Halloween is over as quickly as it came, and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Yes, it will be here before you even know it, so let’s get organized early this season. The holidays are always a wonderful time, but it can be just as hectic and overwhelming too. I’m totally guilty of already watching Christmas movies, because I want to make sure I have as much time I possibly can have to enjoy this season without getting caught up in all the things I need to do. I was determined to be ahead of the game this year, and can’t wait to share the table I styled a few weeks back with you later this week. So today I’ve got my Thanksgiving menu inspiration with you. Although there will be no turkey for me, that’s no reason for us non-meat eaters to be left out of the feast. I’m often in charge of dessert, but with my cousin hosting her very first holiday this year, I was eager to share some of these dishes that caught my eye, or should I say tastebuds. These meatless dishes are equally savory as they are satisfying. There is, of course an apple pie, as well as some special twists on the classics…
Let’s kick it off with a good cocktail, actually three. Start with a bar setup for guests to make this Harvest Moscow Mule, then serve up this beautiful Cider Beer Sangria during dinner. Finish your menu off with Boozy Pumpkin Spice Lattes sure to make everyone officially cozy up, if not pass out from so much good food.
I’m feeling inspired by Portuguese cuisine this year for Thanksgiving’s menu. The country doesn’t celebrate this holiday, nor eat the traditional American dishes we’ve grown to know, but over the years my family in the states have taken up new culinary traditions. So I’m thinking Portuguese influenced flavors throughout dishes, like a charcuterie board with Portuguese olives, cheeses, meats, and dried figs, fit to please my entire family. I stumbled upon this recipe for Portuguese Pumpkin Bread that looks just yummy.
What would go on your fall cheese board? These are some great tips to help you put together the most delicious charcuterie.
I’ve had these Walnut Cranberry Crackers on my to do list for a long time, and I think this year might finally be the one to make them. They’ve got all the right flavors to perfectly compliment cheese!
This roasted beet, goat cheese, and walnut salad looks like the perfect light starter for everything you plan on eating.
How festive, and easier for clean up, is serving butternut squash soup in mini pumpkins like these filled with stuffing.
A homemade Cranberry Sauce is almost always required. It’s quick to whip up, and you can make your life easier by making it a few days ahead, so there really is no reason to serve the jelly stuff from the can, unless you’re into that. 
It’s only been a few years my family has been making marshmallow topped sweet potatoes, but we love it. This casserole topped with an oat coconut pecan crumble and marshmallows is supposedly lightened up, yet it looks to die for!
Choosing my main dish always seems to be my hardest decision. There was that one year I slaved over a Tofurkey, never again, but usually I just end up roasting a whole fish or shrimp. But this Thanksgiving, this Maple Walnut Crusted Salmon has my name all over it!
My philosophy when choosing what desserts to make for the holidays, especially Thanksgiving, I always go with something chocolate, a pie and seasonal flavors, including of course apple, pumpkin and cranberry.
Apple pie is a must for Thanksgiving, whether classic or baked with salted caramel., it will for sure make its way on our dessert spread. But this year I haven’t quite decided if I want to make smaller pies and then an apple cake. I’m feeling an Apple Cake for some reason this year, and have been testing out some recipes to get just the right one for the holidays.
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice is a MUST to have on hand for Thanksgiving.
These Browned Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodles became an instant favorite, as well as these Candied Walnut Cookies and Double Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies. They have since become classics are our Thanksgiving.
Can you really go wrong with either a Chocolate Hazelnut Pumpkin Pie or Pumpkin Chess Pie Bars.
I’m actually considering making a no-churn rocky road ice cream because my family loves chocolate. I made it last month and can’t wait to share it with you next week. Once you see it, you’ll understand why I think it’s perfect for Thanksgiving, it really is just sooo delicious!
Once you’ve ordered your turkey, at least two weeks before Thanksgiving if possible, take some time to sit down and have fun finalizing the rest of your holiday menu. Remember to keep your guest list and dietary needs in mind.
These are some other great tips to help you plan an effortless Thanksgiving, because becoming slightly overwhelmed during the holidays is inevitable.
Aside from the menu and decor, getting your home in top shape is just as important, so get a head start with this complete cleaning checklist too!
[…] giving yourself early stress, don’t! Relax, you’ve still got time, sit down and get your menu squared away. Then all you have to think about is the pretty details you’ll pair along with your delicious […]