15 Unique Thanksgiving Traditions Your Family Will Adore
Think outside of the pumpkin pie.
By Nadine Jolie Courtney
Photo: mediaphotos/Getty Images
Thanksgiving is a time for the truly important things in life: family, friends,
fall cocktails, pie... more pie. (And yes, if you're into it: football!) It's an opportunity for loved ones new and old to come together to reflect on the past year and to create new memories. Here are fresh Thanksgiving traditions—from hosting a post-feast game night or movie marathon to making personalized place cards with thoughtful inscriptions—to start with your family, sure to make you count your blessings and feel more grateful than ever.
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Lasting Thanks
In all the fun and frenzy, it can be easy to forget the true meaning of Thanksgiving: gratitude. Dole out black sharpies and, before digging in, invite each guest to write what they're thankful for on a butcher paper cloth laid over the table. You can archive the sheets to look back on fondly.
Photo: mediaphotos/Getty Images
Pie Breakfast
Instead of starving yourself until 3 p.m., start the day right (and expand your stomach a little!) with a pie breakfast. Invite guests to bring their favorites, or
try one of these killer recipes...
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Bloody Mary Bar
While the dinner's roasting and baking, set out a Bloody Mary bar so guests can make their own brunch classic as they mingle and watch the parade. Bonus points for over-the-top garnishes like bacon, shrimp, and lobster.
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Collect Canned Goods
It's only natural to demonstrate gratitude by trying to give back on Thanksgiving, but instead of volunteering at a soup kitchen—many of which are overrun on that single day, but then forgotten about later—why not invite your guests to each bring canned foods to donate?
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Set Thankful Place Cards
Before the big day, send around a guest list and ask everybody to share one thing they love or respect about each guest. Compile the compliments on a place card with each guest's name, so they'll sit to find a heartwarming list of anonymous appreciation.
Read the full story here: 15 Unique Thanksgiving Tradition Ideas Your Family Will Adore
Published 11/12/2018
