Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. All year, I look forward to this cozy Fall day centered around food, family and friends, and gathering around the table. This coming Thanksgiving, in a few days, which actually be my second of the year! We hosted a “Faux Thanksgiving” for my family October 1, and we are hosting my husband’s family for real Thanksgiving later this week. I have done some HOT TAKES on Thanksgiving menus in the past, but for both our celebrations this year, I chose to make creative takes on some of the classics. Here’s what we’ll be serving on Thursday.

To Start //

Because we have Thanksgiving more around dinner time and not for lunch, I like to put out a small spread of meats, cheeses, grapes, olives, and nuts to tide the masses over before dinner. I LOVE to use this pink marble serving platter this time of year; it’s gorgeous and feels so festive.

The Main Event //

+ 12 lb turkey, dry brined for 24 hours and then slow roasted at 325
+ green bean casserole, being brought by my mother in law!
+ sweet potato casserole, being brought by my brother in law!
+ creamy mac + cheese with crispy panko — my husband will make this off the cuff! it’s DIVINE every year
+ Alison Roman stuffing — TRULY the best
+ Alison Roman buttermilk mashed potatoes
+ fall salad // kale, pistachios, sweet + spicy pepitas, goat cheese, pear, mustard vinaigrette

After Dinner //

Some might think it boring, but I make the same apple + pear galette every year. It’s perfect every time and I love a tradition!