Entertaining Idea: Thanksgiving Feast

A truly memorable Thanksgiving dinner is one that pulls out all the stops, with elegant, homemade dishes meant for sharing with loved ones. We created this Thanksgiving Feast menu to inspire your holiday table with new ingredients and creative presentation ideas. From wild mushrooms tucked into flaky pastry to beautiful bundles of bright green beans, these recipes and entertaining tips will help you create a special Thanksgiving for friends and family.

 

 

Start off the evening with festive flavors — and some bubbles. This Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail is simple to prepare, requiring just four ingredients, and it adds a pop of color to any table or bar. Serve with Mushroom Turnovers, filled with earthy cremini mushrooms, nutty Gruyère cheese and fresh herbs.

 

As guests sit down at the table, begin the meal with a hearty first course that’s a hallmark of fall: butternut squash soup. Our version is sure to impress, garnished with crispy croutons, fried sage leaves and a drizzle of crème fraîche. A fresh green salad of arugula, goat cheese and cranberry is a welcome addition to the feast, offering vibrant color and flavor.

 

Take the centerpiece of your meal to a new level with surprising flavor boosts. A spice-infused brine and a sweet-tart roasting glaze create a turkey that’s both tender and bright in our Autumn Spice-Brined Turkey with Pomegranate Glaze. 

 

Everyone has preferences when it comes to stuffing. Serve two options to be safe, offering distinct ingredients, flavors and textures. Our cornbread stuffing is dotted with salty ham, apples and fennel, while our (gluten-free!) quinoa and red rice stuffing has earthy Tuscan kale and pine nuts for a bit of crunch.

 

People look forward to mashed potatoes every year, so you can’t skip those (and an herb-infused cream makes our version extra special). But for something different, add another potato option as well. Our Potato and Celery Root Gratin combines layers of nutty, earthy celeriac with rustic potatoes and plenty of cheese for a rich, creamy side.

 

We love the beautiful presentation of green beans wrapped into bundles with a strip of bacon — they create an elegant touch with a surprisingly short ingredient list.

 

Our subtly sweet gravy is enriched with Madeira and caramelized onions — the perfect accompaniment to roasted turkey. This cranberry compote gives traditional sauce or relish an update, incorporating fresh pears, Riesling and warm spices. Round out the meal with homemade dinner rolls, with a crunchy topping of sea salt, onion flakes, garlic flakes and sesame seeds.

 

Finish your feast with two classic Thanksgiving pies — pumpkin and apple — featuring original twists and new flavors. Our pecan-pumpkin butter pie is served with a warm cinnamon-caramel sauce, while this double-crusted apple-ginger-cranberry pie combines the best of autumn fruits in one dish.

 

 

• Creative, beautiful serving pieces can elevate any dish. Serve hors d’oeuvres on a cake stand to set them apart and add an elegant touch.
• Mix and match seasonal patterns with solids and antique materials. Our Estate Turkey plates work alongside both simple white serving pieces and pewter  pieces for unfussy sophistication.
• Incorporate seasonal produce into your decor and presentation. Pomegranates look beautiful when placed on a serving platter with a turkey, and they also give a nod to the ingredients in the dish. Try sprigs of thyme and rosemary, too.
• Keep colors warm and inviting. Harvest gold, orange, rustic wood and natural linen are hues that speak to the season.
• Consider breaking up the evening into distinct stages. For hors d’oeuvres, mingle standing up; serve cocktails and arrange appetizers and cheese in a designated bar area. Plate the first course or serve it family-style, then serve the rest of the meal on a buffet. If space allows, place the pies on a smaller table nearby so everyone can admire them until it’s time for dessert.