THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM AT THE TABLE
One of the things that makes Thanksgiving so special is the tradition of it all. It’s the familiar dishes and flavors we look forward to year after year, the recipes we know by heart, and the little rituals that make the day feel familiar. There’s comfort in returning to those favorites and gathering around a table that feels connected to Thanksgivings past. But there’s always room to add something new or unexpected to the menu, too. Sometimes it’s those little additions, such as a seasonal ingredient, a new recipe, or a dish brought by a guest, that make a holiday meal feel even more memorable.
I love a Saturday morning trip to the farmers’ market for a little inspiration. Fall is one of my favorite seasons for finding beautiful ingredients, especially here in the Central Valley. Winter squash, apples, pears, pomegranates, and plenty of fresh herbs are just a few of my favorites. When putting your menu together, think about how the flavors, colors, and textures will work together. Even something as simple as roasting apples or pears alongside your potatoes can bring a little sweetness to a savory dish. A salad with crisp pears, pomegranate arils, and toasted or candied nuts adds freshness, crunch, and a pop of color to the table. It’s not about changing the dishes everyone loves, but finding ways for everything on the table to complement one another.
There’s a lot that goes into preparing Thanksgiving dinner, so I always begin with a list of what I’m serving, starting with all those family favorites. From there, I figure out what I can make a day or two ahead. Pie crusts, dressings, and some side dishes can be made early, leaving fewer things to do on Thanksgiving morning. And when guests ask if they can bring something, let them! Share what you’re planning to serve, but encourage them to bring a dish of their choosing. It might be a treasured family recipe, a favorite comfort food, or something they’ve always wanted to share. Giving your guests the opportunity to bring something that’s meaningful to them is such a lovely way to make them feel welcome.
Why not make the preparation part of the celebration? Invite the kids into the kitchen to help with a simple recipe, gather colorful fall leaves for the table, or make place cards. Have a few coloring pages, games, or puzzles ready for them, too. And while everyone is coming and going from the kitchen, put out a few nibbles for guests to enjoy. A simple board of cheeses, crackers, and a few favorite bites is all you need, and this can often be made ahead of time or thrown together without taking much time.
When it comes to serving, shop your house. Pull out those family serving dishes, mix in a few vintage finds, and have fun putting things together in a way that feels like you. A bowl of pomegranates, a few oranges, or colorful leaves gathered from the yard can be just as lovely as an elaborate centerpiece. One of my favorite entertaining tricks is using stacks of cookbooks as risers for serving platters. It’s an easy way to add height and interest to a buffet using something you already have. Think about how you want to serve the meal, too. Passing dishes family-style works beautifully for a smaller gathering, while a buffet might be more practical for a larger group.
One of the things I’ve come to appreciate about Thanksgiving is how our traditions evolve over the years. The menu might change, the table might look a little different, and, hopefully, there will be new faces gathered around it. And that’s a good thing. Whether we’re welcoming a new dish or a new guest, there’s always room to make the celebration your own. At the heart of Thanksgiving, it’s still about gathering around the table, sharing good food, and being thankful for the people we get to share it with.
Features Contributor Vicki DeFrancesco
Photographer Ellie Koleen
