Simple Luxe Menus for Every Guest at Your Table
(Classic, plant-forward, gluten-free & kid-friendly options anyone can enjoy)
Introduction
Planning a Thanksgiving menu shouldn’t feel like a puzzle — especially when you’re trying to include guests with different tastes or dietary needs. With a few thoughtful swaps and a little strategic planning, you can create a table where everyone feels seen, included, and wonderfully cared for.
These Thanksgiving menu ideas blend timeless flavors, simple ingredients, and warm cottagecore charm. Think: rustic herbs, roasted vegetables, cozy soups, golden breads, seasonal fruits, and humble dishes elevated with love. With these four complete menus, you’ll have something delicious (and doable) for every guest at your table.
Disclosure & Content Note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Portions of this article were created with AI assistance and then fully reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by me.
This post is part of our Smart, Stylish & Grateful Thanksgiving Series.
🪞 What to Expect from This Series
| Day | Post Title | Theme | Launch Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Elevated Thanksgiving Table | Warm minimalism | Nov 14 |
| 2 | Five Side Dishes That Steal the Show | Elevated classics | Nov 15 |
| 3 | Leftover Magic | Reinventing leftovers | Nov 16 |
| 4 | One Accent Color That Changes Everything | Cohesive styling | Nov 17 |
| 5 | The Gratitude Gathering | Meaningful traditions | Nov 18 |
| 6 | Friendsgiving Done Right | Casual hosting | Nov 19 |
| 7 | Mini DIYs for a Custom Table | Quick decor wins | Nov 21 |
| 8 | Your Smart Host Checklist | Week-out prep | Nov 22 |
| 9 | Simple Luxe Menus | Menu planning | Nov 24 |
| 10 | From Feast to Festive | Seasonal transitions | Nov 27 |
🍂 1. The Classic Comfort Menu (Traditional + Timeless)
Warm, nostalgic, and beautifully rustic — the dishes everyone expects and loves.
Main
- Herb-roasted turkey with sage and thyme butter
- Optional: Turkey breast only (for smaller gatherings)
Sides
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Traditional stuffing with celery, onion & herbs
- Maple-roasted carrots
- Green beans with brown butter almonds
Bread
- Soft dinner rolls or pull-apart loaf
Dessert
- Classic pumpkin pie
- Apple crisp with cinnamon oat topping
- Use the rustic DIY touches in Mini DIYs for a Custom Table to style this menu.
🌿 2. The Vegetarian (Plant-Focused, Cozy, Satisfying)
Packed with flavor and texture, not substitutions.
Main
- Stuffed acorn squash with farro, mushrooms & herbs
- OR mushroom wellington (beautiful + hearty)
Sides
- Rosemary roasted potatoes
- Honey-thyme carrots
- Sautéed green beans with garlic
- Fall harvest salad (pear, walnut, goat cheese)
Bread
- Olive oil focaccia (cottagecore dream)
Dessert
- Pear galette
- Maple panna cotta
Harvard’s School of Public Health notes plant-forward holiday meals “increase satisfaction, fiber, and balance without sacrificing traditional comfort.”【source†hsph.harvard.edu†L14-L18】
🌾 3. The Gluten-Free Menu (Naturally Delicious, Not Complicated)
Built on whole ingredients and gluten-free by nature.
Main
- Herb-roasted turkey (naturally GF)
Sides
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- GF cornbread stuffing
- Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
- Lemon-garlic roasted cauliflower
Bread
- Gluten-free cornbread or cheddar biscuits
Dessert
- Flourless chocolate cake
- Crustless pumpkin pie cups
Turn leftovers from this menu into bowls using Leftover Magic.
🍏 4. The Kid-Friendly Menu (Fun, Familiar & Still Pretty)
Wholesome, simple, not overly sugary.
Main
- Turkey sliders
- Baked chicken tenders (with a panko/GF option)
Sides
- Mashed potato “snow” bowls
- Honey-glazed carrots
- Green beans with butter
Extras
- Cheese cubes
- Fruit skewers
Dessert
- Mini apple hand pies
- Hot cocoa mugs with marshmallows
If you’re mixing kids + adults, coordinate the table with Friendsgiving Done Right.
🛍️ Shop This Post
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
| Item | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Rustic Ceramic Plates | Warm, handmade look | (insert) |
| Linen Tablecloths | Cottagecore essential | (insert) |
| Wooden Serving Boards | Perfect for sides | (insert) |
| Stoneware Pie Dish | Ideal for rustic desserts | (insert) |
| Foraged Greenery Bundle | Softens the whole table | (insert) |
🍁 Conclusion
With the right blend of classics, plant-forward dishes, gluten-free favorites, and kid-friendly options, you can craft a Thanksgiving menu that feels inclusive, abundant, and deeply comforting. Cottagecore style reminds us that beautiful meals don’t have to be complicated — just thoughtfully made, warmly shared, and served with love.
👉 CTA
Don’t miss the final post in this series: From Feast to Festive — Transitioning Your Home for the Holidays. Save this post to Pinterest to keep your menu planning simple and stress-free!