Friendsgiving at Thanksgiving: Celebrating the American way .

Thanksgiving- und Friendsgiving-Feier mit Truthahn, Kuchen, Herbstdekoration und festlich gedecktem Tisch

What should we bring to a Thanks-Friendsgiving party?

Thanksgiving is more than just a meal for Americans – it's a celebration of gratitude, family, and the harvest season. It feels even more sacred than Christmas, and most people travel home for the occasion – home sweet home.

Many of our American Heritage customers are invited to a Thanksgiving party in November and always come to our store with the same question:

What should I bring to a Thanksgiving party?

In the American fall, the leaves change color to bright shades of gold and red depending on the weather (tourists go to the Indian Summer regions and look for red leaves - leaf peepers), and the kitchens smell of roast turkey, pumpkin pie and warm spices.

Thanksgiving traditions are diverse – from parades and sporting events to family stories – but the heart of the holiday is always the shared feast. In addition to the classic family meal, the concept of "Friendsgiving" has become popular in recent years: a Thanksgiving with friends where everyone contributes to the meal, stories are shared, and the focus is on community. Whether celebrating an authentic American Thanksgiving in Germany or simply enjoying the atmosphere of togetherness, the magic lies in the flavors, aromas, and shared moments around the table.

Before we recommend what to bring to a Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving celebration, let's first tell you what's typically served at this event and give you some recipe tips.

Thanksgiving classics from American kitchens

Buy spices & rubs | American Heritage Augsburg

Roast turkey & spicy side dishes

The turkey is the centerpiece of Thanksgiving, but what truly makes it unforgettable is the seasoning. In many American households, rubs and sauces are passed down through generations, each with its own unique touch. A well-seasoned turkey, roasted to a golden brown, spreads warmth throughout the house and invites guests to gather around and enjoy the meal.

Cooking tip: Marinate the turkey overnight with a mixture of herbs, spices, and a pinch of sweetness – this will allow the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat, resulting in juicy, tender meat. Roast seasonal vegetables at the same time so they can absorb the juices and create delicious side dishes.

👉 Discover our aromatic spice blends and rubs for turkey, meat, and vegetables. Check out the perfect American turkey recipe for Thanksgiving .

Side dish ideas:

Creamy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic aioli from Stonewall Kitchen
Green bean casserole with caramelized onions
Cranberry or Holiday Spiced Cranberry Sauce from Stonewall Kitchen with orange zest for fresh acidity

Vegetarian and vegan highlights

Thanksgiving is a celebration for everyone – including vegetarians. Seasonal vegetables like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, zucchini, and mushrooms can be transformed into warming, flavorful dishes. Try casseroles, stuffed pumpkins, or savory pies bursting with fall spices.

Pro tip: Experiment with spice blends, chutneys, or a drizzle of maple syrup and cinnamon to make vegetable dishes extra flavorful. Serve the vegetables on a colorful plate – this adds a festive touch to the table.

More ideas:

Pumpkin Field Day - Canned pumpkin and chickpea stew for a hearty, vegan main course
Wild rice and mushroom filling
Butternut squash soup with coconut cream from Biona Organic

Sweet treats & seasonal snacks

Desserts are the crowning glory of Thanksgiving. Classic pumpkin pie, apple crumble, or pecan pie are just the beginning. We'd also like to share a personal anecdote. In our former Munich store, we had a pie café – Sweetie Pies – which served fresh pies, especially on the Saturdays of Advent. The shop on Rotkreuzplatz was always packed on Saturdays, and our American Heritage customers particularly loved fresh apple pie and pumpkin pie. To enable our customers to recreate the pies at home, we added a whole range of different pie plates to our selection. Although we no longer bake regularly, we continue to offer beautiful pie dishes – both standard and deep.

👉 Discover our beautiful pie dishes – perfect for pumpkin pie, apple pie and more.

In addition to the traditional cakes, creative snacks such as spiced popcorn, caramelized nuts or mini tarts bring variety and fun to the table.

👉 Everly Grace Popcorn – perfect for cozy autumn evenings

Insider tip : A small dessert board with different flavors and textures invites guests to try everything. Add a warm drink – perfect for relaxed tastings.

Extra flair: Set up a "do-it-yourself" dessert station with toppings such as whipped cream, nuts, chocolate sprinkles or caramel sauce – this makes the table interactive and entertaining.

Drinks that warm you from the inside out

Hot apple juice with spices – an autumnal classic

Nothing embodies Thanksgiving better than a steaming mug of hot apple cider flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel. Served warm, it's perfect for cool autumn afternoons and fills the home with a cozy, festive aroma.

Tip: For adults, add a shot of rum or whiskey; for children, add some whipped cream – and you have the perfect autumn drink. Simple variations, such as apple juice with pear juice or sparkling water, also offer a welcome change.

Festive Cocktails & Mocktails

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with family and friends. Creative cocktails and mocktails add a special touch to the festivities. Try:

Spiced apple spritzer
Pumpkin Spice Tea Cocktails Everly Grace Tea Pumpkin Spice All Day
Autumnal punches with fresh fruit and aromatic spices

Extra tip: Serve drinks in glass glasses or mugs for a rustic look. Non-alcoholic options should also be offered so that all guests are included.

Decoration & Atmosphere – Celebrating Thanksgiving at Home

Candles for a warm atmosphere

The atmosphere makes a festive meal special. The soft light of candles instantly creates a cozy ambiance. Choose scents reminiscent of autumn – cinnamon, clove, pumpkin, or maple syrup. Lighting a candle during the meal transforms the dinner into a ritual of gratitude.

Extra flair: Arrange candles of different heights together or decorate them with small pumpkins and autumn leaves for a festive, multi-dimensional look.

👉 Discover autumnal Kringle Candles now

Festive table decoration

The Thanksgiving table is a feast for the eyes. Natural elements like pumpkins, colorful leaves, wooden accessories, and seasonal flowers create a festive atmosphere. Small jars of homemade chutney, jam, or sauces can also serve as edible gifts.

Decoration tip: Personalize the table with handwritten cards or small name tags – this creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. A table runner or decorative napkin rings complete the look.

Rituals that make Thanksgiving special

Small traditions make the holiday unforgettable. Carving the turkey together, telling stories, or enjoying cider while preparing the table – these are the kinds of moments that stay with you. Every guest can take on a small ritual, from decorating to dessert.

Extra idea : Set up a gratitude jar in which guests can write short notes about what they are thankful for, and read these aloud together after the meal.

Discover Ball Mason Jars now

Extra tips for an authentic Thanksgiving in Europe

Plan the menu according to seasonal ingredients: pumpkin, apples, nuts and root vegetables provide authentic flavors.
Combine tradition with creativity: Combine classic dishes with modern side dishes or desserts.
Interactive dessert or snack stations: mini pies, popcorn and spiced nuts bring the table to life.
Create a cozy atmosphere: candles, autumnal decorations and suitable music ensure well-being.
Celebrating gratitude: Thanksgiving is also a celebration of connection – take time to express gratitude together.

Extra tip: Ask guests to bring a dish or drink from their own tradition – this creates variety, conversation topics and a sense of closeness.

And if you have one of the coveted invitations to a cozy Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving celebration and would like to bring something authentic, then we recommend the following gifts from our store or online shop:

Enjoy the full American Thanksgiving experience

Thanksgiving is the perfect combination of food, family, and festive traditions. A golden-brown turkey, hearty side dishes, sweet desserts, and warm drinks make the holiday unforgettable. Together with cozy decorations, small rituals, and gratitude, it creates a celebration that reflects the spirit of an authentic American Thanksgiving.

With some planning, seasonal ingredients and creative ideas, you can bring the magic of Thanksgiving right into your home – a celebration that is tasteful, festive and unforgettable.