Today is LET’S LOOK!
If you don’t know what this is, once a month, Erika and I do a little link up where we “look” at different aspects of our lives (and then if you blog, you share and link up too!). It’s often a random little assortment of topics.
In January, we looked at our coffee bar areas.
In February, we looked at our love languages.
In March, we looked at a perfect night in.
In April, we looked at our fridge and pantry.
In May, we looked at our outdoor organization.
In June, we looked at our summer bucket list.
In July, we looked at our bathroom organization.
In August, we looked at our phone, apps & such.
In September, we looked at meal planning.
In October, we looked at holiday decor storage.
And today, we’re looking at our THANKSGIVING MENU!
Ummmmm…so, I wrote these prompts way back last December and you know what? I’m not quite sure what I was thinking when I wrote this one because…Thanksgiving food isn’t exactly my fave. I mean, I’m obsessed with pie. OBSESSED. It’s my very favorite dessert, but the whole turkey and sides thing doesn’t speak to me. So, it’s funny to me that I wrote the prompt in the first place and even funnier that this year, we decided for the first time ever NOT to have “Thanksgiving” food on Thanksgiving. I AM SO EXCITED!! It wasn’t even my idea, it was Andrew’s. This year, we’re doing Thanksgiving with his family and instead of the traditional stuff, we’re going to eat a yummy breakfast while watching the parade and then we’re going to eat “football” food while watching the NFL.
Is it unconventional? Yes.
Are we crazy? Maybe.
Will it be delicious? ABSOLUETLY!!
So, here’s kind of what I think our menu will look like…
For breakfast, we’ll have my Three Cheese and Sausage Breakfast Casserole.
For a snack, we’ll enjoy a Fall Charcuterie Board.
I think we’ll need an appetizer of some sort, so I might make these (because they’re so dang delish!)…
And maybe I’ll whip up these Bacon Wrapped Smokies too!
For our main course…
… Brisket Chili along with…
I think I’ll do a simple green salad and then maybe my mom’s BBQ Green Beans.
For dessert, we will be having pie!
Make sure you check out my 22 Pie Recipes for Thanksgiving post today too because I have so many easy and delicious options for your Turkey Day!
So, tell me…is this weird? Are you one of those people who look forward to Thanksgiving food all year long and cannot imagine not having it? Or are someone who, like me, would like to change up your Thanksgiving menu? I’m seriously super curious! Please comment and let me know! Either way, tell me one food you’re really excited about enjoying this year!
Next year, we’ll be back with my side of the family who refuses to alter the traditional menu…but this year, I’ll be in chili heaven 😉 .
That’s it for Let’s Look this month!
If you blogged today too, please link up at the bottom of this post. Also, if you have ideas for storing decorations, please comment!
Next month is our last Let’s Look of the year…
…can you believe that we’re almost done with 2021?! Where has this year gone?!
I can’t wait to read what you say about Thanksgiving in the comment section below! I hope you all have the best day!
See you tomorrow, friends! xo
Sarah says
I’m not big on Thanksgiving food either, but I love the traditions and memories that they bring.
AngieN says
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday; not because of the food, football or parade, but because of FAMILY! My husband’s family is huge (his mom and dad both have 7 siblings); it’s so fun to catch up with everyone. We meet in a gym so the kids can play basketball and ride scooters. I don’t care what we eat (sometimes we will stick to traditional, we’ve had 5 different soups and bread before, but my favorite Thanksgiving food is dressing! I love that you’re changing it up this year!
Julie says
A gym…..I LOVE this!! Sounds like a great time and fantastic for your big family!
Natasha says
I don’t know how to make a big turkey dinner (and I’m a vegetarian who only eats seafood) so lately our Thanksgiving dinner has been roasted fall vegetables (squash, beets, carrots, etc), a Caesar salad, and a sauteed shrimp recipe my dad makes with Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco sauce. Dessert varies but it’s rarely pie. It’s sooooo good and we never miss the “traditional turkey dinner.” Plus, this meal is way less work!
We’ve enjoyed this meal so much that not only do we have it on Canadian Thanksgiving, but we’ve started celebrating American Thanksgiving too as my husband is half-American.
Rosa says
Love the Thanksgiving sides! Could do without the turkey or ham, but give me all the sides!
Julie C. says
I don’t think that’s weird at alll!!!!! Actually, I’m jealous!!! I don’t care for Thanksgiving food either & my family thinks I’m crazy. HA HA!! Last year we didn’t get together for Thanksgiving, so I made lasagna…best Thanksgiving ever!!!!!
Elsperh says
I’m all about the Thanksgiving food! Especially the sides and leftovers!! But I’m sure you meal will be a lot less work and clean up!
Thanks for sharing!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Tracy says
We have the same situation where one side never breaks tradition and the other side almost never sticks to tradition. It’s actually great because we’re in proximity to both and usually see both sides for each holiday. So we don’t have to eat the same meal back to back!
Sometimes my side might even have part of the meal catered. Or we’ll do a theme like soup and sandwiches or Mexican. Everybody brings a dish.
On my husbands side, everyone brings the same thing every year. I have tried to just show up with something new and random and it barely gets touched. So strange to me!
Anyway, I agree with you, I’m just there for the pie!!!
Becky C says
We do a non traditional Thanksgiving meal every year. It’s just my son and I we have no family to gather with. We usually try to travel but this year we are not.
Sheaffer says
I could live without the turkey, BUT GIVE ME ALLLLLLLLLLLLLL THE THANKGSGIVING SIDES! This year I’m bring mashed potato casserole, that pineapple casserole (remember?), and a pie!
Heather S says
Sheaffer-
If you are talking about the one with Ritz crackers, I have made that no less than 5 years in a row since you “won” with that recipe! My people ask for that side anytime there’s a get together!
Julia says
I’m solidly on your side-truly do not love Thanksgiving food. Esp the meat! I do love stuffing and dessert though. This year is a first…my husband and I, and our three teens, are hosting our relatives in our home! We are looking forward to it. We are going to stick to the traditional meal. I was so nervous, I did a “practice turkey” and luckily, it turned out! The kind lady who rang up my groceries questioned my early turkey buying and when I explained, she was so supportive. Every time I go in to the grocery store lately, she follows up on my practicing-it’s very sweet. Anyway! I’m most excited about my own CORNBREAD stuffing. I tried a new recipe, which is basically cornbread and butter, lol, and it came out great. I’m a huge baker, so I guess at the least I know we’ll have good stuffing and pie! BTW, have you heard of leftover pie? You take turkey, cranberry, stuffing and add dots of brie cheese. Put it all in a pie crust and BAM-thanksgiving pie! I read about it a few years ago as a way to use up leftovers. I know you like unconventional turkey uses! Hope you and the Shulls have a wonderful time celebrating!
Lisa says
I’m with you! I am not a fan of traditional Thanksgiving foods. The stuffing was always the very best part of it and since I had to go gluten free 8 years ago, I’m just not interested. This year we are grilling filet mignons.
Marla says
I’m with you !!!! Years ago my mom started making homemade enchiladas instead of turkey and that evolved into a Mexican fiesta for Thanksgiving!!! We had the traditional at my grandmothers and Mexican for the rest of the day! It was great!!
Rachel says
As long as I get some cranberry sauce, straight out of the can with the lines on it, I’m good! Turkey is not my favorite, I only eat my mom’s dressing, but Ocean Spray cranberry sauce is a must.
Ani Martinez says
Your roasted garlic creamed spinach is a staple at our Thanksgiving table! But this non-traditional menu sounds awesome!
Kerry says
I love love love this idea! Like you, I’m not big into the Thanksgiving meal. Apps are definitely more my thing! Maybe I’ll try to convince my family to do this next year. :)Hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Kim Harrigan says
Thanksgiving food isn’t my favorite meal of the year, this is my first year hosting and we are going traditional route, if I had a choice I would probably do prime rib and cheesy potatoes, I’m here for the desserts and football.
Debbie K. says
I don’t love Thanksgiving dinner. Pie/pumpkin sweets and sweet potatoes …the rest not so much. But my husband absolutely loves the entire meal! The man doesn’t eat leftovers, but he definitely looks forward to these! He even makes a turkey quesadilla for himself that sounds something like what you make.
Stefany Beal says
I think if the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s do what makes you happy. You do you! No judgment here.
Kristen says
Give me all the Turkey day sides and desserts! I can do without the meat. But I do looove sitting around the table with family!
Amy Heinl says
We go to our favorite restaurant . They have a huge menu for Thanksgiving and make and prepare it and serve it family style so there is no buffet or anything like that. Our family of 5 is all over the place with what we like and they cover all of us since only one likes turkey. We will have a small serving of turkey and them family platters of prime Rib and seafood boil. From all the sides we will have mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, harvest salad, Mac and cheese, creamed corn. They offer 10 other sides but these are what our family will pick to have served, them homemade rolls with honey butter and then from all the desserts we will take pecan pie and pumpkin pie. Whatever is left from your family platters they box up for you to take home. Walkways watch the parade and then have dinner at the restaurant at 1 We are home by 3 for relaxing, snoozing and then Hallmark Christmas movie watching. We will snack and nibble during the evening so that we can go at 5am to our favorite breakfast spot in the am and then off to black Friday shopping. The single common thread….cherished time with family…that is what it is all about
Kara says
Give me the homemade noodles with tacos!! ???
Sophia K says
Totally not a big fan of Thanksgiving food either! Chili heaven sounds amaaaazing!
Sherry Kenney says
It’s not weird! We started having Mexican food for one of our Christmas dinners several years ago and never looked back. Carnitas and Margaritas!
Kacey says
Absolutely LOVE a non-traditional Thanksgiving menu!! This year we’re adding in a competition – corn bread throw down LOL!
Lisa D says
My daughter-in-law doesn’t like turkey so last year we made your white bean, green chili and chicken crock pot soup. We all just want to gather and eat and have a fun day together so it honestly doesn’t matter what food we serve! This Thanksgiving I’m making turkey chili in the crock pot with corn bread, and of course pumpkin pie for dessert. Yummy! ?
Jodie Kingsbury says
We usually have the traditional food but I would love to switch it up. Maybe once I start having holidays and not going to the in-laws house, I’ll switch it up.
I do not like Turkey at all so at least she makes a ham for me to have.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Taylor says
I think the thing I love about Thanksgiving the most is the traditions that stay the same every year. When life is constantly changing I can always count on that turkey and mashed potatoes and gravy on thanksgiving day. It sounds cheesy but I don’t think I can ever sway from the traditional food. Now for Christmas we change it up. Last year it was all appetizers and we had a great time.
Kristin says
There would be mutiny in our house if we did that. We will have turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, my grandma’s stuffing and rolls, some sort of green beans (even though we really just want the carb sides!), pumpkin pie, and one other dessert TBD. Honestly the best parts of the turkey are smelling it, using the drippings for gravy, and making a whole lot of broth for the freezer. It’s not the favorite part for any of us. Is feeding people a love language? If yes, it’s mine. I love Thanksgiving for the food and the family!
Barbara Winter says
I don’t need the turkey at all (maybe a sandwich the day after) but I love the sides, especially the dressing. I could eat Italian, hors d’oeuvres or anything else. Thanksgiving is about the family gathering and thankfulness for all He has given and done for me.
Kim says
My family has eaten steak, twice baked potatoes, and green bean casserole for as long as I can remember. When I was around 6 or 7 years old we had the traditional turkey meal but none of us liked it, so we switched to steak and it’s been a hit for over 20 years that continues today!
SS says
We have moved to just buying turkey breast. We have traditional sides mashed potatoes and gravy. We usually make corn casserole (known as corn pudding) and cranberry salad our gram’s recipe. We also don’t always do dinner, sometimes we move it to lunch time and then either snack on leftovers or appetizer dinner.
Megan Bowen says
I so wish my family would be on board with this but I am afraid the mere suggestion of not eating turkey would make for a very bad Thanksgiving.
Chrissy says
All the tradition here! It’s the one day of the year we have a turkey, stuffing, corn casserole, the green bean casserole, potatoes au gratin and cranberry sauce. Like most, I prefer just the sides. My hubby loves all the leftover sandwiches. Then we don’t see those foods for another year. And as tasty and comforting as those sides are, that’s just fine by me!
Janey Polk says
We eat the same thing every year for Thanksgiving and we all love it! We are such creatures of habit! We usually switch up the snacks and appetizers but the main menu is always the same! ☺️
Abby says
I am not a fan of traditional thanksgiving food either. I do enjoy the cranberry salad and pie, but that’s about it. Our family has started doing non-traditional thanksgiving meals – steak and lobster, gumbo, etc. – and it has worked out so much better! Less leftovers and food we actually enjoy.
Kim says
We are bucking tradition this year and having beef tenderloin. I’m tired of turkey.
Carole says
I love this idea! This will be the first Thanksgiving in years that my family won’t be at my house with all the traditional food. I’m going to visit my niece (without hubby or kiddo) to see her 8 month old for the first time, where my sis and other niece will be, and will be flying home on Thanksgiving Day, so will be having a casual supper with in-laws that night. And I cannot tell you how excited I am about it!! Hahaha Making new traditions is fun!!
Pamela says
I really don’t like turkey or ham. This year everyone is bringing their favorite food whatever it is …so it will be an eclectic assortment of fun. Enjoy yoyr chili ❤️
Aubrey says
Wow! Thanksgiving is my FAVORITE holiday! I cannot imagine NOT having turkey with my dad’s amazing stuffing, and mashed potatoes! I’m way too traditional to veer away from the classic Thanksgiving meal–but sounds like that’s perfect for your fam! Enjoy!
Kristen Gerdel says
I do not like Thanksgiving food either. Last year we had Mexican food and decided to do it again this year!
Rachel says
If I never had a traditional Thanksgiving meal again, I’d be ok with it! The sides and appetizers usually fill my plate…and dessert 🙂 Your Thanksgiving meal sounds delicious!
Kristen says
Give me all the thanksgiving food! I think I love it so much because it’s the one time of year yet I eat those things. But even more than that, I think I just love the feeling of tradition. 🙂
Paula says
Give me Allllll of the Thanksgiving food!
But – at Christmas, we are very non-traditional. It might be lasagna, grilled steaks, or fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy! : )
Jessica says
We never do traditional Thanksgiving food with the exception of squash casserole and sweet potato casserole. Those are the only traditional thing we have because we all love those. None of us like turkey, gravy, stuffing, cranberries, etc so we always change it up. This year we’re having fried shrimp with my in-laws and catering fajitas with my side of the family. We spend Thursday with one family and do it all over again on Friday with the other.
Kathy says
I LOVE all of the Thanksgiving food–including the turkey! Our family recipe for baking the turkey is so good because it comes out flavorful and juicy–definitely no dry turkey for us! 🙂 I am really looking forward to spending Thanksgiving in FL with my cousins, aunt and uncle this year.
Susan says
I personally love the dressing and sweet potatoes, etc. My kid and husband could probably do without. We have travelled several different years over Thanksgiving week on cruises and such, so we tend to not always have it when we are on vacation.
Stacey says
We do this at Christmas with my in-laws. My favorite Thanksgiving food is dressing. I could fill my plate with dressing and be happy.
Mindy says
So funny this post was done today. My husband and I just decided last night that we’re doing Italian on Thanksgiving Day!
Becky says
I don’t like thanksgiving food either. Never have. Which is no unnumbered, because I host and make the meal for everyone else. We usually do bagels/donuts for breakfast, then we do football food for “lunch”, usually some version of shrimp cocktail, wings, cheesesteak egg rolls, a cheese/meat board, chips and dip, veggies and dip, etc. Then we do a thanksgiving meal- which I usually skip ?.
Mary V says
We struggle a bit here too with food allergies to gluten, eggs, nuts, etc… and we find that many of the traditional menu items have those. It becomes challenging to find alternatives to keep the traditions alive. I have thought about a mexican menu thanksgiving but not sure my family would be willing to do something different from traditions. I think its great you are making the leap! Enjoy.
Melissa says
Do you have a shirt that says “I’m just here for the pie”? My daughters have worn that one for years.
Danielle says
Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday. I’m not sure why – I think the food doesn’t speak to me, as you said. We’re doing a Friendsgiving this year, so that will be something different (with traditional food, still). Looking forward to it!
Johannah says
Okay, I listened to the podcast yesterday and heard the Thanksgiving food discussion. I was 100% in agreement with you about Thanksgiving food…up until about ten years ago when we started either frying or smoking the turkey!! Both are NOT DRY, which is my beef with roasted turkey. 🙂 Also, both are much quicker to cook than roasting a turkey! I highly recommend a fried turkey. But then you miss out on the gravy. If you smoke turkey with this recipe from Steven Raichlen, you get THE MOST DELICIOUS maple gravy ever, but you do need a smoker.
https://m.facebook.com/nt/screen/?params=%7B%22note_id%22%3A907496019784285%7D&path=%2Fnotes%2Fnote%2F&_rdr
Happy Thanksgiving! ?
BF says
I don’t think it’s weird what you’re doing…. But I’m all about traditional Thanksgiving food! I am here for it! Give me all the turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potato soufflé and rolls. Top it all off with some pumpkin pie! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Molly Bierens says
I love Thanksgiving and its my favorite meal of the year. We always have everyone over to our house and make all of the food. My kids love to help make everything as well!
Beth Valenta says
Oh how I loved seeing this! I do NOT like traditional Thanksgiving foods, but my daughter is hosting this year! Got to love passing that torch at 27. My family insists on my broccoli casserole, but I am already asking if anyone is making a harvest salad. I am not a turkey or ham girl, but would love a variety of appetizers, of which I will make one to share early when we all play flag football! Have you tried the green bean casserole bites from Trader Joes? I am putting those on my board this year. Sounds like your day is perfect, so jealous. 🙂
WhittyWife says
Yes yes yes!!! We’ve done breakfast/brunch foods the past few years, which is AMAZING! One year we did lasagna. ? I’m not a plain turkey or ham lover, so I’d rather forgo the traditional meal. If I have a meat/potatoes/veggie meal, I’d rather have a yummy, grilled steak with roasted veggies (green bean casserole, blech ?).
Apps and football foods sound so good! And your brisket chili is my FAVORITE chili!!
Deb says
F.I.N.A.L.L.Y. someone else who doesn’t like the traditional Thanksgiving meal too! It’s my least favorite of the year. We usually alternate years between traditional and a good old steak on the grill. However, I do enjoy cooking for my family and making them happy. This is a traditional year and I’m looking forward to potatoes and gravy. Lol. Happy THANKSgiving to you and your family.
Heather says
We switched it up a few years ago and I served Feedstore BBQ brisket and Ribs and then I made a few sides and the pies. We moved to Europe in 2017 (Barcelona and now Budapest) and it is pretty impossible and expensive to get the ingredients anyways so we just completely skip the holiday altogether now. No one really missed it. The best thing is that without Halloween and Thanksgiving, Europe pretty much goes straight into Christmas…in fact, the Christmas market here in Budapest is being constructed outside my window as I type. Give me all the mulled wine and Christmas vibes and I am good!
MC Montgomery says
My SIL’s family does Chinese take out food every thanksgiving! To me it’s so fun! And who doesn’t love crab rangoons and Mongolian beef?! I love thanksgiving food but only one time a year! ?
Mindy says
I absolutely LOVE Thanksgiving food. ALL OF IT. I live in a reallllly small town, so each place that hosts a Thanksgiving meal, I order from so I’ll have at least 3 of them before the actual day. Then after Thanksgiving day, I won’t eat it again until next year 🙂
Jennifer Maynard says
I could do without the turkey and/or ham, but I love the side dishes. And of course, the pie!!!
Amy D says
I’m coming over! Yes to all of it! 1000% agree
MelanieL says
I grew up having Thanksgiving lunch on my dad’s side then travelling across the street to have Thanksgiving dinner on my mom’s side, yes, both sets of grandparents lived across the street from each other for over 50 years!! I would not be mad if I never had the traditional food again and my kids do not like it either! I love what you’re doing this year. When it’s my turn to take over the big meal, I see chili, bread, apps and lots of pie too! 🙂
Andrea says
I absolutely love Thanksgiving food! One of my favorite holidays!! ?
Susy says
Best Thanksgiving Side: Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing—not in the turkey but baked/crisped in the oven!
Best Thanksgiving Weekend Meal: Day After Thanksgiving Breakfast: Cornbread/Sausage Stuffing heated in a skillet with Steamed Eggs on Top! I live for this meal all year!
Jenny N says
We don’t do traditional Thanksgiving food either. We are having fried deer backstrap, mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans. We look forward to it every year!
Erika Slaughter says
I look forward to the sides!!! GIVE ME YOUR HELPINGS, PLEASE!
Patty says
Lol, my husband doesn’t care for traditional either. Instead, we have his favorite homemade spaghetti with a salad and garlic herb bread. But this year we’ll be with my daughter’s family and they’re fixing a traditional meal. That will be a nice change and I’m pretty excited about it. Also, I’ll bet your mom’s bbq green beans are the same recipe as the ones I grew up with. They always disappear quickly whenever I make them. So good!
Kati says
We don’t do Thanksgiving food except for the pie. Haven’t planned our meal yet but pumpkin pie and pecan pie are all we need to make it feel like Thanksgiving.
Laci Murray says
I am a lover of traditional Thanksgiving food! My mamaw makes the best dressing and my mom makes some amazing sides as well. It’s my fav holiday because we gather with family and the kids start telling us what they want for Christmas!
Carol says
Love Thanksgiving, turkey, dressing, and all the sides along with it, as well as the parade, football, and Christmas movies. However, by Thanksgiving Day, I have already made so many Pumpkin pies, that we are ready for a different kind of pie (Pecan Pie). So as Erika mentioned yesterday on the podcast the sweet potato casserole could easily be on the dessert table. Would like if you could share you Grandmother’s recipe again or link where to find it.
With that being said, I really Love your family idea for this Thanksgiving. Family traditions are great, but new ones can be great also. More time for Family to spend together which I think that it is about. My boys and I have talked about doing something like this for Christmas. Looking forward to your thoughts this year after Thanksgiving.
JL says
Love everything about the Thanksgiving meal but the turkey – so I skip that and eat everything else! Have a blessed time giving thanks…that’s my favorite part of the holiday:focusing on the Lord’s blessings!
Emily says
We’re mostly sticking with the traditional menu, but switching things up a bit. Still having a turkey, but cooking it in the smoker. May have smoked pork butt instead of the traditional ham. 🙂
Darcy says
I’m with you and not really psyched about traditional Thanksgiving dinner. I’m fine with the turkey dinner as long as I have homemade cranberry sauce (the recipe has dried apricots, orange juice and zest in it…my favorite!) and really like my sister’s roasted squash salad (with pomegranate seeds, goat cheese and orange/lemon dressing). I do find some sense of refreshment in the citrus compliments to otherwise blah (in my humble opinion) traditional food. 🙂
Sandi says
Darcy! Those recipes sound delicious and I would love if you would share where you found them either online or a favorite cookbook.
Darcy says
Hi Sandy,
I realized that I only have the recipes through emails that my sister and cousin sent me. If you email me at darcyhwise@gmail.com, I would be happy to email you the recipes. I’m thinking they will take up too much space if I cut and paste below. They are my favorites for Thanksgiving!
Mary says
I love this idea so much!
Dawn says
While actually getting together for Thanksgiving is great, I am not big on Thanksgiving dinner at all (besides mashed potato and gravy.) I like your idea of doing something else but know the in laws would not go for it and I think they enjoy the stress of cooking up the giant dinner.
Kim S. says
My family is very traditional for Thanksgiving. My in-laws are not. My first Thanksgiving I had at their house we had quiche and brunch type foods. If it’s their year to host, we simply have our own family Thanksgiving, with all the traditional foods, the weekend after. It’s just easier than fighting it.
Jordan says
Thanksgiving dinner is my husband’s favorite meal of the YEAR. He gets offended if I even suggest doing something else, ha! Plus, we’re both super traditional and nostalgic people, so sticking with the turkey and stuffing this year 🙂
Denise says
We are traditionalists over here. Lol. I don’t love turkey so I’m good with it on Thanksgiving and then not again until the next year! We are also boring – no one in our family (or extended family) likes sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce or green bean casserole and only a few like gravy. So our table just has the basics. Pie is not a favorite here either (sorry Shay!). Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Liz says
We are thanksgiving skippers, been doing it for years. Some years we do seafood or Italian other years we we cook something challenging and unexpected like Thai or Indian. No shame in our no turkey game!
sandi says
Last year, the grandparents did not want to come over due to Covid. Since the kids were in school, it made them nervous to think about being around them. We decided to do a non-traditional thanksgiving outside. The thought of serving everyone all the different dishes was just crazy. Instead, we opted for lasagna and a salad. It was easy to serve and everyone loved it. Going back to traditional this year, but we do have that fun memory from last year.
Melissa says
Your Thanksgiving celebration this year seems perfect for you!
My husband and I enjoy traditional Thanksgiving foods, but we realized, several years ago, that the day is not about the food & our teen kids didn’t love it. Since it’s normally just us for Thanksgiving, we decided to change it up.
This year, we’ll do a Thanksgiving 5k together in the AM, watch football and have snacks in the afternoon, then grill a nice steak dinner!
We don’t do turkey or ham at Christmas either. We’ve borrowed the Christmas fettuccine idea from The Holiday. It’s been a hit & honestly, it’s much more relaxed.
Dana J says
We stick to traditional T Day food! Personally I really just eat the sides and save the turkey for a sandwich the next day! That’s my fave thing to do with the turkey! Your idea sounds fun though!! My kids and family would not be happy if we didn’t have all the traditional foods!! Gobble Gobble!! ?
Alexa says
I LOVE IT! The food always gets so heavy in the winter time, so I think it’s super fun! I’d rather have the fun stuff on Thanksgiving as we watch football and find all the best deals and then go all out of a super nice meal at home for Christmas! Save the traditional thing for New Years or on that blustery cold day in January when you need some comfort food!!
Julie says
I LOVE Thanksgiving food!! It’s my favorite!! But this year we’ll be in London for Thanksgiving, so I’ll probably have fish and chips! ?
deanna says
I LOVE doing traditional Thanksgiving with my family because everyone goes all out and makes everything from scratch. I hate doing it with my husband’s family…it’s all stovetop stuffing and boxed mashed potatoes. Yuck! But my absolute favorite is when we do Thanksgiving with our BFFs. We make homemade sushi and a bunch of random sides. It’s the best!
Katie Abbott says
Usually I do love most Thanksgiving foods, especially any type of potato dish, but this year we will be in Disneyland eating their amazing foods!!! Can’t wait!
Robin McVay says
I like the traditional Thanksgiving food, but I’m totally game for changing up the Christmas menu (which tends to look similar to Thanksgiving most years).
Joan Dukore says
My husband isn’t big on Turkey, so we have a bacon wrapped ham, instead. After dinner, the tree comes out and we decorate.
Morgan says
We did something like this for Christmas last year, and it was GREAT!
Kris says
Not weird at all! We are normally traditional here with a big crowd at our house but I’m a nurse and this year I’m working Thanksgiving. My son asked if we could have Mexican food that night after I get home. I said absolutely!!
Marika Spediacci says
I love thanksgiving food!! So definitely look forward to it every year. We always make everything from scratch which tastes much better. Both my side of the family and my husband’s are Italian so we always have a homemade lasagna as a dish at the table as well as a ham. These are other options instead of just turkey! Your idea to switch it up does sound fun though.
Paula Ford says
Sometimes we have tamales, rice, beans & sopapilla cheesecake!
Meghan says
I can’t wait for Thanksgiving food!!! My favorite is fried turkey and sweet potato casserole.
Jacquelyn Jenkins says
We do traditional Thanksgiving food, but then for Christmas we switched it up back when I was in college. We do either a standing rib roast or steaks with a couple of specific ‘fancier’ sides (like shrimp twice baked potatoes) that are only made at Christmas. We all love the change after the yummy Thanksgiving food in November.
Lorena says
Wow! I could never do this because I love Thanksgiving food. It’s not Thanksgiving to me if we’re not making my mom’s cornbread stuffing. But I think if you all are on board then why not have fun with it?! Sounds like you have a fun filled day planned and fun with family is what really matters on Thanksgiving.
Kasey Hirl says
This sounds like the most PERFECT Thanksgiving non-traditional spread. Throw a little bloody mary or mimosa in and its perfect!!! Now lets just pray the Cowboys come out with a big W-I-N!!!!
Hillary says
I love love love Thanksgiving and eating all the traditional foods! It is my favorite meal of the year. But I suppose I come by it honestly… I was born on Thanksgiving Day. And as the story goes, I was born just after noon on Thanksgiving Day, and shortly after I was born, my dad left my mom and me (his first child!!) at the hospital to go join the extended family for Thanksgiving dinner! lol. Clearly nothing stands in the way of a delicious Thanksgiving dinner in our family.
Paula Morton says
Sweet!! 🙂
Alicia says
Totally love my cultural and family traditional Thanksgiving meal ie, Turkey, Ham, Cornbread Dressing, Baked Macaroni & Cheese, Yams, Greens, Rolls and Sweet Potato Pie…BUT we switch it up for Christmas every year! Christmas meal is subject to change and “negotiable”. Thanksgiving meal “non-negotiable”. ☺️
Samantha says
Last year we had crab cakes, mashed potatoes and pie it was perfect. The turkey is gross I’m with you!
Debbie Hibbert says
We’ll be having our traditional Thanksgiving menu … turkey, dressing, cheesy mashed potatoes, brown gravy, sweet potatoes, corn, salad, pumpkin pie and cheesecake! I look forward to this dinner every year! The turkey is maybe my least favorite part, with dressing and pumpkin pie being my favorites. When my parents were still with us our Christmas dinner was a repeat of our Thanksgiving dinner (and I loved that!?). These days we usually have prime rib for Christmas. Also, I live on the west coast (Oregon), so no mac & cheese on the table.?
Janet says
I LOVE Thanksgiving food and leftovers.
Leanne says
I think it’s a great idea! I love the idea of alternating menus and places each year! The fellowship, the fun, the hearts touching, the laughter and family and the time together is the most important thing~~so I kind of look forward to more “unconventional” holiday menus from you, Shay! God bless you and your family!
Claire says
I LOVE THIS IDEA!!!!
Julie says
Growing up in Wisconsin, my brother and Dad were always deer hunting that week. My mom and I would get a pizza and cookies and spend the day munching, watching tv, reading and napping. I live in Colorado now but for the years we go back so my husband can hunt too, Mom and I go right back to our pizza/cookie tradition.
If I ever have to eat a real Thanksgiving meal. I stick with stuffing and sweet potatoes and save room for pies!!!
Allison says
Not weird at all! I do NOT like Thanksgiving food at all. Not worth the effort. We are doing prime rib and baked potatoes. And pie. Lots of pie.
Tintin says
Please do this for Christmas too! I loved your “food schedule”!
L says
I don’t love thanksgiving food either! Love your food ideas – we do something similar for Christmas. When we’re back home, we do the traditional Thanksgiving meal with extended family, but we moved to Europe a few years ago and it’s just a normal day here, obviously, and the ingredients are expensive and I don’t love the food enough to go for it, so we just go to lunch at an American restaurant. They never have a thanksgiving meal so we just do burgers or whatever sounds good, and it’s become our little family tradition here!
Ashley says
I’m not into Thanksgiving. In fact as a family we have been running with sports and school, I’m looking forward to relaxing Thanksgiving with a low key spread and lots of family time with my kiddos. One year we made really good steaks and it was the best Thanksgiving! I hope you have a great holiday with family.
Martha Vargas says
Hi Shay! this is a great idea not crazy at all! I would love to do myself as I dont like thanksgiving food either, its so blah… lol
Teresa Flahaut says
I’d be fine with tacos!
Kim says
I LOVE all the Thanksgiving food… and I love cooking it for both my in-laws & my family 2 days in a row. A couple years ago we started raising a couple turkeys a year ourselves, having them butchered, and then cook them for those meals. Our turkeys last year were so big they had to be cut apart to even fit in the freezer so this year I’m making 1 – 20# turkey breast for both days ? I love a good tradition so that might be what I like most about it or the fact that I love to cook for my family/large groups of people.
rachael says
No one in my family really likes turkey or ham. In years past, we have ordered BBQ (ribs, brisket, sausage, mac and cheese, baked beans, etc) and had that w/ homemade desserts. That was lovely bc everyone just chipped in some money, I ordered the food, and picked it up on Wed before Thanksgiving and just re-heated everything the next day and we had lots of leftovers. We have also had stew and cornbread for Thanksgiving. This year, I will make chicken and noodle soup and we will still have mashed potatoes and probably dressing and then whatever people want to bring. That way it is low key and easy to make as the pressure cooker will do most of the work on both the chicken and noodles and the mashed potatoes.
Kelly says
Your Thanksgiving sounds perfect to me! The thought of preparing T day dinner for 25 people this year is giving me a headache:). Ugh! I would love to mix it up and maybe alternate years with a “fun” dinner like yours and the traditional meal. Oh well, family is the important part and that we will have in abundance!
Paige Dow says
The cranberry jalapeño bites look amazing! Do you have a recommendation on a gluten free filo shell? Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
I am still on the hunt for something!!
Judy Hershey says
I am so envious. I am stuck with turkey not only for Thanksgiving, but Christmas and sometimes even Easter!! Turkey is a foul bird!!
Mary Wilmot says
That sounds good! It would be weird to not have turkey though for me. I’d be all for turkey with non traditional sides. We are doing smoked turkey this year and I proposed we do sides and brisket from our favorite bbq place but that idea got vetoed by the family! ?
Ruth G. says
I really don’t like the mess of the Thanksgiving traditional meal except I love the pies also. Pumpkin, Apple and Pecan!!
My husband’s family doesn’t even want to change up the side dishes, it’s the same every year. My niece is having 18 people and it’s always crazy.
We live in California and next year we are going to go to Palm Springs and not celebrate the holiday with anyone but our immediate family in a hotel eating out every meal!!!