Thanksgiving became an adopted holiday for me after I spent nearly two years living in New York. Despite being back in London, each year, I gather close friends for a small, intimate dinner at my home, bringing in all the festive foods and traditions of the holiday.
I cherish Thanksgiving because it’s about food, family, and friends—it’s simply about being with those we love. With all of our busy lives and many of us having young children, it’s not always easy to carve out this time. But that's why I fell for this holiday: it’s a built-in excuse to gather everyone together and make memories.
Here’s my relaxed, no-pressure guide to beautiful Thanksgiving hosting. From effortless table settings to thoughtful touches that make guests feel at home, these tips will help you create an inviting holiday gathering without the stress.
First up, glorious food.
While in New York, I began a
I make the effort of collecting recipes throughout the year and especially ones I love to bring it out for my Thanksgiving dinner, where I’ll be cooking a traditional turkey with my friend Talia’s crispy sprouts (they're baked with honey and balsamic vinegar!) Our feast will also include "pumpkin delight pie” coined by a friend. I’m still not sure on what the delight actually is...I think it’s just the joy people get when they are enjoying it.
Make your table personal
For the table, this year I’ll layer a vintage tablecloth I picked up from my summer trip to Florence, adding a set of scallop-trim napkins from Matilda Goad and paper menus. One of my favorite traditions, borrowed from a Thanksgiving dinner I attended in New York, is writing personal notes of thanks instead of using place cards. Each guest finds an envelope on their plate, with a note expressing why I’m thankful for them. We serve dishes family-style in the center of the table, with candles we inevitably move to make room for more food.
Card & board games, always.
An often-overlooked Thanksgiving stationery essential is a notebook. I use it for lists as I plan the day and, most importantly, to keep score for our annual card game. My friends and I play the same card games at every supper we host, and I like to look back on past years' scores to remind me who to beat this year.
My friend Aaron once knocked over a bottle of red wine mid-game. He insists he put down a winning hand (I’m still not convinced!) It’s also lovely to reminisce and remember those funny stories–even if it's in the chaotic, beautiful pages of a wine-splattered book!
Finally, little expressions of gratitude.
If I were a guest rather than the host, I’d love to bring a thoughtful Thanksgiving gift, like a set of beautiful personalized notecards. This Cabana design is so chic, or a box of recipe cards. Something from Gohar World, like this gorgeous lace wine bottle cover, which looks like a tiny apron, would also be a sweet touch. And I think our 2025 planners would almost guarantee an invite for next year!
