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    Home » Hosting and Entertaining

    Published: Nov 15, 2017 · Modified: May 16, 2025 by Shanelle Fisher · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Ideas for Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner

    The post Ideas for Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner was updated in 11/2020

    Whether you need menu ideas, planning to dine out, or ordering in I got you covered with some great ideas for hosting Thanksgiving dinner.

    This post contains affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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    Thanksgiving dinner ideas

    Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner

    Can you believe Thanksgiving is almost here?! This last quarter of the year, is flying by.

    We usually host a big Thanksgiving dinner at our house with out of town guests, but this year, we are keeping it low key and it’s just my immediate squad.

    I'll likely be ordering some items and cooking a few things. What I know for sure, is I plan on lounging in my stretchy pants, eating, and chillaxin all day!

    Today I'm share tips and ideas for your Thanksgiving menu, tablescape inspiration, and even suggestions if you decide to dine out.

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    Thanksgiving décor

    Even if I'm just having dinner with my family I like to set a nice table. Pull out the good dishes, nice serving bowls, and a festive table cloth to set the scene and make things feel special.

    What are some ideas for Thanksgiving dinner?

    Although I dine out often, I really enjoy cooking and Thanksgiving is one of my favorite occasions to cook. Thanksgiving is the foodie's Super Bowl!

    I usually keep it traditional with a roasted or smoked turkey, and all the comfort food sides.

    Here are some ideas for items to include on your menu for hosting Thanksgiving dinner.

    Thanksgiving menu

    Click here for the printable.

    Here are some recipes for side dishes and desserts from some of my favorite foodies.

    Air Fryer Turkey legs

    Macaroni and cheese (hands down my favorite Thanksgiving side dish)

    Rum Butter Sweet Potatoes

    Collard Greens Salad

    Caramel Pecan Cheesecake 

    Peach dump cake

    Don't forget the cocktails!

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    How to host Thanksgiving without the stress

    Keep in mind the point of Thanksgiving is to enjoy good food with your favorite people. This should not be a stressful occasion. However, if the thought of cooking such and important meal stresses you out, then I say order your meal.

    We don't need you getting talked about in the group text because your dressing/stuffing was whack. Just leave it to the experts!

    To me this is the best of both worlds. You get to have the feeling of cooking at home without the dirty pots and tired feet, and most importantly leftovers!

    Here are some great options for ordering all or parts of your Thanksgiving meal.

    Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas

    Central Market

    The Ranch at Las Colinas

    Honey Baked Ham

    Fried Turkey

    Pies

    Cheesecake

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    Dining out options in Dallas for Thanksgiving Dinner

    The first Thanksgiving my husb and I celebrated after having our son, was at the Four Seasons. We were hosting out of town family and I was nervous that I would not be able to pull off making Thanksgiving dinner with a new born baby. So, the hubs said let’s just go out for dinner (clutches pearls in horror). I thought that was foodie blasphemy, who does that?! Really?!

    Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas

    I know my limits so I obliged and it was wonderful. We enjoyed a delicious meal, and all we had to do was get dressed and drive somewhere.

    I recommend doing it at least once. Here are some suggestions for places that pull out all the stops for Turkey Day.

    The Four Seasons 

    Fearings

    Perry's

    Al Biernat's

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    I hope you found these ideas for hosting Thanksgiving dinner helpful and you feel a little less stressed about the holiday.

    Remember the point of it all is to enjoy this time with your family and friends.

    Have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!

    Click here for a Free Holiday Cocktail Guide

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    Reader Interactions

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    1. Friendsgiving Brunch Ideas - Mochas and Mimosas says:
      April 7, 2021 at 5:17 pm

      […] Ideas for hosting Thanksgiving […]

      Reply
    2. Game Day Food Ideas: Super Bowl Party - Mochas and Mimosas says:
      February 9, 2022 at 6:46 pm

      […] Food bars are always a good idea. They are a great way to set it and forget it. This is another way to allow guests to customize their plates. […]

      Reply

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    I'm Shanelle, the brunch aficionado behind this blog. I've always had a passion for cooking, and brunch has a special place in my heart. There's just something magical about that late-morning meal where breakfast meets lunch, and you have an excuse to indulge in both sweet and savory delights. 

    More about me →

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