. (I have been raving about these for too many years as they are as comfortable as a tee so I wear them and layer them constantly!)

Psst. If you ask me, combining navy and black in the stripe turtleneck (above) is pure genius. You just never see those colors together, and it looks very French.

I love the style of this fuzzy wuzzy Teddy coat since my neck is always happy to get covered:

Villa Coat in Teddy Sherpa for women, J. Crew
J. Crew Villa Coat

How do you like your clogs?

Sherpa-lined and felt-y like the above or…

more Swede-y and suede-y?

Tour a Gorgeous Home Decorated for the Holidays

See more inspiration from this home HERE!

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

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8 Comments

  1. Carole
    November 11, 2019 / 12:26 pm

    I am a self proclaimed bread-a-holic, even though I feel stuffed after eating. It must triple in size in my stomach, so I have to save it for special occasions… like… _______. (Fill in the blank.)

    • Michele
      Author
      November 11, 2019 / 1:14 pm

      Hahahahaha – I have an unusual and special bread recipe to share soon that may cause less guilt. Why is bread soooooo good and kale isn’t? 🙂

  2. Amy
    November 15, 2019 / 1:03 pm

    OH. MY. GOODNESS. The different mashed potato and sweet potato recipes ALL sound so delish. Will be a hard decision selecting which ones to try…maybe a little of each!! And that pear salad…so pretty and so many healthful ingredients!! Is healthful even a word? ha! I TOTALLY agree with you, Michele…Kirkland Saigon cinnamon…it is my absolute fav!! I love it on everything…especially ice cream…Yum!!

    • Michele
      Author
      November 15, 2019 / 1:07 pm

      I haven’t tried it on ice cream, Amy – now I’m starved! Thanks for checking out these delicious healthful (yep – I use it too!) and helpful ideas! Have a wonderful weekend!

  3. November 19, 2019 / 2:16 pm

    Thank you for sharing at #ThursdayFavoriteThings. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too!

    • Michele
      Author
      November 19, 2019 / 8:16 pm

      I appreciate it, Marilyn. See you at the next TFT!

  4. November 21, 2019 / 8:30 am

    Oh, this would all make the most beautiful Thanksgiving! I love it all, and now I am really really hungry! I’ve featured all of this wonderfulness at TFT today. I hope you’re having a feel good day today, Michele!

    • Michele
      Author
      November 21, 2019 / 11:41 am

      Thanks so much, Pam! I appreciate the support and am so happy to join you at TFT each week.

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing