Thanksgiving Weekend: Post-Turkey Brunches

Brunch began as an idea coined by the British writer Guy Beringer in 1895 in his article “Brunch: A Plea” and is more than a meal; it’s an intimate culinary event shared with our loved ones. There’s something special about holiday gatherings, and everyone’s reasons for coming together are different.

With the rise of social interactions through technology, there is a need for face-to-face connections more than ever. Hosting a weekend Thanksgiving brunch can help your friends, family, and community revive the art of conversation and connection.

Why Brunch Was Made For Thanksgiving

Getting up at the crack of dawn on Thanksgiving to prepare a traditional spread alongside a roasted turkey can be stressful for most hosts. Brunch menu items are small but mighty and can be prepared in half the time.

Having ample time off for Thanksgiving is not a luxury that everyone has. If many of your friends and relatives have to work for most, if not all, of Thanksgiving, attending a brunch may be easier than a traditional dinner.

Having an early dinner is also not practical for guests with busy schedules and for those who can’t comfortably wait until late in the afternoon to eat. A Thanksgiving brunch accommodates those who have to attend multiple engagements during the holiday.

Unlike traditional Thanksgiving dinner, hosting a brunch provides flexibility while creating a meaningful celebration of gratitude.

Creating New Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving is traditionally centered around autumn’s bounty of seasonal produce such as apples, pears, pomegranates, pumpkins, squash, root vegetables, and cranberries. However, there's no single "correct" way to celebrate Thanksgiving, as America is a melting pot of cultures.

Brunch is a great way to create menu items that explore our nation’s diversity, shaped by regional traditions, cultural heritage, and recipes passed down through generations.

Share generational cooking experiences by inviting younger family members into the kitchen to learn family recipes and techniques. Create a signature dish that future generations will cherish.

You can highlight regional American specialities such as New England's corned beef hash, Southwestern breakfast burritos, and smoked salmon from the Pacific Northwest. Be sure to accommodate the dietary preferences of your guests by including tasty vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Friendsgiving

What started as an alternative for those unable to travel home or without immediate family has become a way to honor friendship as deeply as any blood relation. Since it is an unconventional way to enjoy Thanksgiving, feel free to celebrate the Saturday after Thanksgiving or the weekend before.

You're not bound by calendar dates or rigid schedules with Friendsgiving. Meet up with your loved ones whenever you can and share moments with classic brunch options, laughter, and giving thanks for the friends who've become family.

Best Dining Style For Thanksgiving Brunch

Family-style dining is an ideal way to capture the true spirit of abundance, sharing, and togetherness during Thanksgiving brunch. Imagine generous platters and serving dishes being passed around your table, inviting guests to serve themselves during the feast.

Family-style dining naturally draws guests closer and strips away formality. Bringing platters of food to the table creates a casual and relaxed arrangement as well as gives guests a chance to discover new favorites by sampling various dishes at once.

Hosts have plenty of opportunities to showcase their cooking talents and abilities with such a diverse spread. Each prepared dish can spark animated discussions about favorites, childhood memories, and culinary experiences.

Encourage lingering at your table and give your guests a reason to ask for your recipes with your family-style Thanksgiving brunch. The relaxed atmosphere encourages lingering at the table, extending those precious moments of togetherness that make holidays truly special.

Make Your Thanksgiving Brunch Unforgettable

Following these guidelines will create memories that your guests will hold dear long after the last plate is cleared. These finishing touches give guests an experience that celebrates both the season and the relationships you're nurturing.

Setting a Welcoming Table

Your table design tells guests they're valued as soon as they enter the room. Build your place settings intentionally with each guest's seat labeled with a decorative card.

Natural materials like woven jute or patterned fabric in autumn hues like burnt orange, deep burgundy, or golden mustard create instant warmth. Classic white or cream dishes provide timeless elegance and allow your colorful food to become the star.

Layer plates of varying sizes for dimension and complete each setting with quality silverware, and don't worry about everything matching perfectly.

Planning Your Menu

Curating your brunch menu requires thoughtful planning. Here’s a sample menu that your guests will enjoy:

Hearty Main Dishes

• Maple-Glazed Baked Ham: Sweet, savory, and perfect for feeding a crowd
• Wild Mushroom and Leek Quiche (Vegetarian): Earthy, elegant, and satisfying for vegetarian guests

Fresh-Baked Treats

• Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake: Tender crumb studded with caramelized apple chunks
• Maple Pecan Granola (Vegan, Gluten-Free): Crunchy clusters for topping yogurt or enjoying with non-dairy milk

Vegetables and Salad

• Autumn Fruit Salad (Vegan, Gluten-Free): Combine crisp apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds with citrus dressing
• Fall Spiced Roasted Root Vegetables (Vegan, Gluten-Free): Carrots, parsnips, and beets with herbs and olive oil

Beverages

• Spiced Apple Cider Bellinis: For something warmer in spirit, blend spiced apple cider with prosecco and a cinnamon stick garnish.

Gifting Guests

Be a gracious host and send your guests home with a tangible reminder of your appreciation. To make your gifts more meaningful, include a handwritten note attached to a small treat to each guest, expressing why you're grateful that they are a part of your life.

Thanksgiving Brunch Gift Ideas:

• Miniature preserves in Mason jars: apple butter, cranberry chutney, or pumpkin butter that’s homemade or from your favorite brand.
• Custom tea or coffee blends: Package loose-leaf tea or specialty coffee in small bags with brewing instructions
• Artisan hot cocoa kits: Layer cocoa powder, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips in clear jars
• Seasonal candles: Fall scents like apple cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or vanilla chai
• Mulling spice sachets: Bundle cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves in muslin bags for making spiced cider at home
• Herb or flower seeds: Packets of basil, lavender, or sunflower seeds to plant come spring
• Handmade bath soaks: Layer Epsom salts with essential oils and dried flowers in small containers
• Recipe cards: Share the recipe for your signature brunch dish on beautifully designed cards

These parting gifts don’t need to be elaborate, as thoughtfulness matters more than expense. Thanksgiving is all about being grateful and spending time with the ones you love, and the gifts your guests receive should communicate this sentiment.