Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means it’s time to bring out the fall decor, prepare your Thanksgiving invites, and start planning your delicious feast! Sacramento also has festive holiday happenings and volunteer opportunities taking place during this season of gratitude and togetherness. That’s why this month’s newsletter is dedicated to all things Thanksgiving – from events and ways that you can give back to your community to holiday decor and classic dishes, we’ve got you covered. Read on for your complete guide to celebrating Thanksgiving in Sacramento!

Are you staying in town this year to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and family? Explore local events, happenings, and volunteer opportunities this holiday season!

Local Events & Happenings:

• Now through December 24 (select days): Theater of Lights at Old Sacramento Waterfront
• Now through December 25 (select days): Sacramento Fall Cruises
• Now through January 14 (select days): Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
• Now through January 16 (select days): Historic Folsom Ice Rink
• November 24: Run to Feed the Hungry 10K/5K in Sacramento
• November 25, 26,27: Crocker Holiday Artisan Market
• November 26 through December 17 (select days): Holiday Cheer at the Sacramento History Museum

Volunteer Opportunities:

• November 10: 15th Annual Turkey Drive (Sacramento Food Bank)
• November 18: Thanksgiving Poultry Drive at the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank
• Donate to those less fortunate: Loaves of Fishes
• Serve Sacramento Seniors: Volunteer for Meals on Wheels
• Help Animals During the Holiday & Winter Months: Sacramento SPCA  or Front Street Animal Shelter
• Share the Gift of Warmth this Holiday Season: Volunteers of America

Are you responsible for preparing this year’s Thanksgiving or “Friendsgiving” feast?  Don’t stress… From tender turkey to savory sides with a fun twist, we’re sharing some of our favorite dishes that your guests will be gobbling up at the dinner table this year.

Thanksgiving Apps: Need something to snack on before the main feast? These tasty appetizers will keep your guests hunger at bay and take the pressure off you (and your timer)!

1. Green Bean Casserole Bundles
2. Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
3. Cranberry Brie Bites
4. Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
5. Turkey Veggie Tray
6. Candied Walnut Bruschetta
7. Roasted Carrot Hummus
8. Crockpot Honey Garlic Little Smokies
9. Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon & Dates
10. Savory Roasted Cranberry Salsa

Delicious Mains: Pull off a legendary Thanksgiving dinner with these classic mains and side dishes that everyone will be thankful for.

Let’s Talk Mains:

1. Traditional Roast Turkey
2. Air Fryer Turkey
3. Garlic Herb Butter Roast Turkey
4. Baked Spiral Ham
5. Roasted Pumpkin Lasagna
6. Cranberry Stuffed Beef Tenderloin
7. Tofurky Roast

Pass the Sides:

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
2. Sweet Potato Casserole
3. Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
4. Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
5. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
6. Spinach, Arugula, Cranberry & Walnut Salad
7. Green Bean Casserole
8. Popovers
9. Soft Dinner Rolls
10. Buttery Herb Stuffing
11. Homemade Turkey Gravy
12. Cranberry Sauce
13. Southern Mac & Cheese
14. Thanksgiving Roasted Veggies
15. Parmesan Garlic Roasted Mushrooms

Festive Libations & Mocktails: From holiday cocktails and punches to delicious mocktails, we have a drink recipe for everyone to enjoy!

1. Apple Cider Margarita
2. Thanksgiving Pomegranate Punch
3. Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
4. Pomegranate Mimosa
5. Apple Cider Hot Toddy
6. Hot Buttered Rum
7. Pumpkin Pie Moscow Mule
8. Cranberry Lime Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic)
9. Ginger Orange Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic)
10. Thanksgiving Punch Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic)

Delectable Desserts: Give your guests pumpkin’ to talk about with these decadent Thanksgiving pies and desserts.

1. Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake
2. Grandma’s Apple Pie
3. Pecan Pie
4. Ginger Sweet Potato Pie
5. Cheesecake Apple Pie
6. Skillet Caramel Apple Pie
7. Brown Butter Maple Chess Pie
8. Pumpkin Brownies

Set the Scene for a Feast: It’s time to break out the good china, polish up that silverware, and find a seasonal centerpiece. Check out our tried-and-true tips for setting up a Thanksgiving table worthy of hosting your holiday recipes, festive libations, and decadent desserts.

1. It’s all About the Centerpiece: Everyone knows that the centerpiece can make or break a table setting. So up your centerpiece game with this White Fall Pumpkin Centerpiece from Williams Sonoma or make your own like this gorgeous DIY Holiday Cranberry Centerpiece.
2. Incorporate Natural Elements: This year, natural is in! You don’t have to spend a fortune to create a beautiful table setting. Bring outdoor elements inside by garnishing your table with leafy stems, fresh produce, structural berry branches for an added pop of color, and basic dinnerware. This creates a natural yet dreamy table-setting vibe. Get the look here.
3. Stick with Neutrals: Think neutrals are boring? Think again! Neutrals pair beautifully with natural elements and earthy textures, and they create bright and airy living spaces. Find your inspiration here.
4. Add Texture to Your Table: Textures pair beautifully with neutrals. Think chunky woven placemats and wheat napkin rings or ridge-textured stoneware plates. See the finished look here.
5. (Or) Embrace Autumnal Shades: Opting for a warmer, cozier vibe? If you love that traditional Thanksgiving look, incorporate autumnal shades including brown, burnt orange, and moss to help transform your table into a Thanksgiving wonderland. Add some rustic white pumpkins and leafy stems or pine cones for that finishing touch. Click here for the complete look.

 

Sending warm, heartfelt wishes from my home to yours this Thanksgiving!

Turkey day is just around the corner…and if you’re hosting this year, you might be feeling the pressure right around this time with all of the work that goes into preparing a Thanksgiving feast. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate guide to help with all of your Thanksgiving needs – from local activities and events, to delicious food and drink recipes organized by category, to gorgeous table setting decor ideas and more. Read on for tips, tricks, and ideas for a gobblin’ good time!

Are you staying in town this year to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and family? Explore local events, happenings, and volunteer opportunities that are taking place this holiday season.

Local Events and Activities

1. Now – December 31st: Friendsgiving at the Revival 
2. Now – January 16th: Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
3. November 24th – December 24th: Theatre of Lights at the Old Sacramento Waterfront
4. November 19th – 21st: Sacramento Fall Festival
5. November 19th – January 16th: Global Winter Wonderland 2021
6. November 19th – December 12th: Elf: The Musical
7. November 20th: Holiday Sip & Shop
8. November 23rd: Blooms & Bubbly: Thanksgiving Workshop
9. November 25th: Run to Feed The Hungry
10. November 25th: Historic Folsom Christmas Light Promenade
11. November 25th: Turkey Trot in Roseville
12. November 25th: Elk Grove Gobble Wobble
13. November 25th: Folsom Turkey Trot

Volunteer Opportunities 

1. Donate to Loaves and Fishes Holiday Headquarters
2. Donate to Animals at The Sacramento SPCA or Front Street Animal Shelter 
3. Donate to Toys for Tots (contact me today to coordinate dropping off a new, unwrapped toy to one of our office locations)
4. Donate or Volunteer at the Sacramento Food Bank

From tasty appetizers and main meal items to drinks and desserts, these Thanksgiving recipes are sure to impress everyone at the dinner table this year. So get ready to “gobble til you wobble” with these classic Thanksgiving pairings!

Tasty Appetizers: While the mains tend to steal the show on Thanksgiving, these tasty apps will keep your hangry guests happy until dinner is served!

1. Cranberry Brie Bites
2. Turkey Veggie Tray
3. Thanksgiving Deviled Eggs
4. Turkey Cheese Ball
5. Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip
6. Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
7. Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
8. Roasted Rosemary Cashews
9. Savory Pumpkin Hummus
10. Turkey Fruit Tray

Delicious Mains: You ain’t seen stuffin’ yet! These beloved mains will have your guests running back for seconds!

Let’s Talk Turkey:

1. Traditional Roast Turkey
2. Deep-Fried Turkey
3. BBQ Spice-Brined Grilled Turkey
4. Tofurky Roast

Mashed Potato Mash-Up: 

1. Buttery-Herbed Mashed Potatoes
2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
3. Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole
4. Scalloped Potatoes
5. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
6. Sweet Potato Casserole
7. Sweet Potatoes & Marshmallows

Please Pass the Sides:

1. Green Bean Casserole
2. Popovers
3. Apple Bacon Cranberry Salad
4. Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing
5. Homemade Cranberry Sauce
6. Mom’s Famous Turkey Gravy
7. Parmesan Roasted Carrots
8. Easy Buttermilk Cornbread
9. Homemade Dinner Rolls
10. Garlic Mushrooms
11. Best Homemade Mac & Cheese

Festive Drinks: From festive cocktails and punches to delicious mocktails, we have a drink for everyone to enjoy!

1. Cranberry Champagne Cocktail
2. Thanksgiving Sangria
3. Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita
4. Apple-Brandy Hot Toddies
5. Thanksgiving Punch (Non-Alcoholic)
6. Apple Cider Mimosas
7. Pumpkin Spice Mules
8. Thanksgiving Jungle Juice
9. Cranberry Jello Shots
10. Cranberry Lime Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic)

Delectable Desserts: Give em pumpkin’ to talk about with these over-the-top Thanksgiving pies.

1. Thanksgiving Tri-Pie
2. Grandma’s Apple Pie
3. Perfect Pumpkin Pie
4. Best-Ever Pumpkin Cheesecake
5. Pecan Pie
6. Sweet Potato Pie
7. Cheesecake Apple Pie
8. Skillet Caramel Apple Pie
9. Brown Butter Maple Chess Pie
10. Gingersnap Pumpkin Pie

Whether you’re hosting for the first time or the tenth time, your table sets the tone for your Thanksgiving feast. Create a table that’s dressed to impress with these eye-catching ideas and designs. Bonus: they won’t break the bank.

1. Set the Scene with a Harvest Centerpiece: Set the scene for your Thanksgiving feast with this show-stopping (and all-natural) apples and leaves tablescape, this gorgeous DIY cranberry candle centerpiece, or this pumpkin planter centerpiece. You can also fill the center of your table with a colorful display of pumpkins, gourds, nuts, fruits, veggies, or seasonal blooms.

2. Go Rustic This Year: Add warmth to your Thanksgiving table with white pumpkins and candles to create this lovely rustic table setting. Carry on the rustic theme to each place setting with these rustic wood table name holders and these rustic napkin rings from Amazon.

3. Add a Pop of Color with Florals: Take your Thanksgiving dinner to the next level with flowers galore. Create a simple yet elegant table by pairing your best white dishes with seasonal flowers – think orange, yellow, and red – to add a pop of color to your table.

4. Create a Kid-Friendly Tablescape: Don’t forget about the kiddos! Entertain your younger guests with a kid-friendly tablescape. Simply cover it in craft paper and add crayons to each place setting to keep them drawing all night long.

 

Sending warm, heartfelt wishes from my home to yours this Thanksgiving!