THANKSGIVING
It’s that time of year again folks! Yep, you guessed it. We’re here to chat all about one of our fav holidays… Thanksgiving!
Whether you’re hosting #FriendsGiving this year, or the whole fam from out of town, we’re helping you prepare with a few hostess tricks that will turn your regular old dining room into a warm and cozy holiday feast.
From table decorations to food, we’re embracing the giving spirit this holiday and helping you pull it all off.
As always, check out our Pinterest Board for all the Thanksgiving inspiration you need this holiday!
TABLE SWAG
You know what your guests will really appreciate? going the extra mile! There’s no reason to shy away from decorating your dinner table this year when we’re making it as easy as pie for you! psst…we also make pie as easy as pie too (just keep reading!) Check out some of our décor ideas and DIY tips and channel your inner hostess with the mostest.
Here’s what we’re cooking up for Thanksgiving outside of the kitchen:
1. Table Cloths
Ditch your old, dated tablecloth this Thanksgiving and do right by your own style with this Forest Tartan Tablecloth from Williams-Sonoma! We think the plaid pattern is perfect for the chilly season, and don’t be afraid to be messy cuz it’s machine washable! Can you say pass the Rosemary Gravy?
Are you looking for a more homemade approach? Try heading to your local fabric store and choose a large swath of fabric that will serve as the perfect backdrop to your holiday feast.
2. Center Piece + Decorations
Your Thanksgiving dishes may be on fleek this year, but a few thoughtful table decorations and an awesome centerpiece will take your table scape the extra mile.
For a simple and elegant look, try placing candles of different elevations down the center of your table. Candles create a warm and cozy vibe that your guests will love, but if you’re nervous about a clumsy aunt Beth, try sticking tea lights in mason jars for a similar effect.
Take it to the next level and follow these easy DIY steps to make your own unique candle lit centerpiece:
1. Fill a clear glass cylinder vase or mason jars with season-appropriate pulls from nature (e.g. leaves, acorns, backyard findings etc.).
2. Fill your vase, or mason jar with painted acorns, uncooked corn kernels, or cranberries to add a colorful accent to your table.
3. Tie a bow around your vase or jar using twine, burlap, or ribbon to dress it up even further.
4. Place a candle in the center of your collected items for a little mood lighting.
Make your guests feel special with personalized name cards!
1. Purchase card stock in an array of Fall inspired colors and conjure up your best calligraphy skills and write out your guests names in white paint pen.
2. Fresh fall foliage never hurt either… take some fresh sprigs of rosemary and cranberry stems and tie them together with a piece of twine to elevate your place settings.
3. If you need some more DIY inspiration, we absolutely love all of the Thanksgiving ideas here.
3. Flowers
Flowers will welcome guests into your home and make sure the lingering air isn’t all cranberry sauce and stuffing. Instead of carrying a giant bouquet to your dinner party, head online and craft your own arrangement, or shop ready-made bunches from The Bouqs! You can even get same day delivery if you’re in a holiday pinch (if you know us, you know we are always in a pinch!).
If you find yourself with a bit more time to spare (again, not us), go out and make your own arrangements from scratch. Cranberry stems, raffia leaves and pussy willows are among some of our favorite organic touches this season. Head to your local flower district and get creative!
THE MAIN EVENT: AKA THE FOOD
The words “Turkey day” can be a bit intimidating to someone who’s living a vegan lifestyle. I mean, the holiday does revolve all around the BIRD, doesn’t it?
WRONG! We’re providing you with a few basic substitutions to keep some of those classically non-vegan dishes, meat-free this Thanksgiving! And if you’re anxious this year about what you’re going to eat, just follow Chloe’s lead! Sometimes the side dishes are the belles of the Thanksgiving ball.
1. Veggie Broth
Don’t check holiday soups, hearty stuffings, and wonderfully fragrant gravies off the list of foods you can enjoy at this year’s table! Take matters into your own hands and make your own homemade Veggie Broth. It’s super easy and can serve as the base for soooo many holiday dishes. The best part is, we promise your guests won’t notice a difference!
If you’re feeling adventurous this Thanksgiving, give our recipe for Harvest Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms a try. Or, if you enjoy a more traditional approach, try out our recipe for Rosemary Gravy. It’s the perfect blend of Thanksgiving flavors that will go great drizzled over every surface of your plate.
2. Pie Crust
You know what makes a vegan sad? All the dairy and eggs that go into making holiday pies. Since you’re running the show this year, check out our recipe for homemade Vegan Pie Crust. It’s delicious and moist, and you can fill it with whatever your heart desires! If you find you’re lacking a bit of creativity amidst all of the holiday stress, try our recipes for Mocha Mud Pie and Cranberry Pear Pie, they’re no brainers.
THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
In addition to sending your guests home with leftovers, enhance your table with a takeaway gift at each setting. For an easy nostalgic pick, purchase these vegan versions of the classic chocolate turkeys you used to enjoy as a kid. They’re nut free, gluten free, dairy free, and kosher certified… something for everyone!
For a more labored gift, try making your own Pinecone Fire Starters. They’re both a beautiful decoration for your table, and simple to make with the correct tools.
You will need: A bag of pinecones, candle wick string, wax flakes, candle color dies, and candle oil fragrance
1. Tie candle wick string around your pinecones.
2. Heat wax flakes in a sauce pan on a stove top.
3. Add candle color die to melted wax for desired color.
4. Add a few drops of a candle oil fragrance for a scented fire.
5. Once the wax is transparent, dip your pinecones.
6. Wait for the wax to drip-dry on the pinecone, and then dip again.
7. Dip the pinecones as many times as you would like until you are satisfied with how they look.
8. Tie a cute tag around the finished product giving love to your guests for “To keep you warm this holiday” or “Thanks for warming my heart”.
