Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated around the dinner table, with loved ones gathered in a cozy, warm setting as they enjoy a feast. But what if this year you took a different approach? Imagine spending Thanksgiving outside in an unexpected setting by the pool or on a rooftop with a skyline view!
Swapping your celebrations to unique locations brings a fresh perspective and adds an element of surprise, while creating unforgettable memories. Here are some out-of-the-box locations guiding you about how to host Thanksgiving anywhere, along with a recommendation on the ideal decor, food and drinks menu, and fun activities.
1. Poolside Party
Thanksgiving at a swimming pool might sound unconventional, but it can bring a laid-back vibe to the holiday, especially if you’re in a warmer region or have access to an indoor pool. Here’s how you can pull it off:
- Decor: Think bright and tropical with Thanksgiving elements. For example, set up tables with personalized dining set covers, floating autumn-colored candles in the pool or string lights for ambiance. Add small pumpkins, gourds, and fall leaves for a seasonal touch.
- Menu Twist: Choose a Thanksgiving barbecue for a poolside celebration. Grilled turkey, roasted veggies on skewers, and sides like fruit salads or chilled pasta salads work well outdoors. For dessert, go with pumpkin-spiced frozen treats or easy to hold mini pies. For unique tablescapes, select your choice of custom table covers for festive meals.
- Activities: Encourage guests to bring swimsuits for an after-dinner swim. Poolside games, like cornhole or water volleyball, will also add to the fun.
2. Garden Gathering
Gardens are a picturesque setting for a Thanksgiving feast, providing natural beauty and fresh air. It is an ideal spot if you love being outdoors. Here’s how to transform your garden into a Thanksgiving haven:
- Decor: Decorate the place with wooden tables, patio seating covers, hay bales for seating, and cozy blankets for guests to bundle up if it’s chilly. Use seasonal flowers, such as sunflowers, alongside pumpkins and fall foliage as table centerpieces.
- Menu Twist: A farm-to-table-inspired meal is perfect for this setting. Serve roasted root vegetables, fresh garden salads, and dishes made with herbs from your own garden if you have them. Keep the drinks natural and refreshing, with homemade apple cider or infused water.
- Activities: Create a mini farmers’ market where guests can pick their own produce or herbs as a keepsake. Setting up lawn games, like bocce ball or horseshoes, keeps everyone engaged. For added fun, you can also celebrate Thanksgiving under outdoor tents and canopies in the garden.
3. Beachy Vibes
For those near a coastline, a beachside Thanksgiving could be the perfect escape from tradition. The sound of waves and the salty breeze will make it a holiday to remember.
- Decor: Keep it simple and beach friendly. Large beach blankets, picnic tables, outdoor chair covers and weather-proof tableware work best. Use seashells for an organic table setup and avoid candles or glass that could be affected by the wind. Also carry your portable covers for Thanksgiving events for enhanced decor.
- Menu Twist: Cold sides, wraps, and finger foods work best. Instead of a whole turkey, opt for grilled turkey sandwiches or turkey sliders with cranberry sauce. Offer guests chilled drinks, and a seasonal dessert like pumpkin hand pies.
- Activities: Beach sports like volleyball or a simple game of frisbee are great after-dinner activities. For a memorable touch, consider a bonfire where everyone can gather to share stories.
4. Cozy Cabin Retreat
For those who live near the mountains or wooded areas, a cabin provides the perfect rustic setting for Thanksgiving. It brings the holiday back to nature, and the woodsy setting lends itself well to a quiet, intimate holiday gathering.
- Decor: Keep the decor warm and cozy, with thick blankets, plaid tablecloths, and candles. Use natural elements like pinecones, tree branches, and cranberries for a cabin feel that’s also eco-friendly.
- Menu Twist: Cook up a hearty meal, focusing on foods like turkey stew or a simple roasted turkey with warm sides like mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and freshly baked bread. Serve mulled wine or hot cider to keep everyone warm. Set up a barbeque, decorated with your choice of BBQ cover for a grilling taste.
- Activities: Bring along board games or a deck of cards to encourage quality bonding time. Hiking and outdoor exploration are great ways to work up an appetite before the meal or take a peaceful stroll afterward.
5. Thanksgiving on a Rooftop
If you’re a city dweller or have access to a rooftop space, celebrate Thanksgiving amidst the unique view of the city skyline and create a sophisticated, yet cozy atmosphere.
- Decor: Use the skyline as a natural backdrop and add elegant table settings with candles or lanterns. Cozy blankets and patio heaters can help keep everyone warm. Think about using metallic accents and custom covers for outdoor dining like outdoor kitchen covers and others to complement the city lights.
- Menu Twist: A rooftop Thanksgiving could have a modern spin on classic dishes. Try mini versions of traditional foods, like stuffed mushroom caps with cranberry sauce or bite-sized sweet potato rounds with pecans. A signature cocktail, like a cranberry mimosa, adds a stylish touch.
- Activities: Set up a photo station with the skyline as the background, allowing guests to take memorable snapshots. You can also play soft music in the background to add to the ambiance and encourage dancing once the meal is over.
6. Thanksgiving Picnic at the Park
If you are looking for tips for hosting holiday dinners outside, a Thanksgiving picnic in a local park combines tradition with the joy of being outdoors.
- Decor: Spread out blankets from the storage bags and fold-out tables. Use a mix of baskets, wooden serving boards, and autumn-themed tableware. Let nature enhance the decor with colorful fall leaves scattered on the ground.
- Menu Twist: Bring dishes that travel well, like turkey sandwiches, cranberry chutney, roasted vegetable salads, and pumpkin muffins. Skip anything that requires too much setup and think about food that can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
- Activities: Plan for fun group games like sack races, flag football, or a simple scavenger hunt around the park. Bring along footballs, frisbees, or kites to enjoy.
7. Thanksgiving in the Backyard Under the Stars
Finally, for those who want a more intimate gathering without leaving home, the backyard can be transformed into a cozy outdoor dining area. Add a twist by hosting it at twilight and letting the stars provide a natural ceiling.
- Decor: Use a mix of string lights, lanterns, and candles to create a magical, illuminated setting. Provide blankets or outdoor heaters if it’s chilly and keep decor simple and earthy with touches like mini pumpkins and pinecones.
- Menu Twist: Opt for foods that are easy to serve outside, like soups, stews, and casseroles. Offer warm drinks like hot cocoa or spiced cider for added coziness. A dessert bar with pies or warm apple crisps would be perfect for a backyard gathering.
- Activities: Set up a projector for a classic movie night under the stars, or bring out telescopes for stargazing. Decorate your fire pit using fire pit covers and gather around for a cozy chat or roast marshmallows for a sweet ending to the night.
Conclusion
Unique Thanksgiving celebration ideas and unexpected locations can add excitement and create lasting memories. By adapting your menu and decorations to the location, you can create a beautiful and stress-free Thanksgiving that everyone will remember. With this blog, we also help you find ways on how to protect outdoor spaces for Thanksgiving using custom patio furniture covers. So, this year, take the leap and choose an unconventional spot to host your holiday celebration!
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