Easy Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and you may be asking yourself: What should I cook? What can I cook in an apartment? Do I have enough time?

Well, you have come to the right place! Below are some Thanksgiving favorites that will satisfy your taste buds and have you feeling like you’re at grandma’s with a home cooked meal!

Starters

There is one thing everyone can agree on about thanksgiving and that is the amount of food consumed. To get the day started, enjoy some light snacks and appetizers while the main course is still cooking. We have put together a few ideas to get you started!

Turkey Snack Board

If you enjoy charcuterie boards, then this Turkey Snack Board is for you. All you need is your favorite crackers, cheeses, half a pear, some veggies, fruits, nuts, and a variety of deli meat!

https://thebakermama.com/recipes/turkey-snack-board/

Cranberry Brie Bites

These bite size cranberry bites are so simple and will for sure be a favorite with your thanksgiving guests. All you need is three simple ingredients, brie, cranberry sauce and puff pastry. These ingredients can be found at any local grocery store. Tip: make sure to do your thanksgiving shopping prior to the day so you can avoid sold out shelves!

How to make Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

Cranberry Meatballs

First, who doesn’t love a saucy meatball? If you watch football on Thanksgiving Day, then these meatballs will WIN over your guests. They’re so easy and you can start them the night before and have them ready in time for kickoff.

https://www.gracefullittlehoneybee.com/slow-cooker-cranberry-meatballs

Drinks

If you are looking for a festive and easy drink for guests either under or over 21, these could be up your alley!

Non-Alcoholic Spicy Pear Punch

A delicious punch can be a hit among guests, especially when its fits into the season. This Spicy Pear Punch will not only satisfy both kids and adults who are looking for a refreshing beverage but also work with your thanksgiving starters and meal.

Click here for the recipe.

Caramel Apple Cider Mimosa

Mimosas, the perfect brunch drink but now to be the perfect Thanksgiving adult beverage!

In this recipe, you substitute champagne and orange juice for apple cider and vodka. Add a fun rim and you will be toasting in no time!

https://moms-mimosa.com/caramel-apple-cider-mimosas/

Turkey

The main player in the Thanksgiving Meal!

No Fuss Turkey

If you are looking for a step by step recipe how to cook a turkey, then this recipe is for you!

Easy Thanksgiving Turkey

Crock Pot Cranberry Turkey

Looking for a no stress turkey. Then the crock pot recipe is your answer to success!

https://togetherasfamily.com/turkey-recipe/

Potatoes

Can’t forget the potatoes! Do you even live in the mid-west if potatoes aren’t part of the main course?

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A classic dish with a twist! An added flavor of garlic can take your potatoes from tasty to delicious is no time.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe (Creamy, Garlicky & Buttery!)

Cheesy Potatoes

Don’t worry, we included the classic cheesy potatoes dish!

The Best Cheesy Potato Casserole

Vegetables

For some, vegetables are a tough sell. These recipes will insure a serving of vegetables on every plate.

Roasted Carrots

These roasted carrots are not only savory but also sweet! If you like to cook with family or friends, this one is easy to pass off to the sous chef.

https://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/roasted-carrots/

Green Bean Casserole

Once again, the title says it all! A true Thanksgiving Classic that will insure no leftovers for the next day.

Green Bean Casserole

Other Sides

Stuffing

You either are a fan or not of stuffing! If you’re a fan- be sure to check out this unique stuffing recipe with added sausage and herbs that may turn the non stuffing fans into stuffing fans!

Stuffing Recipe

Gravy

The finishing touch to the main course! There are many ways to make gravy but if this is your first time at it, a recipe cant hurt.

How to Make a Simple Turkey Gravy | Recipe

Dessert

Apple lovers

https://togetherasfamily.com/caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars/

Pumpkin Lovers

https://reciperunner.com/creamy-pumpkin-pie-bars/

Click here for a link to Mini Pumpkin Pies!

Pecan Lovers

No Corn Syrup Pecan Pie

See how one resident decorated their apartment for the holiday season

When it comes to decorating an apartment during the holiday season, it’s all about finding and creating small spaces. We stepped inside a resident’s apartment at The Grand off 45th to see how it was decorated this season.

Sip, Sip, Hooray!

Spread holiday cheer while you are sipping on your favorite holiday cocktail! An easy way to decorate a space such as this bar cart is by adding a touch of garland, festive drink ware, and a letter board with a fun holiday saying if you have one. You could even spice it up with twinkle lights or festive trees.

Nooks you don’t think to decorate

Bring some style to your functional pieces. Add a small decoration to your dressers, side tables, countertops, tv stands, and bookshelves. Remember to leave enough space for those practical, everyday items, so the space doesn’t start to feel cluttered. This resident mentioned that she purchased most of her smaller décor items from antique stores, local businesses, and thrift stores.

 

Make it cozy!

Adding textiles to your bedding such as pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals, is an easy way to create holiday spirit in your small home. You can find fun accent pillows and blankets at craft stores, local shops, and bigger home décor retailers.

Maximize the space above your cabinets

This resident did a small winter village filled with bottle brush trees, light up houses, reindeer, and garland. She used books and photo stands to help lift pieces up and bring various dimensions to the space.

Time for the tree!

Many retailers now offer slim trees that work well in smaller spaces. For this resident, it was all about the vibrant reds and pinks mixed with glitter and vintage ornaments.

Five Easy Fall Decorating Tips

Decorating in an apartment can be challenging. We have 5 easy Fall decorating tips to make you feel all the coziness of the season.

1. Pumpkins and gourds

You can never go wrong with a traditional pumpkin or gourd look. Let’s be honest- you can find pumpkins and gourds just about everywhere right now. From your local grocery store, craft store or market. We suggest placing an odd number of pumpkins in a variety of colors such as orange, yellow, green or white on surfaces such as a coffee table, tv stand, bedside table or or as a center piece on an island or table. This is a decoration piece that can last you through Thanksgiving!

2. Fall Florals

If you love muted colors – then fall florals are for you! Place fall florals in a vase and use as decoration on tables, counters, mantels, or any space you feel. This will brighten up your room and give off the fall feel to guests in your home.

3. Chunky Knits

Not only will a chunky knit blanket give you major fall vibes but it will also keep you nice and cozy on those cooler fall days. Place in a basket on the side of your couch or leave it nicely folded as a statement piece on your living room furniture, or as an accent blanket on a bed. This piece can easily be transitioned from fall to winter.

Types of chunky knits can be found at most stores.

4. Plaid

Plaid is the ideal pattern for fall and winter! You can introduce this pattern in your space in so many ways such as: pillows, blankets, pet beds, small trinkets, bedding, or even pet toys. Plaid will give your space just the right amount of fall decorating and a cozy feel.

5. Moody Colors

Moody colors can enhance your living space and can easily be done without spending too much or much effort. Look for colors and textures that range in the darker tones such as dark and deep purples, oranges, reds, greens, and pinks. To give more depth, add a neutral color like black, grey, white or cream. You can incorporate moody colors into any of the decorating ideas above such as plaid and florals.