Easy Thanksgiving Recipes & Decor Ideas

Before we get too immersed in the holiday season, let’s focus on Thanksgiving plans. Our goal? Eat (or serve, if you’re hosting) Thanksgiving recipes that aren’t only delicious, but easy to prepare, too.

We’ve hosted several Friendsgivings with you along the years, so we’re going to share some easy Thanksgiving decor ideas that you can create to make your home extra festive!

So, grab a cozy drink (like gingerbread hot chocolate) and keep scrolling!

The saying “save the best for last” usually rings true, but we’re starting with desserts because … why not? This no-baked pumpkin pie is a crowd favorite and it can be made the night before.

If you’re a chocolate fanatic like we are and are looking for another easy no-bake option, you have to make our no-bake chocolate silk pie.

Looking for more no-bake dessert recipes? Click here!

Cranberry pie bars are the perfect mix of sweet and tart, and the crumbly topping is out of this world. We also have a recipe for easy apple pie bars that is equally amazing.

If you’re a sweet potato fan, you will love this sweet potato pie with boozy marshmallows. The bourbon is totally optional, but it’s a fun twist.

You could make a batch of pecan pie sticky buns or a small batch of cinnamon rolls the night before Thanksgiving and pop them in oven for a sweet morning treat.

If you’re making a turkey this year, click here to read Emma’s tips for baking a foolproof turkey and her turkey brine recipe.

Prefer a vegetarian option? Emma’s lentil meatballs with cranberry sauce are amazing. Make an extra batch—these went fast when we had them for Friendsgiving a few years ago!

Or, you could make stuffing meatballs. All the flavors of Thanksgiving in one bite? Yes, please.

Let’s talk about salads. This Brussels, kale and cranberry salad is topped with the the most amazing homemade dressing. Trust us on this one!

It’s hard not to put fresh cranberries on everything because they’re so good.

This autumn-inspired salad is topped with stuffing croutons. That’s right—homemade stuffing croutons.

Here’s another option that is both unique and full of flavor—red quinoa, kale, and grapefruit salad. It’s filled with good-for-you ingredients and the grapefruit brings the perfect amount of tangy goodness.

Is it really a Thanksgiving roundup without green bean casserole? This green bean macaroni casserole is extra special. Who doesn’t love macaroni?

This recipe has everything you love about a classic green bean casserole, with the addition of pepper jack cheese. Mmm …

Another must-have? Mashed potatoes. This slow cooker mashed potato recipe is incredibly easy to make and incredibly good. We like to add plenty of chives and cheddar cheese on top!

If you like beets (and their pretty color), you can combine them with potatoes to make mashed beets and potatoes topped with goat cheese.

Brussels sprouts (especially when they’re extra crispy) are a staple on our Thanksgiving table. Here are three recipes we love:

• Crispy stovetop Brussels + Bread (pictured above)
• Parmesan baked Brussels sprouts
• Citrus and Pomegranate Brussels sprouts

So, we have the green bean casserole covered. If you’re looking for one more option that’s decadent and crazy good, you have to make this stuffing topped baked mac & cheese. You have to!

Check out 20 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes for more recipes!

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Cheers to seasonal cocktails! We love a good hot toddy—especially this cranberry spiced hot toddy and apple cinnamon version.

Try to think of something cuter than a spiced pumpkin pie martini with a tiny pie garnish. We dare you … 😉

We love this festive orange cranberry margarita and Prosecco cranberry mimosa (perfect for a brunch-themed Thanksgiving).

Another crowd pleaser? Cranberry Jello shots with rosemary garnish.

Looking for more fun cocktail recipes to make at home? Click here!

Moving on to decor and hosting, Emma’s Friendsgiving hosting tips are a must if you’re having guests over this year.

This cardstock leaf garland is so cute and easy to make. It’s even more special when you write what you’re thankful for on each leaf.

Mandarins aren’t just for snacking. They’re so pretty when you incorporate them into your decor like we did with this fresh mandarine wreath and edible centerpiece.

These tin-punched votives give off the prettiest glow.

If you haven’t made a stove simmer before, you have to try these “recipes” this season. They make your home smell amazing.

We love this placeholder idea! Add pumpkins to your table and use a paint pen to add the names of your guests.

Or, you could make a set of pumpkin pie place cards. The “whipped cream” cotton ball is too cute.

This pretty white and gold holiday wreath can be made with a few supplies from your local craft store (and it can be used for Thanksgiving or Christmas).

How fun are these splatter napkin rings?

When you’re at the craft store getting supplies for a DIY wreath, pick up some fluffy yarn and faux flowers to make your own fall floral garland. So pretty!

And just for fun, we thought we’d include a hostess gift guide and home cook gift guide. A nice bottle of wine makes a great gift, but the more the merrier!

Sending lots of love your way this Thanksgiving 🧡 -The ABM Team