How to Host a Small-Scale Family Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness and sharing a meal around the table. But with smaller gatherings planned, or maybe even celebrating from a distance, this year might feel a bit untraditional. However, Thanksgiving is by no means canceled. In fact, a beautiful family Thanksgiving dinner can still be on the menu, and we’re here to show you how.
From the classic dinner staples and a roasted turkey to fun activities for the whole family, there’s no need to forget any of your favorite Thanksgiving traditions.
Family Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes
With fewer people gathering around the table, you may not need to make as much food. Whether you’re prepping a menu for two, a dinner for four or gathering with just a few more, there are delicious recipe options for every dinner style.
Thanksgiving Classics
This might be the year to really lean into comfort foods, and you certainly can’t go wrong with the classics. Dish up mashed potatoes with your bird, even for a small Thanksgiving dinner. And don’t forget the sides! You can make all kinds of quick air fryer Thanksgiving recipes.
Thanksgiving Drinks
This may not be a typical tradition around your table, but with fewer mouths to feed, why not play with fun drink options to make dinner all the more special? A pumpkin pie latte or a mug of hot apple cider is the perfect, festive way to warm everyone up before a great meal.
Thanksgiving Desserts
It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without a festive, indulgent dessert. But with fewer people around the table, that massive pumpkin pie just won’t do. The good news is that you may even have more time to put into an elaborate dessert such as honeyed pears in puff pastry, especially if you only have to make a few. But if you and your family can’t live without the traditional flavors of pumpkin pie, whipping up a batch of pumpkin pie bars to enjoy over the course of a few days is the perfect substitute.
Download our printable Thanksgiving shopping list to avoid an extra trip (or six) to the store. It helps to plan ahead, even for small celebrations!
How to Make Your Thanksgiving Turkey
Bringing home a large bird for the occasion has traditionally been the norm, especially if you have plenty of guests to feed around the table. And for many, Thanksgiving simply just isn’t as special without a juicy roasted turkey. But a smaller family Thanksgiving dinner may require a different approach.
Consider a smaller bird, such as a five-pound turkey for four guests, or an eight-pounder for six guests. (Follow our turkey guide to cook the bird just right.) Other great options include purchasing a turkey breast or even opting for a roasted chicken.
But if having Thanksgiving leftovers is your goal, there’s no reason to deny yourself the satisfaction! Opt for a large bird as usual, and put together a list of delicious ideas for leftovers such as turkey tetrazzini, turkey Alfredo pizza and homemade turkey soup. You can even bring those leftovers to breakfast with turkey cranberry bagels.
What to Do on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving incorporates so many wonderful traditions, with each family celebrating in different ways. And just because the crowd around the table is a bit smaller, it doesn’t mean you have to skip out on your annual traditions. However, a small family Thanksgiving dinner may offer the ideal opportunity to try something new.
Set an Elaborate Table: Hosting for a large crowd can feel intimidating when it comes to beautiful tablescapes. Why not try your hand at setting a stunning table for a smaller gathering? Consider hand-crafting simple centerpieces, making place cards for each guest and adding beautiful touches to each setting.
Cupcake Decorating: If the kids are used to having plenty of cousins and friends to play with during Thanksgiving, this might be the perfect time to set up a special activity for them. Put together a station to decorate Autumn Leaves Cupcakes or Turkey Pilgrim Cookies.
Give Thanks on Video Chat: If you’re not traveling this year, it’s probable that other family members will be hosting small-scale Thanksgiving dinners on their own as well. Why not gather virtually with a quick video call? Plan to bring everyone around the table to share what they’re thankful for.
Host Your Own Turkey Trot: If running a 5K is a tradition for your family, chances are, the organized race may be called off. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it on your own. Plan out a route around the neighborhood, get dressed up as a family and start running.
A small family Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to be less special. It still calls for plenty of delicious food, family fun and, of course, the best pair of stretchy pants you own. Make sure to also check out our ultimate guide to hosting Thanksgiving.
Want to bring joy home this holiday season? Check out the best tips and tricks to make your home merry and bright.
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Butterscotch Pumpkin Mousse
Guests savor every creamy spoonful of this spiced autumn dessert. It tastes so good, no one guesses that it's actually low in fat. —Patricia Sidloskas, Anniston, Alabama
Rustic Caramel Apple Tart
Like an apple pie without the pan, this scrumptious tart has a crispy crust that cuts nicely and a yummy caramel topping. —Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas
Chocolate Bread Pudding
This is a fun recipe because the chocolate makes it different from traditional bread pudding. It's a rich, comforting dessert. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Li’l Pecan Pies
These tempting little tarts have all the rich traditional taste of a full-size pecan pie in a much smaller package. The tarts are perfect for two. —Christine Boitos, Livonia, Michigan
Quinoa, Fresh Fig and Honey-Balsamic Parfait
This quinoa yogurt parfait is special to me because of its wholesome ingredients. Quinoa is gluten-free, which is good for those who have food allergies, like my daughter. And I love fresh ripe figs when they are in season. Enjoy this for breakfast or dessert. —Dawn Hutchins, St. Johns, Florida
Pumpkin Mousse in a Pumpkin
Rich and creamy, this mousse is a real showstopper when served in a hollowed-out pumpkin. The presentation is sure to impress. —Taste of Home Cooking School
Glazed Pear Shortcakes
Family and friends will savor every last crumb of this lickety-split dessert. The pound cake absorbs the apricot flavor and the warm sweetness of the pears. Special enough to serve company—and cute, too! —Fran Thomas, St. James City, Florida
Chocolate Chip Dutch Baby
I modified a friend's traditional Dutch baby recipe to come up with this version, which my family thinks is terrific. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to make. —Mary Thompson, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Contest-Winning Easy Tiramisu
This recipe makes a great quick dessert for a special supper…or anytime. It's easily doubled if needed. What a fun use for pudding snack cups! —Betty Claycomb, Adverton, Pennsylvania
Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake
My mom often made pineapple upside down cake, but I prefer something creamier. This recipe looks just like her cake, but gets even tastier as pineapple upside down cheesecake. —Marilyn McGinnis, Citrus Heights, California
Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake
I always get compliments when I whip up this rich little cheesecake. With layers of caramel, chocolate and vanilla, it's an instant classic. —Erin Byrd, Springfield, Missouri
Marinated Oranges
This flavorful fruit was actually the topping in a cake recipe. But I didn't want all the calories or fat from the cake—and the oranges are a good dessert all by themselves! The dash of vanilla extract brings out the fruit's sweetness. —Carol Poindexter, Norridge, Illinois
Cinnamon Apple Dumplings
WHEN Mom made pies to feed the crew during wheat harvest, she always had plenty of dough left over, so she treated us kids to apple dumplings. I've carried on this tradition in my own family. Now my husband and I enjoy this special dessert even when I'm not baking pies.
Rice Pudding
For an old-fashioned sweet treat just like Grandma used to make, try this slow-cooker rice pudding. It has a rich cinnamon flavor and is made wonderfully light after whipped cream is stirred in at the end. —Jennifer Bennett, Salem, Indiana
Classic Apple Cranberry Crisp
For a little old-fashioned goodness, treat your clan to this divine dish that bakes up warm and bubbly. It's great on its own or served with a scoop of ice cream. —Billie Moss, Walnut Creek, California
Grilled Pears with Mascarpone Cheese
For a light dessert after a big barbecue, we stuff pears with mascarpone cheese and gingersnap cookies. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for a sweet touch. —Faith Cromwell, San Francisco, California
Fudgy Peanut Butter Cake
I clipped this easy peanut butter cake recipe from a newspaper years ago. The house smells fantastic while it's slow cooking. My husband and son enjoy the cake with ice cream and nuts on top. —Bonnie Evans, Norcross, Georgia
Baked Apple Surprise
This sweet-savory recipe is a favorite. Use Brie instead of blue cheese if you like things creamier. My tip? Bake the apples in a muffin tin so they won’t roll around. —Jessica Levinson, Nyack, New York
Crunchy Peanut Butter Tarts
For a fun, fuss-free dessert, try these darling tarts. They’re a satisfying, rich family favorite. —Mary Kelley, Wilmington, North Carolina
Pear Pandowdy
I pulled out this recipe one night when my husband was craving something sweet, and it was a big hit with both of us. It's a superb last-minute dessert that almost melts in your mouth. —Jennifer Class, Kirkland, Washington.
Spiced Chocolate Molten Cakes
This splurge dessert is the kind you just have to linger over. Plunge your fork into one of the cakes and the chocolate and conversation start flowing. —Deb Carpenter, Hastings, Michigan
Poached Pears with Orange Cream
End the meal with a flourish with this easy and elegant dessert. A hint of orange lends just enough sweetness to temper the wine's bold taste. —Julianne Schnuck, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Individual Flans
I’m always on the lookout for desserts sized for two. This rich, comfy custard is smooth, easy and just right for my husband and me! —Lee Bremson, Kansas City, Missouri
Cinnamon-Raisin Bread Pudding
This rich bread pudding recipe goes together in minutes. There’s plenty of old-fashioned flavor, so it’s sure to become a favorite! —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pudding
One of the nice things about this easy pudding is you don't have to stand and stir it. It's a must for my family year-round! I also make it into a pie with a graham cracker crust that our grandchildren love. —Amber Sampson, Somonauk, Illinois
Chocolate Cayenne Souffles
This rich, chocolaty souffle has a surprise ending...a little kick of heat from the cayenne pepper. It's very yummy. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Apple Brown Betty
This apple brown betty can be whipped up in hardly any time. It costs little to prepare, but it's big on flavor. —Florence Palmer, Marshall, Illinois
Semisweet Chocolate Mousse
A friend shared this rich velvety chocolate mousse recipe with me. I love to cook and have tons of recipes, but this one is a favorite. Best of all, it's easy to make. —Judy Spencer, San Diego, California
Apricot Crisp
During the week, homemade fruit crisp is a treat you likely don't have time to prepare. But these individual crisps call for canned fruit and bake for a mere 15 minutes.
The post How to Host a Small-Scale Family Thanksgiving Dinner appeared first on Taste of Home.
