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Our 2023 Thanksgiving Menu and Guide.
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Happy November! The holiday season is officially here. I feel so much excitement for all that is coming. Of course, I already feel so behind, but nothing new there. But aside from feeling overwhelmed, I also feel so happy. This is such a special time of year!
As I type away tonight, I just finished up shooting our 2023 Thanksgiving menu. This year’s theme is Simple, Cozy, and Delicious. I crafted my menu with ease in mind. After many years of preparing for Thanksgiving, I’ve come to the realization that anything too fussy is not worth the trouble. Instead, I’m including really delicious recipes, that can be easily prepared and most importantly, that everyone will enjoy. I’m really excited to share this year’s menu, I’m hoping it’s what we’re all looking for!
I’m super happy I was able to get the menu all photographed and settled before heading to New York. I’ll be in the city for the week. I’ve got a handful of work events including our Snif Ulta Beauty event and our Williams-Sonoma signing. Both of which I CAN’T WAIT for. The Ulta Beauty event is this Wednesday at the Herald Square store in New York. Then on Thursday, I’ll be at the Williams-Sonoma store in Short Hills, New Jersey.
When we had our Chicago signing, I was able to do a giveaway for everyone who attended. For this signing, we’re going to be doing the same! It will be fun and I love meeting you all. It really makes me so happy getting to interact with you in person. If you’re in New York or New Jersey, please come out and say hi!
Details for both events are below:
Snif Ulta Beauty Meet Greet – Wednesday, November 8th, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Tickets are FREE but only the first 150 to show up with a ticket are guaranteed access to the meet-and-greet opportunities.
Get your tickets for the event here.
Williams Sonoma Short Hills, New Jersey – Thursday, November 9th 6:00 pm
Reserve your tickets here.
All books will be signed, looking forward to this so much!
What else to update you on? Oh, how about Oslo, he had an amazing Halloween. He just loved going up to each storefront on our town’s main street collecting candy. He is just the sweetest little boy! OH, and this is kind of fun news, Asher is now a brunette. She needed a change of pace. She looks so pretty with light brown hair. When I was her age I never would have been brave enough to make such a change. I love how daring she is!
Speaking of Asher she has been a huge help to me these last few weeks, months, the entire year really. She is so caring and genuinely happy to help. I feel so grateful for her! My mom and I have something very special planned for her this Christmas, I can’t wait! I know she will love it.
I also have to say a big thank you to everyone who has been supporting our Snif candle collaboration. It’s been one of my favorite projects to be lucky enough to create. The gingerbread smash candle is now out!! It’s truly the essence of Christmas! Like fresh gingerbread cookies baking away all day long.
That’s all I have for today! Enjoy another Sunday Favorites and Happy November!
1. Things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try.
burning…our pumpkin smash candle and our gingerbread smash candle together as a duo. Burning both together creates the most magical, warm, and cozy home. You have to try it!
loving (SO MUCH)…this Vintage Bookshelf Games Edition. This is so cute. I am obsessed with the Candy Land edition. So stinking cute.
reading…the Goop gifts guides. There are so many!
everything in my cart (low)…I have a sweater that looks identical to this Fairisle Wedge Crew Sweater, but at triple the price. This is the best designer-like-looking sweater, super cute.
More cozy finds, love this Free People bonfire cardi and their pom beanie. Really fun and cute. And here’s another Abercrombie find, a great cable notch-neck sweater.
Everyone needs a pair of cashmere socks. We love these cute cashmere blend trouser socks at J Crew (30% off with code FRIENDS).
listening to…Lucy Hale: Sober Doesn’t Mean Boring.
shopping…Amazon Home. I found some really cute holiday entertaining pieces for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
wanting…Activist raw manuka honey. Manuka honey is said to have amazing health benefits. I need to start using it.
everything in my cart (beauty)…RMS Beauty always carries my favorite products. This lip pencil is wonderful.
For gifting, the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk On the Go Kit, is fun and cute.
And from Amazon, these all would make amazing gifts!
gifting…the Papier stationery advent calendar. Gift this to anyone who thrives on planning and organization.
everything in my cart (high)…well, this isn’t actually in my cart, but I think this men’s Suede jacket from Prada is so handsome. Love the new Bottega Veneta Medium Gemelli Shoulder bag. On my Christmas list and this Cartier Baignoire de Cartier Watchis pretty. Way too much, but pretty.
drinking…espresso martinis. I’m so into them right now. I want to make both my vanilla espresso martini and chai espresso martini again very soon! Plus, I have a new one coming this December that I can’t wait to share!
shopping…the Studio McGee holiday collection. Love their classic, festive take on the holidays. These mini trees are really cute and I need to order this ribbon.
2. October’s most popular recipes.
Most popular: Cider Braised Pot Roast with Crispy Sage Butter Potatoes
Runner-up: Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli
Also have to mention: Smothered Chicken in Mushroom Wine Pan Sauce
Everyone’s favorite pumpkin recipe: Pumpkin Butter Cinnamon Roll Bread + 6 Ingredient Spiced Pumpkin Butter
Our favorite drink: Cranberry Bourbon Sour
3. Cute holiday stockings
4. What gifts do you love to give?
As we enter the season of gifting, I’d love to know what gifts you love to give. I struggle with receiving gifts, but one of the things I love most, and I really do mean LOVE, is giving someone the perfect gift.
If I’m gifting to someone I don’t know well, my go-to is a wonderful candle paired with a cute kitchen set or a fun custom board game. For the holidays, I honestly think the Half Baked Smash bundle in a gift basket with either a pie or baking goodies would be perfect. You could also do a cocktail-mixing must-haves basket. It would depend on who I’m gifting to as to which one I’d choose.
I’d love to hear some of your favorite gifts to give! I need some new hostess gift ideas!
Gifting doesn’t have to be something tangible or even cost anything. It can be as simple as the gift of quality time. Babysit a friend’s kids so they can have an hour or two to themselves. Volunteering at a friend or family member’s favorite charity. Cooking dinner for someone. Photo albums take time to put together, but they are so appreciated and fairly inexpensive.
Of course, you can also do a random act of kindness as a gift for someone who looks like they could use a pick-me-up. Buy someone a hot coffee or pumpkin spice latte – just because you can! Or carry some extra cheap gloves with you. Hand them out when you see someone who looks like they could use them.
Simple acts of kindness are almost always well-received!
Ok, ok, comments below, please!
5. The Quickest trip to New York.
On Tuesday I did a quick overnight trip to New York, flying in and out the next day. I was on Amazon Live for the launch of Gingerbread Smash. While I was there I shared how I create my holiday tables and how to use candles within your home. It was so much fun!
And now I’m already back in the city, this time for a slightly longer stay!
If you missed the Amazon Live, you can watch the full clip here.
(a warm and cozy welcome)
(every night – I am religious about skincare)
(legs up to reduce inflammation – increases circulation and helps with relaxation)
(movement every morning)
Amazon Live prep
(Amazon had such a nice display of the candles and books)
(the cutest Halloween night late-night snack at the hotel)
(cozy New York)
6. Thanksgiving Tip of the Week.
Tip: Think About Your Menu
A few things to consider when creating your 2023 Thanksgiving Menu. How much oven space do you have, how many people are you serving, and does anyone have any dietary restrictions?
Depending on how many leftovers you’d like, plan on anywhere from a pound to a pound and a half per person. If everyone is heading out the door at the end of the day, I would go closer to a pound per person. If your guests are staying through the weekend, go for a pound and a half. Bone-in breasts are a nice option if you don’t want to cook more than one turkey. Keep in mind, that if you’ve got a lot of sides, guests will probably eat less turkey.
Write down everything you need, who may be bringing dishes, etc. Tack the list on your fridge a few weeks before to stay organized.
7. Favorite links i’m loving.
The Best Winter Getaways Around the U.S. to Visit This Season
Starbucks Holiday Drinks Are Back! We Ranked Them All From Worst to Best
7 Simple Ways to Make Your Friendsgiving Extra Special This Year
These Are the Best Online Home Decor Brands Around
The Best Food Gifts for Curious Cooks and Holiday Hosts
The Best Christmas Gift Baskets Are Actually Boxes
40 Things to Do in November That’ll Make It Your Coziest Month Yet
Under-$25 White Elephant Gifts Everyone Will Want To Steal
100 Books for Every Genre to Read
8. Cozy Knits Under $100.
9. This week’s dinners + favorite weekend eats.
Monday: Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup with Rosemary Bacon
Tuesday: Shaved Brussels Sprout Candied Bacon Salad
Wednesday: Crockpot Chili Meatballs and Spaghetti
Thursday: Crockpot Creamy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala
Friday: Baked French Onion Meatballs
Saturday: Cranberry Bourbon Sour
As a 26 yr old female (which, as the NYT pointed out, is part of the main HBH demographic),I can honestly say that I’m looking forward to making some of these dishes for Thanksgiving, and not only that, but I actually love the Nine Favorite things, even though a lot of y’all hate it lol. My Nana looovveesss these recipes and I already know she’ll enjoy some of these dishes I’ll take to her house 🙂
I just received my bottle of Amante 1530 for the holidays. Looking forward to seeing what our signature cocktail for Thanksgiving will be.
I made the cider braised pot roast and crispy sage potatoes and it was out of this world!! I have yet to make one of your recipes that I did not absolutely love!
Yay!! Thanks so much Kayla! Love to hear that those recipes were enjoyed and I appreciate you making them! xT
I don’t care for the negativity here. It’s so unnecessary. This is a beautiful site with unique and aspirational content. I started reading and cooking from HBH during the pandemic and it brought so many moments of joy and drove my own creativity. I have found over the years that probably more than 50% of the recipes I make or want to make are from HBH. Having been a long time Martha Stewart and NYT cooking subscriber I follow both and HBH on insta. There are many times when I see an HBH posts get more likes than the other 2 combined. Girl…you are doing so many things right. Anyone who doesn’t see that is missing the point. Keep doing what you’re doing.
Why do you only respond to comments complimenting you? You often ignore so many comments and questions. It contradicts your claim of enjoying engaging with people here.
Well at least they stopped deleting the negative ones. I guess that’s a step in the right direction.
Love your holidays lists! As far as hostess gifting, I love to make and gift homemade bread, homemade jam such as strawberry cranberry and homemade simple syrups in a cozy flavor like cinnamon ginger or apple cinnamon spice for holiday cocktails with a recipe. Another favorite gift I’ve done lately is a small ceramic Brie Baker with some recipes and a package of Brie, some honey, dried fruit or fig jam and sliced almonds for an “ enjoy this soon” gift.
Thanks so much for reading Lucy!! Love these homemade gift ideas, thanks a lot for sharing:) Have a great week! xT
Thank you so much for all that you shared today, all week. I love it, and so appreciate you gifting us all with your gifts. Everything from food, family, travel, how to stay others focused, trying to balance it all and still maintain a healthy lifestyle rhythm. Thank YOU! Sooo thankful. 🥰
Hi Sue,
Thanks a bunch for your kind message and reading this week:) So glad you enjoyed reading! Have a great week! xT
You haven’t noticed her extreme weight loss? How is that a “healthy lifestyle rhythm”? She looks drawn and about 100 years old.
Why should she comment on a negative article on someone who came to her worksite and then only had negative things to say? I thought the article was very mean and gossipy. I would expect more from NYT. I’ve always believed if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything. This is all from the current environment we live in where it is ok for a former president to bully and make fun of people. Leave Tieghan alone. She works hard, gives us lots of free recipes, she’s young and she’s not perfect. Life is hard enough without dealing with mean people. Haters going to hate. Please go somewhere else.
Don’t pretend she’s posting these out of the goodness of her heart or for the love of cooking. Or have you not noticed the constant ads that are impossible to remove?
Rude!!! Why???
It’s her job & livelihood! No one’s making you look at it.
The NYT reported facts, so… isn’t that what journalism is all about? Tieghan completely ignored the recipes they suggested she make, and made them wait a YEAR to schedule a visit? She has been called out in the past for being “inspired” by other bloggers recipes, so this is nothing new. Where’s the sympathy for those she has lifted recipes from?