Thanksgiving is just around the corner and gratitude is IN SEASON.
Of course, gratitude is always in season. But, this is the time of year that we take a minute to actually get together with those we care about and consider how seriously blessed we all are.
Though this holiday has really great roots and values, it’s easy for it to fall flat after years of doing the same thing. You can forget why you’re even celebrating and reflecting.
One of the best ways to bring flavor to Thanksgiving is by spicing things up (pumpkin-spicing it up, if you please).
So, today, we’re sharing some of our favorite Thanksgiving ideas that are off the beaten path. These are non-traditional ideas that still hold the spirit of the holiday, but make the day new and exciting.
Whether you’re celebrating with friends or family, these ideas will keep your Thanksgiving fun and fresh.
100+ Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
There are so many ways to make your Thanksgiving super memorable and totally unique. First of all, you can create a one-of-a-kind menu. Bye-bye turkey and mashed potatoes. Who wants to eat the same thing at every Thanksgiving they go to, anyway?
Below, we have tons of non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner recipes that’ll have your guests grateful for a change.
But, don’t stop at the meal! Think of ways you can transform everything from the food and festivities to the traditions and decor. It’s time to think outside of the box for an unforgettable Thanksgiving that your friends and family will be RAVING about for years to come.
Here are some of the best non-traditional Thanksgiving ideas:
Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dishes
Glazed Ham
Duck a l’Orange
Braised Short Ribs
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Pulled Pork
Honey-Glazed Salmon
Prime Rib Roast
Vegetarian Pot Pie
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Seafood Paella
Herb-Crusted Roast Chicken
Lamb Chops
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Beef Wellington
Chicken and Waffles
Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto
Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Sides
Lauryn’s cinnamon cider Brussels Sprouts
Maple Glazed Carrots with Pecans
Spicy Roasted Carrots with Harissa
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad
Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
Cauliflower Gratin
Fennel and Apple Slaw
Maple Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Parmesan Truffle Fries
Pumpkin Hummus
Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Herb-Roasted Mushrooms
Pesto Green Beans
Crispy Baked Polenta Fries
Avocado and Corn Salad
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Mushroom and Leek Bread Pudding
Caramelized Onion and Pear Tart
Cranberry Jalapeno Relish
Warm Farro Salad with Cranberries and Spinach
Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Desserts
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Apple Cider Donuts
Cranberry Pecan Pie Bars
Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting
Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie
Salted Caramel Apple Galette
Spiced Pear Crumble
Chai-Spiced Creme Brulee
Gingerbread Trifle
Pecan Pie Brownies
Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies
Cinnamon Apple Strudel
Chocolate Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake
S’mores Pie
Pumpkin Tiramisu
Maple Pecan Blondies
Butternut Squash Pie
Roasted Pears with Honey and Almonds
Pumpkin Churros with Chocolate Sauce
Spiced Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Sweet Potato Pecan Pie
Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats
Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
Maple Pumpkin Custard
Ginger-Pear Skillet Cake
Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl
Apple Cinnamon Streusel Bars
Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies
Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding
Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti
Honey Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies
Molasses Spice Cookies
Spiced Pumpkin Parfait
Pear and Cranberry Crisp
Pumpkin Pecan Bread
Apple and Pear Galette
Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Drinks
Cranberry Moscow Mule
Spiced Pear Sangria
Maple Bourbon Smash
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Apple Cider Margarita (or a classic one)
Pomegranate Mojito
Thyme and Honey Gin Fizz
Chai Spiced Hot Toddy
Cranberry Rosemary Spritzer
Pumpkin Beer Float
Cranberry Orange Mimosa
Fig and Vanilla Bourbon Sour
Caramel Apple Sangria
Cinnamon Whiskey Sour
Pineapple Sage Margarita
Elderflower and Gin Spritz
Maple Pecan Old Fashioned
Ginger Apple Moscow Mule
Cranberry Ginger Sparkler
Spiced Rum Cider
Pear and Ginger Martini
Blackberry Sage Cooler
Cinnamon Tequila Sunrise
Pumpkin Martini
Lavender Lemonade
Rosemary Gin and Tonic
Spiked Hot Chocolate
Apple Cider Bellini
Vanilla Chai Martini
Cranberry Apple Punch
Maple Whiskey Sour
Pomegranate Mimosa
Ginger Pear Punch
Cinnamon Apple Old Fashioned
Pear and Cardamom Sparkler
Pumpkin Spice Martini
Maple Bourbon Coffee
Cranberry Lime Spritzer
Mulled Apple Cider
HOT TIP: for a fun spin on cocktails, get this smoking cloche so people can make their own, with a little something extra.
Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Activities
Karaoke
Trivia
Hot Chocolate Bar
Yard Games
Seasonal Flower Arranging
Photo Booth
Seasonal Craft Session
Movie Marathon
Spa Day
Fantasy Football Draft
Volunteering
Fall-Themed Scavenger Hunt
Wine Tasting
Culinary Workshop from Private Chef
Group Hike or Nature Walk
Mixology Class with Festive Cocktails
Gratitude Meditation
Board Games
Campfire and S’mores
Nature Photography
Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Traditions
Friendsgiving
Volunteer Together
Thanksgiving Picnic
International Thanksgiving Feast
Recipe Swap
Themed Dinner (Pick a decade or choose a movie)
Gratitude Letters
Thanksgiving Breakfast or Brunch
Holiday Card Making
Home Escape Room
DIY Gratitude Spa Day
Pie-Baking Contest
Memory or Gratitude Jar
Charity Auction
Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Themes
Masquerade Ball
1920s Gatsby Party
Western Hoedown
Tropical Luau
Medieval Feats
Around the World
Retro Thanksgiving (pick a decade)
Sports Fanatic
Victorian Era
Nature Retreat
Garden Party
Sustainable Thanksgiving
Thanksmas
Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Decor
Pumpkin Succulent Centerpieces
Geometric Lanterns
Metallic Leaf Garland
Vintage-Inspired Tableware
Eucalyptus and Lavender Wreaths
Copper Accents
Velvet Pumpkins
Hanging Terrariums
Acrylic Pumpkin
Citrus Centerpieces
Feather Accents
Modern Cornucopia
Color Block Candles
Bold Floral Arrangements
Marble Accents
Modern Plaid
Transparent Table Settings
Colorful Pumpkins
Nature-Inspired Decor
Taper Candles in Unique Holders
Hanging Greenery
Fabric-Covered Pumpkins
Miniature Herb Gardens
Wood Slice Place Cards
Macrame Wall Hangings
Glass Cloche Displays
Patterned Tablecloths with Bold Prints
Origami Decorations
Neon Signboards
Colorful Pom-Pom Garlands
Textured Table Linens
Bold, Colorful Napkins
Decorative Gourds and Squash
Minimalist Scandinavian Decor
Autumn-Inspired Art Prints
Spice up Thanksgiving with a non-traditional holiday celebration.
Thanksgiving is a slept-on holiday. It gets lost between Halloween and Christmas, but it’s such a great opportunity to get together with your friends and family and appreciate everything you have. If you need a little help getting into the mood while you plan your big party, here are some of our favorite gratitude affirmations to add to your daily meditations.
For more ways to elevate your celebration, make sure to check out these Thanksgiving hacks. Keep it on theme, but don’t be afraid to go non-traditional. It’s the season of transformation, after all, so why not do something new?
x, The Skinny Confidential team
+ Lauryn’s favorite non-toxic cookware, plus easy crockpot recipes.
++ Affordable Thanksgiving dishes that will please everyone.
THANKSGIVING PREP:
