Hosting Thanksgiving was not part of my traditions growing up in Poland. But it has become one of my favorite things.
Creating the Scene for Connection and Sharing
As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing more grounding and heartwarming than gathering around the table with loved ones. Whether it’s a grand celebration like Thanksgiving or Christmas or a simple, intimate family dinner, the act of coming together unites us in the most meaningful ways. It’s an opportunity to catch up on life, resolve small family differences, and even share thoughts on topics as varied as politics or daily life.
Imagine the scene: beautiful China dishes set delicately across the table, comforting aromas filling the air, and rooms filled with laughter, conversations, and the lively energy of people reconnecting. These moments bring us closer, helping us to nurture and strengthen the family bond.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to create an inviting atmosphere for hosting Thanksgiving, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and cherished.
1. Theme: Setting the Tone
Themed gatherings add a personal and creative touch to any event. Whether it’s a traditional harvest theme with pumpkins and autumn leaves or something modern and unique, choosing a theme helps bring the entire celebration together. For this upcoming Thanksgiving, I’ve decided to embrace a fall bird design with elements of the harvest, which captures the season’s natural beauty with elegance. The delicate imagery of birds, mixed with autumnal colors, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for the table.
I found some beautiful plates at Pottery Barn that fit this theme perfectly, and I think you might love them too. They have subtle, hand-painted details that bring out the essence of fall in a truly sophisticated way. I’ve also paired them with crystal water goblets that add an extra touch of refinement to the table. The way these glasses catch the candlelight and glisten is simply stunning, and they make even the simplest drink feel special.
2. Beverages: Elevating the Experience While Hosting Thanksgiving
Having a large selection of beverages is always recommended, but with the recent trend of alcohol-free gatherings, this part of the planning becomes simpler—and healthier. I don’t serve sugary, processed drinks, even during festive occasions. I believe that when hosting, we should skip these unhealthy options and instead invest in beverages that taste great and make our guests feel good.
For obvious reasons, I always have a few choices of 221BC Kombucha available. I select flavors that pair well with what’s being served. For Thanksgiving, I might choose something more refreshing, like our Lavender Moringa or Blueberry Ginger kombucha, depending on the meal. Offering kombucha not only adds a burst of flavor to the table but also provides guests with a drink that benefits their gut health.
In addition to kombucha, we usually serve 2-3 different mocktails, which are always a hit. I’ve perfected a few recipes over the years, and without a doubt, these are the stars of the beverage table.
View some of my favorite mocktail recipes here.
While my guests often bring their wine based on personal preference, I also keep a selection of non-alcoholic wines on hand. My favorite is a crisp rosé, which I enhance with a splash of sparkling mineral water for extra sparkle. And speaking of water, I love serving good-quality mineral water. While today’s water bottles can be quite stylish and even suitable for the table, I prefer a crystal pitcher—it adds an extra touch of class and elegance to any meal.
3. Food: A Celebration of Flavor and Tradition
When it comes to food, this is always the most important part of my preparation. I don’t know about you, but I love cookbooks. My collection spans centuries—I have cookbooks that are over 200 years old, as well as modern recipe books from today’s most renowned chefs. There’s something magical about how talented chefs can take just five real food ingredients and create the most flavorful, delicious dishes. I always strive to follow the best, but I never forget the importance of tradition.
Tradition in food is about more than just recipes—it’s about preserving memories and passing them on to new generations. There’s a certain comfort and familiarity that comes with making the same Thanksgiving dishes year after year. When we serve traditional foods, we are creating continuity, a thread that binds our families together across time. It’s in these moments that we pass down more than just flavors; we pass down stories, history, and a sense of belonging. For many, these dishes become symbols of family gatherings, evoking warm memories of past celebrations, and inspiring the next generation to continue gathering around the table to honor those traditions.
In today’s fast-paced world, holding onto these rituals grounds us and brings us closer, reminding us of where we come from. And food plays such a vital role in these moments—it’s the heart of the celebration. Traditional dishes are more than nourishment; they’re a shared experience, a way to bond and connect, creating a lasting impact on our relationships and our lives.
Favorite Real Food Thankgiving Dishes
Here are a few of my favorite Thanksgiving dishes—flavorful, nutrient-rich, and made entirely from real food ingredients:
Baked Cinnamon Apples: sliced apples with the peel, grated cinnamon, honey, and walnuts.
Roasted Carrots: carrots, olive oil, thyme, sea salt, with a dash of cayenne pepper.
Potatoes & Asparagus: new potatoes with skins, chopped onions, garlic, olive oil, asparagus, and rosemary.
4. Florals & Centerpiece: Embracing Nature’s Timeless Beauty
Nature has this timeless beauty that no plastic decoration can ever replace. That’s why I always choose real florals and natural elements for my tablescapes. There’s something so organic and elegant about combining flowers with cinnamon sticks, branches, pumpkins, and other elements that represent the beauty of the Fall season. These natural touches instantly create a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for Thanksgiving.
When you purchase store-bought centerpieces, it’s easy to follow the trend of the season. But trends fade, and the next year, you’ll find yourself wanting the latest, most stylish decor. While it might seem like an unnecessary expense to purchase fresh-cut flowers or potted plants, in the long run, you’ll find it’s a wise investment. Not only will you save on storage space (no need to pack up bulky, artificial décor), but you also won’t feel guilty about replacing them since they naturally decompose.
Go with real and let your table bloom with the vibrant colors of mums, roses, purple pansies, and sunflowers. These flowers bring a rich, seasonal beauty to the room. Paired with earthy elements, they capture the essence of autumn, filling your space with a stunning visual display and the lovely, subtle aromas of the season. It’s a simple yet effective way to elevate your gathering and create an atmosphere that your guests will remember.
Nurture Relationships While Hosting Thanksgiving
As we gather this Thanksgiving, let’s put aside political views, differences, and the strife of the world. Let’s unite at the table, praising God for His generosity and the abundance we are blessed with. This is a moment to show future generations how to bury hatred and distance, and instead, channel our energy towards love, compassion, and togetherness.
After all, this is what it’s all about—coming together in gratitude, creating memories that transcend the chaos, and teaching the value of unity, love, and peace. Let’s celebrate what truly matters this season.
