(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.

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🪞 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

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🍂 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.

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🌿 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】

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🌾 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.

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🍏 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.

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🛍️ 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)

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🍁 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!