Non Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Plans
Host a Thanksgiving celebration that is unique, creative and fun. Veto sitting around the table eating turkey and then falling asleep on the couch watching football; plan a Thanksgiving Day celebration that everyone will remember.
Barbecue
Host a barbecue! Barbecue the turkey, baked and sweet potatoes and corn on the cob. Add a few fresh side dishes like salad, cranberry sauce and a vegetable tray. If the weather permits, eat outside. If night, cook outside and bring the barbecue delicacies into the house and eat in a casual setting.
Individualized meals
Forget the twenty pound turkey and large pumpkin pies. Bake Cornish game hens and make individual-sized pumpkin pies for your guests. Bake the game hens inside roasting bags. Include individual stuffing portions and cook them with the bird. Everyone will enjoy the unique meal and you won't have to wonder what to do with the left-overs.
Themes
Have a theme Thanksgiving. Decorate the dining room to match your theme. For example, the theme, Kings and Queens, would require you to decorate the dining room chairs like thrones. Provide a crown to the oldest male and oldest female in the family. Glue faux stones to clear plastic glasses. Cook large turkey legs and other foods that is easy to eat with your fingers; after all, they didn't use forks and spoons in the time of King Henry VIII! Provide dipping bowls and napkins for all the guests.
Another theme that would be great would be Early American. Research and find out what the pilgrims and Indians actually ate and try to cook a similar meal. Ask guests to dress early American. If it is warm enough, eat outside at the picnic table.
Restaurant dinner
Host your family dinner at a local restaurant. Get commitments from guests ahead of time so you can make a reservation for your family and help the restaurant be prepared for your group. Talk with the manager at the restaurant if you have a large group. You may be able to get a special rate. Imagine, no time spent in the kitchen either cooking or cleaning up-only time with your family.
Family football fun
This year, don't just watch the football games on television; head out side and play it too. Divide the family into two teams and play a rousing game of flag football. Don't have flag? Put a white or black sock in everyone's back pocket. Grandma can't run like she used to? Give her some pompoms and let her lead the cheer-leading. Set up the lawn chairs to form the goal lines and get the game started.
Family fun games
Not a big fan of football? Did you know that a lot of bowling alleys are open on Thanksgiving? Load everyone up in their cars and head to your local bowling alley for the first annual "Your Family Bowling Extravaganza." Provide prizes for the highest score, the lowest score, the most unusual toss, the most strikes, the most gutter balls... you get the idea. Keep it light and fun and bond as a family again.
Don't leave all the snow fun for the kids. Group into teams and, weather permitting, have a snow war. Give everyone forty-five minutes to build a fort and make ammunition. At the end of the forty-five minutes, sound the alarm. It's war! After the battle, retire to the house and enjoy hot chocolate and a warm, Thanksgiving Day cookie.
Football mania
Football mania hits on Thanksgiving with all day long college bowl games. Give in to it this year. Slice white meat and make sandwiches. Serve finger food and snacks. Keep a tradition, like pumpkin pie, and forget about the rest. Make it light and fun for everyone.
Progressive party
Start the dinner off at the home of one guest. Eat the first course there; then move on to the next house where the next course is served. Every guest is both guest and host or hostess. Keep traveling until you get to the final house where dessert will be served. This gives everyone a chance to participate, keeps everyone involved and adds an element of fun to the meal.
Maybe you aren't ready for a non-traditional meal this year, but think about it for next year. Find an idea that works for you and host a fantastic non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner that your family will love.
