Buzz
Image Credit: Getty ImagesHosting a Thanksgiving for two this year might look a bit different than if you were cooking for the whole family, but there’s still so much to celebrate no matter your guest list size.
Whether you’re enjoying the holiday on your own or with a loved one, you can still make your feast lavish, indulgent, and full of flavor. Don’t hesitate to go all out for your mini Thanksgiving, whatever that means for you. Keep reading for our top tips on throwing the best intimate yet grand Thanksgiving dinner.
1. Skip the Whole Turkey
There's no rule that says you have to roast a whole turkey on Thanksgiving, especially if it's not what you're in the mood for. Why go through the hassle? Instead, why not focus on mastering a single, complex dish like the perfect pumpkin pie, and then opt for a smaller turkey or just the turkey legs, drumsticks, or breasts. (A roasted chicken can also do the trick in a pinch!)
2. Go for Smaller Portions
Huge servings of stuffing or mashed potatoes can be overkill when it's just two of you. Rather than making a full batch, consider halving or quartering the recipe.
If your recipe requires baking, this is your moment to shine! Use ramekins, mini pie tins, small Bundt cake pans, or other small oven-safe dishes to create individual portions of sides (like mac and cheese, creamed spinach, mini pies, or green bean casserole). They look adorable, too! Bake them as needed, or freeze them for a fresh holiday meal whenever you desire.
3. Plan Ahead and Stay Efficient
An entire feast for two is still plenty to prepare. If you want to enjoy the benefits of a multi-course Thanksgiving spread, make a game plan and stick to it. List all the dishes you want to eat on Thanksgiving Day and start chopping ingredients, prepping proteins, and mixing stuffing early on in the week. That way, when the holiday comes, you can relax more and work less.
Consider mixing your prep work into your Thanksgiving week meal plan. Can you roast some sweet potatoes for a grain bowl and mash the rest as a Thanksgiving side? Is the grain from your rice bowl a good stuffing addition? Be strategic, and look for ingredients that can do double duty to limit waste and your kitchen workload.
4. Consider Outsourcing the Cooking
If you don't feel like cooking, you have plenty of fuss-free options. Many restaurants and markets offer catering and takeout (be sure to order ahead!) or you can order regional specialties online from sites like Goldbelly.
5. Choose an Alternative Protein
Perhaps you chose a smaller turkey this year, but why should your Thanksgiving feast always revolve around turkey? While tradition can offer comfort, maybe now is the perfect opportunity to start new traditions that could become your future go-tos.
For those who love meat, consider replacing the traditional large turkey with individual Cornish hens, a roast duck, or the turkey cuts mentioned earlier. You could also opt for a different luxury meat like lamb shanks, filet mignon, or a succulent veal chop. Lobster? Absolutely! Wagyu steak? Treat yourself. You might even make a whole fish the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving meal.
6. Keep the Sides Simple
While halving recipes is a great idea, we also suggest limiting the number of side dishes. Start by identifying which sides are non-negotiable for you and your loved one. A couple of sides should be plenty for two. And don’t forget—there’s always room for dessert.
7. Try Thanksgiving Breakfast or Brunch
Looking for a Thanksgiving alternative? Consider a Thanksgiving brunch! There's nothing better than pancakes, bacon, and eggs—or elevate your meal with a sunny-side-up sheet pan breakfast. Brunch is a more laid-back option compared to the traditional dinner. If you’re still craving a classic Thanksgiving spread, you can always book a reservation for dinner or place an order ahead from a local restaurant.
8. Share Your Leftovers
It might feel odd not to send guests home with leftovers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t share the extra food you’ve made. Check if there are any individuals in your community who could use a warm meal—those without homes or neighbors who are busy or unwell might appreciate a surprise meal on Thanksgiving.
Consider dropping off care packages for friends and family nearby, or get creative by purchasing dry ice from a local ice cream shop to ship your homemade dishes to distant loved ones. Imagine their delight when they open their package on Saturday morning to find a chilled turkey leg or a single serving of corn pudding from your Thanksgiving feast.
