These adorable Thanksgiving craft ideas are the perfect way to keep little hands busy

Wondering how to keep the kids at the table this year? These super-simple ideas are great activities, and they don’t take a lot of pre-planning to get done. So forget about those generic-looking store-bought turkeys in Pilgrim hats, and check out our favorite Thanksgiving crafts that’ll keep the kids occupied. If you need even more ways to keep the kids busy, check out these Thanksgiving games and activities!

A Classic Turkey Craft, but Make It Colorful

How pretty are these turkeys? You’ll need doilies and bright markers to make the tails stand out in a crowd.

Thanksgiving Turkey Puppet Craft

Try out these turkey puppets that can double as decor! Make them small or large so they can sit on top of the table as adorable decorations.

Glitter Pumpkins

glitter pumpkins are a fun Thanksgiving craft idea
Mini Monets and Mommies

Add sparkle to the table with this easy Thanksgiving craft. Grab a few gourds or small-sized pumpkins, and let the kiddos paint them with glue. To make this Thanksgiving craft idea even better, let the glue drip down the sides of the gourds/pumpkins. Sprinkle sparkles on top, shake off the excess, and let the tabletop displays dry before adding them as cool centerpieces. The best part is that you can completely customize this for any table. Choose glitter colors that match your place settings to create a cohesive look.

Pine Cone Pumpkins

Thanksgiving crafts
Fireflies and Mud Pies

Sure, a basket of random gourds makes for a rustically chic centerpiece. But stacking pumpkins on top of various forms of squash isn't always the most creative way for your kiddo to spend Thanksgiving day. Instead, make your own with this pumpkin craft from Fireflies and Mud Pies!

Thanksgiving Fluffy Slime

Thanksgiving crafts
Little Bins for Little Hands

Sometimes sitting at the dinner table and patiently waiting for the grown-ups to finish just isn't fun for your tot. Scratch that, it's never fun for your tot. Well, this turkey-shaped fluffy slime idea from Little Bins for Little Hands solves the "Mommmmmmy, I'm sooooo bored" problem. Package this recipe into a cute little see-through cup to create cute holiday decor. As the kids finish eating, they can take the slime out and play with it—giving you time to eat your meal!

Related: Cozy Fall Decor We Can’t Live Without

Thanksgiving Thankful Tree Craft

Erica Loop

What is your family thankful for? Instead of waiting until dinner to ponder this question, start early in the day (heck, start the day before). Give each family member a leaf to write what they're thankful for. You can either have the kiddos craft paper leaves from fall-colored card stock or go with the real deal. Get extra crafty and ask the kids to paint their leaves before adding what they're thankful for in marker. Gather a few sticks, and push them into a foam base or secure them in a tall vase. Before the meal starts, collect the thankful leaves. Punch holes in the top and thread the yarn through them. During the holiday meal, each family member/guest can read what they're thankful for and hang the leaves on the "tree." 

Recycled Napkin Rings

paper napkins are a fun Thanksgiving craft
Mini Monets and Mommies

You'll get to recycle and reuse paper towel cardboard tubes with this Thanksgiving craft idea. Cut them into pieces, and let the kids get to work painting them into cute little napkin rings. Want other ideas? Mini Monets and Mommies has plenty of other ways to transform cardboard into Thanksgiving table décor.

Related: 40 Incredible Thanksgiving Desserts (That Aren’t Pie)

Popsicle Pals

turkey popsicles are a fun thanksgiving craft idea
The Nerd's Wife

Yeah, kids are all about popsicles. Even in November. So put those sticks to use for this adorable table-top craft from The Nerd’s Wife. This recycle-and-reuse art activity is just as Earth-friendly as it is adorable!

Printable Placemats

Thanksgiving crafts
Mama Papa Bubba

The kids can create crafty placemats that show exactly what they’re thankful for. Mama Papa Bubba’s printable design provides plenty of opportunities for thinking about the holiday while getting creative and coloring.

Related: 25 Simple Ways to Keep the Kids Busy on Thanksgiving

Top Turkeys

Thanksgiving crafts
Mini Monets and Mommies

The kids need something to do at the Thanksgiving table. Of course, other than eating the fab feast that you’ve spent the day preparing. Cut shapes out of felt (you’ll need circles and ovals), add a few googly eyes, and let the kids go to town, pressing together the felt turkey table toppers. They can puzzle together this project at the table or make them beforehand as place cards.

Gobble Gobble Tablecloth

Nikki Walsh

Your grandma’s hand-sewn lace tablecloth is gorgeous. Just not with gravy and cranberry sauce on it. Pull double duty protecting the table and entertaining the kids with this turkey-time tablecloth. Spread out butcher paper, draw a few gobble gobblers, and let the kids get crafty with their crayons during dinner.

Related: No Sweat Side Dishes to Make This Thanksgiving

Playful Pumpkins

Toddler Approved

Who says pumpkins are just for Halloween? Turkey up your mini pumpkins with this idea from Toddler Approved. Table perk: they're perfect placeholders for the kiddos!

Thankful Placemat

Kersey Campbell via Momtastic

What is your child thankful for? Learning about gratitude is kind of the name of the game on Thanksgiving Day. And your child thought the holiday was all about turkey and stuffing. Things are about to change with this crafty laminated placemat from Momtastic. It’s much more than simple holiday décor—it’s a thoughtful activity that will help the kids think about why they should give thanks today!

Related: Genius Ideas to Keep Them Busy the ENTIRE Thanksgiving Week

Gorgeous Gourds

Thanksgiving crafts
Design Improvised

You need a Thanksgiving table idea. So you pile on the gourds to add that decorative touch. But wait. Why not let the kids get creative and dress up those plain ol’ gourds? Design Improvised can show you how to turn gourds into adorable little turkeys.

LEGO Tree Craft

Little Bins for Little Hands

Calling all LEGO lovers! Add this fun preschool Thanksgiving table idea to your art repertoire. We guarantee you already have all the supplies you need around the house. The simple steps are perfect for younger ages, plus you get a sweet keepsake of their tiny hands through the years. For the how-to details, visit Little Bins for Little Hands

This Australian daycare provides gourmet-looking lunch every day—for the parents

As Americans, we’re pretty used to seeing videos go viral highlighting all the amazing things that daycares in other countries provide for kids. We get it—other governments invest in children and parents, and the result is affordable childcare that enriches kids and invests in their development and education. We get it. But this daycare in Australia takes things even further. A mom of a child who goes there went viral on TikTok for her video showing the delicious lunch they serve each day—but not for the kids. Nope, this daycare sends lunch with the parents, and we’re officially too jealous to function.

The mom, who goes by @thepeninsulamumma on TikTok, posted the video, which shows off the lunch she received from her daughter’s daycare every day for a week.

@thepeninsulamumma

What i got from daycare this month 😂💁🏻‍♀️ Hit the damn jackpot! #momsofinstagram #momsofig #momsofinsta #momoftwo #boymom #girlmom #suburbanmom #momhumor #momlife #motherhood #motherhoodmoments #parenthood #parenting #parenthumor #momreels #motherhoodjourney #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodthroughinstagram

♬ original sound – thepeninsulamumma

First up? A bagel absolutely loaded with deli turkey, cranberry sauce, arugula, and Swiss cheese. Please, ma’am, my stomach is growling.

The next day, she received what appeared to be an Australian delicacy: A toasted sandwich filled with spaghetti and cheese. I haven’t heard of it, but if you think that would stop me from eating it, you are mistaken.

On Day 3, the daycare stepped up its lunch game. That day, the mom received a toasted ham and cheese sandwich on a croissant. Are you kidding me? That costs like, $9 at Starbucks. I have to be having a genuinely bad day to convince myself I deserve to treat myself to a toasted ham and cheese on a freaking croissant, and this woman is just getting it for free after dropping her kid off for the day.

Day 4’s lunch is another banger: a bagel absolutely stuffed with sliced chicken, sundried tomato, pesto, cream cheese, and crunchy lettuce. It’s so full, I don’t think it would fit in my mouth. Seriously, it looks like a fancy gastropub sandwich.

“I am grateful and blessed,” the mom said, and um, duh.

The comments section is saying what we’re pretty much all thinking.

“Okay, I need to know which daycare so I can move immediately,” one person wrote. Another mom chimed in, “From America here. wtf is this sorcery?! What do you mean they feed YOU!?”

So if anyone needs the entire Tinybeans staff, we’ll all be taking the afternoon off to Google, “How to immigrate to Australia.” G’day.

Creating a well-balanced and delicious holiday dinner menu can be challenging. Toss in purchasing your necessary ingredients plus actually making your festive table spread and you have an even more time-consuming task ahead. With this one-ingredient Hickory Smoked Spiral Sliced Ham recipe, you can cut down on your preparation time and still serve up a memorable meal. Just the trick you needed.

Check out the recipe from Smithfield® below to see how you can make this the star of your dinner table.

Total Time Skill Level Servings
2 hr 40 mins Beginner Varies

Ingredients

Smithfield Spirals Hickory Smoked Spiral Sliced Ham 1

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  2. Remove all packaging from the ham, including glaze packet, and place face down in a large roasting pan.
  3. Add 1/2 inch of water to the bottom of the pan, then cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
  4. Cook the ham for 14-16 minutes per pound, or until an internal temperature of 120 degrees. Total cook time will vary by weight.
  5. Remove the ham from the oven and allow to rest for about 10 minutes before serving, or glazing, if desired.
  6. Massage the packet to gently blend the glaze. Cut one corner off the glaze packet and squeeze glaze evenly over the top of ham. If desired, use a knife or brush to spread glaze between slices. Allow glaze to melt into the ham before serving.

Tips to Stretch Your Dollar

To help cut down on food waste—and make use of any remaining ham in your fridge—you can create your own rendition of a turkey gobbler. Simply substitute turkey with slices of your hickory smoked ham and layer in your remaining glaze sauce, cranberry sauce and your choice of cheese. Enjoy!

In need of more inspiration for your next family meal? Smithfield Foods’ large portfolio of products, including Smithfield® Bacon, Nathan’s Famous® Beef Franks and Eckrich® Smoked Sausage, can meet your household’s needs for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snack time. 

10 lbs. of turkey look a lot more appetizing when you’ve got Thanksgiving leftover recipes to try

If you’re looking at a mountain of leftovers without any idea of what to do, we’ve got you covered. Transform all that food with our Thanksgiving leftover recipes. We’re talking Thanksgiving leftover casseroles, recipes with mashed potato leftovers, and everything in between. And if you are just totally over it, check out our favorite frozen foods from Trader Joe’s that take almost no time to prepare. 

Turkey Tetrazzini

leftover thanksgiving recipes
Greens & Chocolate

Transform your leftover turkey into the ultimate comfort food inspired by Greens & Chocolate. Egg noodles, turkey, and mushrooms are bathed in a deliciously cheesy sauce, then it’s all topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. 

Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes

leftover Thanksgiving recipes
Connoisseurus Veg

Turkey Day leftovers aren’t just for meat-eaters! Take inspiration from Connoisseurs Veg to whip up this vegetarian-friendly dish with your leftover mashed potatoes. We’re drooling over that perfectly crispy crust. 

Buffalo Turkey Grilled Cheese

turkey grilled cheese is a good thanksgiving leftover recipe
Whitney Bond

When in doubt, add buffalo sauce! This simple idea from Whitney Bond is a great way to refresh those leftovers. Plus, you can sneak some veggies in for crunch. 

Turkey Nachos

Turkey nachos are a good Thanksgiving leftover recipe
Bless Her Heart Y’all

These nachos from Bless Her Heart Y’all are the perfect accompaniment for those post-Thanksgiving football games or movie nights. With plenty of melty cheese and veggies, they’re also a nice change of pace from typical holiday food.

Cheesy Cranberry, Bacon and Turkey Sliders

Simple Seasonal

These drool-worthy sliders from Simple Seasonal can knock out three types of leftovers at once: dinner rolls, cranberry sauce, and turkey. If you’ve got guests sticking around on Black Friday and beyond, this is the perfect way to feed a crowd.

Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole

Thanksgiving casserole is a good Thanksgiving leftover recipe
Make-Ahead Meal Mom

When you’re so sick of turkey you can’t look at it anymore, that’s when you should prep this genius casserole from Make-Ahead Meal Mom. Once it’s assembled, just throw it in the freezer, and it’s ready to go once you’re ready for a mini Thanksgiving feast in a month or two. 

Cranberry Turkey Mozzarella Pull-Apart Bread

Whitney Bond

This pull-apart bread from Whitney Bond is the stuff of snacking dreams. Sourdough bread is filled with mozzarella cheese, turkey, and cranberry sauce, then baked until it’s melty and delicious. Drooling yet?

Thanksgiving Leftover Bagel Sandwiches

Thanksgiving Leftover Bagel Sandwiches
Leah Nolan

For a hearty breakfast or lunch, pair your leftover turkey with pesto and cranberries to make this drool-worthy bagel sandwich from Glitter and Bubbles. Topped off with cream cheese and butter lettuce, it’s sure to be a winning combination. 

Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Turkey and wild rice soup is a great Thanksgiving leftover recipe
The Skinny Fork

Warm up with a big bowl of turkey and wild rice soup. This recipe from The Skinny Fork is hearty but healthy, not to mention the perfect weeknight dinner for picky kids. 

White Turkey Chili

Turkey chili is a good thanksgiving leftover reicpe
Juanita's Cocina

Try out a twist on your classic chili with this recipe from Juanita's Cocina. It's easy to adjust to your family's tastes, making it spicier or milder as needed. 

Orange Cranberry Muffins

Girl in the Little Red Kitchen

We're always left with half a bag of fresh cranberries after Thanksgiving, and now we've finally found the perfect use for them: these tasty muffins from Girl in the Little Red Kitchen

Turkey and Stuffing Turnovers

A Family Feast

These turnovers look pretty impressive (read: hard to make), but they'll actually come together quickly with the help of frozen puff pastry sheets. Fill the pastry with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy, and you'll have a mini feast ready in no time. Check out the recipe at A Family Feast.

Turkey Pot Pie

A Taste of Madness

When in doubt, make a pie! A pot pie, that is. Cathleen over at A Taste of Madness came up with a delicious solution to those turkey leftovers. All it takes is some prepared pie crusts, and butter, and you'll have a completely different meal in 60 minutes. 

 

Bacon Provolone Pita Pockets

Toni via Boulder Locavore

Take your leftover sandwiches to the next level with Toni from Boulder Locavore. You'll love her combo of turkey, cranberry sauce, and her secret weapon: bacon! 

Turkey Tetrazzini

Sara via Bitz N Giggles

When you still don't know how to use up the extra turkey from Thanksgiving dinner, Sara from Bitz N Giggles has a great idea to transform those leftovers into something totally new. Her recipe for turkey tetrazzini is just the ticket, and it couldn't be simpler.

 

 

 

 

From easy-to-make-sides to Instant Pot turkey breast, here are our favorite Thanksgiving recipes that’ll have everyone at your table asking for seconds

We know everyone has tried and true family favorites when it comes to Thanksgiving Day recipes, but we also know that variety is the spice of life! Whether you’re looking to mix it up with a new dish that’ll surprise everyone or if you want some delicious vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes, we’ve got a little bit of everything in our list perfect for sharing with loved ones. Catch your kids’ attention with these delicious additions to the dinner table and impress the grownup foodies in your life.

Instant Pot & Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Recipes

Sliced turkey made from an Instant Pot sits on a white plate and is a game-changing Thanksgiving recipe
Crunchy Creamy Sweet

Instant Pot Turkey Breast. Are you ready to revolutionize your Thanksgiving turkey? Because this Thanksgiving recipe is an absolute game-changer. Crunchy Creamy Sweet has the hookup: bone-in skin-on turkey breast that’s ready in 35 minutes. It’s a winner-winner turkey dinner. 

Instant Pot Deviled Eggs. Need a holiday appetizer ASAP? Lexi’s Clean Kitchen has you covered with no-fuss Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs and a deviled egg recipe that’ll wow your party guests.

Slow Cooker Carrot and Apple Soup. This hearty and flavorful soup from Foxes Love Lemons features ingredients like apples, carrots, and fresh garlic. It’s a guaranteed fall classic and a great way to warm up on a chilly day! Plus the mouthwatering smell coming from this Thanksgiving recipe will fill your home as it cooks. 

Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce. Do you crave cranberry sauce when Thanksgiving rolls around? Then you’ve got to check out this version from Zen & Spice. It calls for fresh cranberries instead of the artificial canned stuff, and it’s done in no time at all. 

Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes the Kids Will Love

A Thanksgiving recipe for stuffing-in-a-bundt pan that is sure to please the kids
A Spicy Perspective

Stuffing in a Bundt Pan. With this stuffing recipe from A Spicy Perspective, the magic word is “bundt.” That’s right, with your handy bundt pan, you can make a stuffing sculpture that’s fit for any Thanksgiving dinner table! 

Thanksgiving Stuffing Muffins. Think outside the turkey! Not only are these stuffing muffins from The Colorful Kitchen kid-size, but they’re also vegan and gluten-free. Add a scoop of mashed potatoes on top and you’re all set for a can’t-miss combo. 

Classic Vegan Stuffing. Plant-based eaters don’t have to miss out on the feast thanks to this tasty stuffing recipe from Raepublic. It’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it a win for your shopping list. 

Marilyn Monroe’s Stuffing. Ready for Hollywood-worthy stuffing? This yummy dish is adapted from Marilyn Monroe’s recipe. This New York Times article has the low-down on the recipe and where it was found.

Related: 33 Free Thanksgiving Activity Pages That’ll Keep the Kids Busy

Potato Recipes You Haven’t Tried Yet

A thanksgiving recipe for Potato gratin, baked potato slices with creamy sauce. Top view
iStock

Au Gratin Potatoes. Pretty as pie! This healthy potato gratin with herbs from Food and Wine is creamy without having to add cream—and great flavor results from thyme and rosemary. This is a go-to Thanksgiving recipe if you’re going to a potluck-style turkey dinner. 

Perfect Potato Pancakes. These simple potato pancakes, made from pre-shredded frozen potatoes, can be fun for more than just one holiday this season. Switch out the flour for matzo meal and enjoy them at Passover too. 

Pretty Purple Potatoes. Finding perfectly hued purple potatoes is the most challenging part of this simple recipe, but if you do, you’ve got yourself a side dish recipe from Smitten Kitchen that will be the belle of the ball (our apologies to the turkey). So, you don't HAVE TO use purple potatoes (Purple Majesty Potatoes, to be exact) for this Thanksgiving dish, but it will certainly make the food more fun. 

Not Quite Mashed Potatoes. Let’s call it a mockmash! This savory cauliflower puree from The Iron You makes a healthy stand-in for mashed potatoes. It gets its fabulous flavor from the cheese, milk (or almond milk), and a touch of butter, has about one-quarter of the calories of typical mashed potatoes, and best of all, little eaters may not even realize they’re getting their daily dose of vegetables. 

Related: 11 Things to Do with Your Family (That Don’t Involve Talking Politics)

No-Sweat Side Recipes to Make This Thanksgiving

Tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil sit on a plate as an easy-to-make Thanksgiving side
Bryony Elena on Unsplash

Mozzarella and Tomato Salad. You can’t go wrong with a caprese salad! This kid-friendly version is made with fresh mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes and a few other ingredients.

Instant Pot Honey Butter Carrots. These ain’t your average carrots! Covered in a honey butter glaze, these veggies from Salt & Lavender are positively addictive. The whole fam (kids included!) will be asking for seconds.

The Best Cornbread. Instead of plain rolls, why not cornbread? This recipe from Bless This Mess is super kid-friendly, and they will love helping make the batter. An added bonus: cornbread is a great tool to soak up the leftover juices on your plate!

Apple Bacon Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Packed with kid-friendly flavors like bacon and apples, this recipe from How Sweet Eats is a great dish to make ahead of time and reheat in the oven just before serving. These flavorful spuds are perfect if you’re planning to be a guest at someone’s house for Thanksgiving. We’re pretty sure this dish will earn you a repeat invitation next year.

Easy Cranberry Thanksgiving Recipes

Easy to make maple cranberry sauce surrounded by Zucchini Latkes
The View from Great Island

Maple Cranberry Sauce. This easy cranberry sauce from The View from Great Island takes just 15 minutes to make, is made with just two ingredients, and has the perfect amount of tartness. Pair it with zucchini latkes and you'll not only have a great Thanksgiving recipe but also a fun twist on tradition for Passover and Hanukkah. 

Spiced Cranberry Sauce. Chef Ryan Rendano offers up a wonderfully spiced version of cranberry sauce that only takes 20 minutes to make. We love that the recipe includes lemon and orange, some of the best winter produce around.

Simple Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce. Keep it simple with this easy recipe from Eat Within Your Means. It’s sweetened with apple cider and maple syrup instead of sugar and makes a perfect alternative to the canned stuff. 

Cranberry Relish. This refreshing take on cranberries from Kevin Is Cooking turns the traditional sauce on its head. Instead of cooking the cranberries, they’re blitzed up with orange and mixed with cherry jello to make a yummy relish. Cross your fingers for leftovers—this will taste fantastic on those day-after-Thanksgiving turkey sandwiches. 

Related: 25 Simple Ways to Keep the Kids Busy on Thanksgiving

Plant-Based Main Dish Recipes

Sliced portobello mushroom "steaks" sit on a white plate as a finished plant-based Thanksgiving recipe
Lindsey Eats LA

Portobello Mushroom “Steaks.” Impress your guests by serving up this beautiful dish from Lindsey Eats LA. The mushrooms are marinated in a savory sauce, then quickly fried to create a hearty main dish that just might steal the show.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Walnuts, Parsley, and Garlic. These sweet potatoes from Irena Macri are a feast for the eyes and the stomach. The key is the super flavorful topping, made with a delicious mix of walnuts, herbs, and garlic. This Thanksgiving recipe will impress your friends, whether are vegan, vegetarian or not!

Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash. Put fall produce to good use with this fabulous recipe from Veggies Save the Day. Stuffed with quinoa, chickpeas, and tomatoes, it’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’ll go great with the rest of your Thanksgiving meal.

Sweet Potato Souffle. Sweet potatoes aren’t just for side dishes—they can take center stage with this fabulous recipe from From Scratch Fast. Laced with Comté cheese, brown sugar, and butter, it’s a great pick for vegetarians and omnivores alike. 

Thanksgiving Pie Recipes

A full pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream as a Thanksgiving recipe from Little Sweet Baker
Little Sweet Baker

Pumpkin Pie with Salted Caramel Whipped Cream. If your family prefers the classic pumpkin pie, try this Thanksgiving recipe from Little Sweet Baker. The pie crust is perfectly flaky, but the real star here is the salted caramel whipped cream—you just might not go back to the normal kind! 

Turkey Crust Pumpkin Pie. Wow your family and friends by making this adorable pie from Kudos Kitchen. It’s easier than you might think to pull off the intricate pattern, thanks to pre-made pie crusts and helpful step-by-step photos. 

Mini Pumpkin Tarts. These cute pumpkin tarts from What Great Grandma Ate are sure to be a hit with the whole family. Since it’s a no-bake recipe, it’s a great way to free up space in the oven for all your baked Thanksgiving sides. 

Chai Spiced Pumpkin Pie. Classic pumpkin pie gets a little bit fancy with this fab Thanksgiving recipe from Flavor the Moments. Warm chai spices make the perfect complement to pumpkin. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream, there’s no way this one won’t be a hit with your whole crew.

Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes That Aren’t Pie

pumpkin bars are a good idea if you're looking for Thanksgiving desserts that aren't pie
Oh My Goodness Chocolate Desserts

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese. How cute are these pumpkin bars from Oh My Goodness Chocolate Desserts? We love the criss-cross pattern of cream cheese on top, and we’re happy to report that they taste as good as they look. 

Turkey Cookies. Maybe you have so much on your plate cooking the big meal that the idea of adding dessert to your to-do list is a tad too much. That’s where Chelsea from Chelsea’s Messy Apron comes in. These treats are not only no-bake, but they’re also really creative. Recruit the kids to do them, and you have dessert and activities crossed off with one “recipe.”

No-Bake Pumpkin Parfait. The oven is already going to be working overtime on Thanksgiving Day, so why not take advantage of these creamy, no-bake parfaits from The Cozy Apron? If you’re worried about your fancy stemware, serve it up the kids’ desserts in plastic cups. Either way, your guests will be impressed by your creative Thanksgiving dessert that isn’t pie. 

Caramel-Chocolate Dipped Pears. Talk about a statement dessert: these caramel-chocolate-dipped pears are downright beautiful and incorporate a fall fruit favorite. Insider tip: use mini pears, as they’re the perfect size for your little one’s hands. 

 

Streamline your Turkey Day dinner plans by trading kitchen time for dining time. Here’s where to go for Thanksgiving dinner in Atlanta

Putting together a fully home-cooked holiday spread can be stressful. So, if you’re looking to score Thanksgiving dinner in Atlanta without lifting a finger, we’ve got you. From Atlanta restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving Day to those offering Thanksgiving dinner to-go, each one of our picks has kids and families in mind. With these choices, you’ll save some time and be able to head off to all your other Thanksgiving Day activities with a full belly and happy kids.

These Atlanta Restaurants are Open on Thanksgiving Day

Ray's on the River

If you'd rather go out this year in Atlanta for Thanksgiving, Ray's offers its Traditional Thanksgiving Day Dine In Buffet for $70 per adult, $35 per child. Feast on starters like peel-and-eat shrimp and local meats and cheeses, have some butternut squash bisque or seafood gumbo, and dive into main courses such as savory herb-roasted turkey breast and slow-roasted herb-crusted prime rib. Reservations are required, so make them online or call 770-955-1187. 

6700 Powers Ferry Rd. N.W.
Sandy Springs, GA
Online: raysrestaurants.com

HobNob

For a traditional three-course sit-down Thanksgiving dinner, visit the restaurant HobNob between 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. There's a set cost of $45 per person or $17.95 for a kids plate for ages 12 and younger. First course choices include curried pumpkin soup, toasted sourdough or fall salad, while second courses offer roasted turkey breast, glazed ham, seared Atlantic salmon and 12-hour porter braised rib. Dessert is pumpkin or pecan pie or chocolate layer cake. Reservations are recommended.  

804 Town Blvd., A1010
Atlanta
Online: hobnobatlanta.com

Old Vinings Inn

Old Vinings Inn offers its '22 Thanksgiving Dine In with a three-course prix fixe menu (with add on options) for $70 for adults and $28 for children under age 12. Expect a butternut squash bisque, roasted turkey breast, prime rib, cornbread dressing, garlic green beans, desserts, and more. The children's meal includes turkey, chicken fingers, or mac & cheese, plus one side and a scoop of ice cream. There's also an option for pick-up or delivery in case you decide you don't want to go out.

3011 Paces Mill Rd.
Atlanta
Online: oldviningsinn.net

Where to Get Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go

Souper Jenny

The a la carte Thanksgiving menu from Souper Jenny this year features "everything but the bird," with the restaurant's popular soups and a long list of sides including Jenny's sausage & apple stuffing with sage & thyme, vegan vegetable stuffing, crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with maple mustard glaze, and traditional holiday desserts. 

Good to Know: All orders must be in by Thursday, November 17 at 4 p.m., and there is a $60 minimum. Pick-up is Wednesday, November 23 at all three locations. 

Souper Jenny Buckhead 
130 West Paces Ferry Rd. N.W.
Atlanta

Souper Jenny Westside 
1082 Huff Rd. N.W.
Atlanta

Souper Jenny Roswell 
589 Atlanta St.
Roswell, GA

Online: souperjenny.com

Related: Brilliant! 10 Christmas Light Displays in Atlanta

Ziegler’s BBQ and Catering

This Acworth barbecue restaurant is offering its annual takeout holiday menu for Thanksgiving, which includes a choice of turkey or ham and all the classic sides you crave, like sweet potato casserole, garlic mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and golden kernel corn. The options are extensive but you'd better reserve your spot fast. Call the restaurant at 770-529-5227 to place your order at least 72 hours in advance. 

3451 Cobb Pkwy. N.W.
Acworth, GA
Online: zieglersbbq.com

Moe's Original BBQ

Serving Alabama-style BBQ since 1988, Moe’s Original BBQ is a great spot to get Thanksgiving dinner in Atlanta. From whole smoked turkeys to vats of mac-n-cheese (and everything in between), you can choose from their Thanksgiving packages or pick up food a la carte. With three locations near Atlanta, they're a great option for outsourcing holiday stress this year.  

5005 Peachtree Pkwy., Suite 810
Peachtree Corners, GA

101 West 1st St.
Rome, GA

1421 5th Ave.
Columbus, GA

Online: moesoriginalbbq.com

Local Three

Whether you're looking to add a few extra dishes to your holiday spread or you want the whole shebang, Local Three is offering elevated traditional holiday meals to go. In addition to brined and smoked Bell Evans turkeys or Beeler's honey glazed spiral cut ham, you can pick up fresh cold water oysters, charcuterie boards, whipped brown butter sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and more. Choose items from their a la carte menu or get everything you need to feed 12 people with their family feast for $399.

Good to Know: Thanksgiving items will be available for pickup at Local Three, from 2-8 p.m. on November 22 and 23. 

3290 Northside Pkwy. N.W.
Atlanta
Online: localthree.com

Related: Timber! 8 Places to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in Atlanta

OK Cafe

Hands are shown digging in to a big take-home Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, corn, pie and more
iStock

People come to the OK Cafe for the quality of the food and the sort of menu your grandmother would make for Sunday dinner, if you had a grandma who could cook, that is. With a whole turkey option, you can elect to add pans of mac n' cheese, squash souffle, mashed potatoes, black eyed peas, and more. You can also pick up whole pies and cakes, to finish it off in style. Holiday menus, when published, can be found on their website under "Menu."

284 West Paces Ferry Rd.
Atlanta
Online: okcafe.com

Sprouts

Although Sprouts is still working on the details for this year's feast, in the past they've offered pre-order turkeys, hams, rib roasts, complete prepared meals, and party trays to take home. Pick up your meal—including a main course and traditional trimmings and sides—by noon on Thanksgiving Day. In addition to the Atlanta store, there are about a dozen others in the general area, so check their website to see which location is best for you. 

1845 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Suite 500
Atlanta
Online: sprouts.com

Sweet Auburn Barbecue

Offering whole smoked turkeys or sliced, plus cornbread dressing, turkey gravy, biscuits or cornbread, and cranberry sauce (in addition to your choice of two sides), you can place your Thanksgiving dinner order online in advance for pickup from November 7 through November 23. A whole smoked turkey (feeds 12-14) package with sides is $215, and the sliced turkey package (feeds six) is $125.

656 N. Highland Ave. N.E.
Atlanta
Online: sweetauburnbbq.com

Morty's Meat & Supply

This new spot in Dunwoody's The Village is opening this fall, but it's already offering take-home family Thanksgiving dinners. Choose from brined or smoked Heritage North Carolina free range turkey for $110 to $125, with gravy or other sides for $25 each. Or get a smoked turkey, gravy, and four sides for $250. Order online through their other business, Bar(N), and pick it all up from Morty’s Meat & Supply on either November 23, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., or November 24 (Thanksgiving Day), from 10 a.m. to noon.

5509 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd.
Dunwoody, GA
Online: barndunwoody.com

Related: The New Thanksgiving Tradition Every Family Should Try

Alon's Bakery

Atlanta's go-to elegant to-go eatery, with two locations, is offering a whole smoked turkey (serves 10-12) for $110, along with fancier-fare side dishes (think bourbon orange cranberry relish) and decadent desserts (salted caramel apple pie, anyone?), priced separately. You can also opt for the classic turkey feast for eight, which includes a customizable menu for $390.

4505 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. N.E.
Atlanta

1394 North Highland Ave. N.E.
Atlanta

Online: alons.com

Maggiano’s Little Italy

If you want some turkey but you're really not that into the traditional meal, per se, you can pick up a Thanksgiving Carryout Package at Maggiano's. They are still updating the details for this year's meal but in the past it's included a traditional roasted turkey with giblet gravy and focaccia sausage stuffing, country-style smoked ham with whipped sweet potatoes, plus spaghetti and meatballs, four-cheese ravioli, caesar salad, garlic mashed potatoes, freshly baked bread, plus cranberry relish.

Maggiano’s Buckhead
3368 Peachtree Rd.
Atlanta

Maggiano’s Cumberland Mall
1601 Cumberland Mall S.E.
Atlanta

Maggiano’s Perimeter Mall
4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd.
Dunwoody

Online: maggianos.com

Related: 9 Atlanta Food Bloggers to Inspire Your Holidays

additional reporting by Dhyana Levey

Ever noticed that the labels on cranberry sauce are actually upside down? It’s intentional but we never knew why—until today! AdWeek got the scoop from Ocean Spray, the super popular brand of canned cranberries.

Turns out, it’s to make your serving experience easy. Ocean Spray started this process in the early 2000s and put the rounded edge on top, rather than the bottom. That keeps the jelly whole by providing an air bubble on the rounded side. When you open the can, you break the vacuum and the log of delicious sauce slides right out, according to a spokesperson.

And if you only eat cranberry sauce on this week, you might be surprised that American consume 400 million pounds of cranberries each year, with 80% of that coming on weeks other than Thanksgiving. Ocean Spray also notes that 5,062,500 gallons of jellied sauce are consumed every holiday season. That’s a lot of cranberries!

— Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Ocean Spray

 

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Thanksgiving feasts can still be (relatively) cheap! If you’re trying to save money around the holidays this year, you might be alarmed by the news of food inflation and scarcity. Fortunately according to Consumer Reports, there are plenty of ways to conserve cash while you shop for the big day.

As it turns out, your standard Thanksgiving food items are actually cheaper this year than the previous two years. You can get a basket of root vegetables and name brand items (like Ocean Spray cranberry sauce or Pillsbury pie crusts) for $22.31, down 36 cents from 2020. And the prices of big turkeys (16 pounds and up) have dropped around nine percent, making it an economical choice and a great source of leftovers.

funny jokes for kids, holiday jokes for kids, thanksgiving jokes.

Other tips to save money? Check your store for promotions around the holiday, but don’t get tricked into spending over budget just to snag a cheaper turkey. Buy in advance rather than getting caught in the crowds and to take advantage of “while supplies last” deals. And don’t feel the need to spend a lot on pricey appetizers, since the Thanksgiving meal is known to be super filling on its own.

As you’re shopping for holiday meals in general, it pays to get a store loyalty card, which often offer gas deals, too. You can take advantage of tech in the aisles by using a Consumer Reports recommended shopping app, like Basket, Ibotta or Flipp, which help you shop for the best savings. Finally, store brands tend to be 20 to 25% cheaper than their name brand counterparts and often taste nearly identical.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Nicole Michalou, Pexels

 

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Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness for family and friends.

Legend has it that the Pilgrims made it through their first winter in the New World thanks to the Native Americans who provided food and shared their means for survival in a harsh climate.

Traditional Thanksgiving fare includes mashed potatoes, stuffing, yams and other vegetables, cranberry sauce, ham, and of course, the main attraction, the Thanksgiving turkey. This is all followed by pumpkin or apple pie (or both, in my family) topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Wow, I’m salivating for that meal already, but it’s still more than a week away.

Wait, isn’t it Christmas already?

No, you say?

But everywhere I go, I see Christmas garlands strung across store aisles, Christmas tree farms are throwing open their gates, inflatable snowmen have replaced their jack-o’-lantern counterparts, and Santa has set up camp at the mall.

When I was younger, I remember that after Halloween, I would continue to see autumn-themed decorations and other trimmings wherever I went; it was basically Halloween décor minus the scare factor.

It was still autumn and everyone was celebrating the “Harvest Season.” Thanksgiving was always a nice, smooth transition into the “Christmas Season.”

Now with retail taking more and more of a chunk of our attention to the holidays, The “Christmas State of Mind” needs to start earlier and earlier to feed the gift-giving frenzy of a confused populace who keep thinking Christmas is right around the corner, forgetting that speed bump called Thanksgiving.

Why squeeze out a holiday that is totally non-denominational, brings family and friends together for delicious food, and reminds us to show gratitude for all our blessings?

So I’m here, with a defense of Thanksgiving—let’s slow down and enjoy November, its fiery show of leaves going out in a blaze of glory, the countdown to the Thanksgiving Feast, the constant reminder to “give thanks” inherent in the name of the season.

And to those who wish to rush, don’t panic. As soon as you finish that last bite of turkey and stuffing, you may don your ugly sweater and play those Christmas carols. You still have an entire month, after all.

This post originally appeared on The Haute Mommy Handbook.

Jen Kathrina-Anne is a blogger, freelance writer, and graphic designer. When she’s not writing or designing, she enjoys spending time outdoors in the California Bay Area where she resides with her husband and two fearless daughters. Find her at www.hautemommyhandbook.com.

 

Cranberries make their appearance as a side dish staple this time of year, but we think they are the perfect ingredient for adding festive holiday color to your table and decor. The following cranberry craft projects are all easy and quick—which makes them perfect for enlisting the kiddos. Plus most of them are super cheap to make. Read on for our crantastic list.

5-Minute Holiday Luminaries

Today's Creative Life

When you want something stunning for your centerpiece but want to buy almost nothing, check out these five-minute luminaries from Kim Demmon of Today’s Creative Life. With just a few items, this simple (and simply amazing) candle project can be on your table or mantle. Get the kiddos in on this one, they will shine with pride when it’s done. Skip on over to Today’s Creative Life to get the full tutorial.

 

 

Mini Cranberry Wreath Place Cards

Say Yes

Holiday gatherings mean plenty of table guests and we found the perfect festive detail by Liz Stanley at Say Yes. These fresh cranberry mini-wreaths will delight your guests and we think they’d make perfect ornaments for any tree, too. Click here to check out the how-to steps at Say Yes. 

 

Cranberry Shapes 

Andrew Malone via Flickr

Going for the classic canned cranberry sauce this year? Kick your tradition up a notch with a perfectly festive and super easy twist: just slice the cranberry sauce as usual and then use small cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Stars, hearts, holiday trees or even little people can all become part of the meal. This is a great idea for the kid’s table, too. Serve on a pretty platter and bam! You've got whimsy on a dish (and a dime). 

Classic Cranberry Garland

Kim Love via Flickr

String the fun along with a simple popcorn and cranberry garland that can be draped over a centerpiece or used as decor along a wall, mantel or on your holiday tree. You can even use it for outdoor decoration/snack for the birdies. For the easy how-to click here. We love the idea of subbing Cheerios for popcorn, which can be easier for little chubby fingers to string. 

—Amber Guetebier

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