This table setting is more simple than it looks:
- animal print rattan placemats found on sale at World Market
- white fabric napkins purchased in packs of 12 on amazon
- tea lights in simple clear glass holders, simple clear glassware
- a few white small ornamental squashes
- potted white flowers picked up at a nursery, placed in vases and small terra cotta pots
This year, I’m hosting a small Friendsgiving, and I’m keeping everything simple, streamlined, and budget-friendly. A solid plan makes the whole day run smoothly, so here’s a straightforward menu and timeline to help you pull off a relaxed, cheerful Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving.
The Menu
Pre-Dinner Snacks
Set out small bowls of easy nibbles with cocktail napkins so no one gets hangry: salted peanuts, wasabi peas, cheese straws, or even a bowl of good potato chips (people love them!). Add spoons to each bowl so guests can self-serve without touching the snacks.
Main Meal
- Roasted Turkey
- Cold-Seared Brussels Sprouts
- Baked Sweet Potatoes. Serve with butter, sour cream, and brown sugar on the side
- Cornbread Dressing
- Simple Green Salad with French Vinaigrette
- Cranberry sauce - jellied out of the can and the compote kind. People always like one or the other. In my case, I like both.
Dessert
Beverages
- Gruet Rosé Sparkling Wine (New Mexico)
- Various Italian Red Wines ($12–$15 range)
- Filtered or bottled water poured into glass pitchers so guests can refill easily
Sometimes all you need is a crisp white table cloth and pretty china to make a beautiful table setting. No flowers or fluff required. Thrift stores are a great source for unwanted pretty china these days.
The Prep Plan
Three Days Before Thanksgiving
- If your turkey is frozen, transfer it to the refrigerator at least three days ahead. Place it in a tray or large bowl to catch any drips.
- Check pantry essentials: oils, salt, pepper, herbs, and seasonings.
- Finish any final grocery shopping.
The Day Before Thanksgiving
Set the Table
Arrange plates, folded napkins, silverware, water and wine glasses, candles, and simple décor. Tea lights in clear or colored holders are lovely and won’t drip. A few crysanthemums in small bud vases or a cluster of decorative mini pumpkins works beautifully.
Organize Serving Pieces
Stack dessert plates and salad plates where they’re easy to reach. Don't forget the cake/pie knife for serving.
Gather Cookware and Supplies
Locate everything you’ll need: roasting pan, large skillet, baking sheet, salad bowl, foil, parchment paper, plastic wrap, and utensils.
Make-Ahead Dishes
- Bake the chocolate cake. Or buy one if you don't want to bake.
- Prep the cornbread dressing: Make the cornbread, chop the veggies and store them in the fridge, but do not mix the cornbread dressing yet and do not combine it with stock and eggs ahead of time. If cornbread dressing is mixed up too far in advance of cooking, it will spoil. Cornbread dressing can be mixed together quickly right before baking time on Thanksgiving Day.
Thanksgiving Day
- Remove the turkey from the refrigerator one hour before roasting. Allowing it to warm slightly helps it cook more evenly and gives you juicier meat and crispier skin.
- Make sure the dishwasher is empty and ready—you’ll need it.
- Prep and roast the turkey according to your favorite method. FYI, here's the USDA Turkey Preparation Guide.
While the Turkey Roasts
- Make the French vinaigrette and prep the salad, but do not dress it yet.
- During the last hour of roasting, place the sweet potatoes on the bottom rack of the oven.
- Prep the Brussels sprouts.
After the Turkey Comes Out
- Let the turkey and sweet potatoes rest.
- Assemble, mix and bake the cornbread dressing.
- Cold-sear the Brussels sprouts.
- Dress the salad.
Serving the Meal
Carve the turkey and plate everything. Serve the salad first or alongside the main meal—your choice. I like having everyone seated so I can plate in the kitchen without people underfoot. Recruit someone to help serve plates and pour drinks.
Dessert & Coffee
Clear the table, bring out the cake, and offer coffee with cream and sugar.
Cleanup (Because It Must Be Done)
Clean as you go whenever possible—it makes a huge difference. Quickly rinse dishes and load the dishwasher as you work. Save the big pans and tougher cleaning tasks until after guests leave so you can enjoy their company. Move everyone to the living room where the space is already tidy.
Then sit back and bask in the success of your relaxed, stress-free Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving.