I have to confess something... I will not be celebrating Thanksgiving this week. That's because as a Canadian, that day came and went back in October! But I know that for most of you, Thanksgiving is your focus this week and so I wanted to share some ideas and inspiration with you.
I had far too much fun putting together this selection of tasty-looking real food holiday recipes, frugal and nature-inspired decor ideas, and gratitude printables and activities for you.
This is only a small portion of all that I found, and if you'd like, you can peruse my entire Thanksgiving folder on Pinterest.
Healthy, Whole Food Thanksgiving Recipes
Source: myrecipes.com via Jessika on Pinterest
Butternut Squash Gratin with Blue Cheese and Sage (just use whole grain bread and butter your pan instead of using spray)
Source: marthastewart.com via Jackie on Pinterest
Green-Cabbage and Red-Apple Slaw with Brussel Sprouts
Source: tastykitchen.com via Angela on Pinterest
Cranberry-Pomegranate Sauce (from the Pioneer Woman- everything she makes is amazing)
Source: thekitchn.com via Katharine on Pinterest
What a unique and tasty looking salad! Love the apple presentation! Apples, avocado, blue cheese (an accidental theme), and pomegranates (a delicious and healthy, but also accidental theme).
Source: realsimple.com via Bev on Pinterest
Herb Stuffing- a simple but tasty looking variation.
Source: southernliving.com via Genie on Pinterest
Cajun Corn Maque Choux- this creative and distinct salad sounds delicious and looks so colorful!
Beautiful, Frugal, Nature-Inspired Holiday Decor
Spending money on fancy decor items just isn't necessary. When you work with elements from outdoors, the garden or market, or even your own pantry, together with items you may already have and some creativity, the possibilities are endless.
Source: budgetwisehome.com via Anna on Pinterest
Love this!
Source: familycircle.com via Jessica on Pinterest
These would be perfect on a mantle, or used as a place setting decoration.
Source: bhg.com via Jessica on Pinterest
I'm all about using food in decor.
Source: 1.bp.blogspot.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest
Indian corn is already gorgeous, but in a hurricane vase it's even more stunning.
Source: simplyvintagegirl.com via Tiffany on Pinterest
Take twigs from the backyard and then embellish with thankful thoughts from yourself and the rest of the family.
That has to be one of the most creative uses of food in decorating that I have ever seen!
Source: blog.addicted2decorating.com via Serina on Pinterest
So easy, but beautiful, warm, fall colors. This is the type of thing that I could definitely see myself doing.
Source: marthastewart.com via Jacquie on Pinterest
Just lovely. Get the kids to gather sticks and put this together easily.
Printables to Bring Out That Gratitude
Source: adventuresofabettycrockerwannabe.blogspot.com via Gail on Pinterest
I love printables like this, because I'm not much of a decorator. But, put this in a yard sale or thrift store frame, with some candles or mini pumpkins (or gourds) and you've got a really cute look.
Source: jonesdesigncompany.com via Stephanie on Pinterest
Click through to the original site to see some different ideas for using these Thankful cards.
Source: carinagardner.com via Carina on Pinterest
What a fun project to do with kids!
Source: cheepideas.com via Rebecca on Pinterest
The ultimate reason for our thanks.
Source: silverboxcreative.com via whitneyarcher on Pinterest
Just beautiful.
Source: paperglitter.blogspot.com via Andrea on Pinterest
Perfect for young kids to express their thankfulness. Fun homeschool activity!
Source: google.com via Angie on Pinterest
With grateful hearts. Enough said.
I like the your decorative ideas, it's very creative and beautiful. These decorative create a festive environment and make the thanksgiving so memorable. I love the recipes also, thanks to sharing this awesome post.
You and I have the same tastes! I'm definitely pinning this post for next year.
Thanks for all the great ideas! I often gather things that I think I can use for decorating, but don't have that vision to put together a centerpiece or decor item. These ideas will help a lot, and I love that I can do each one in a mininmal amount of time! I'm in Michigan, so we celebrate this Thursday, is it the same in Canada? Either way, have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Stephanie, I just discovered your blog via Raising Homemakers, and I confess that I've been sinfully browsing around while I should be grading homeschool work and doing laundry! I'm so glad to have found your blog and will be back often.
@Suzanne, Well, go back to homeschool and laundry for now, and come back and say hi again sometime later. Welcome! :)
Cute table mats for kids... Great ideas to get the kids involved! Hope your Thanksgiving was blessed last month!
I LOVE the display with the Indian corn in the hurricane vase. WOW! So simple but so elegant. I could do that, but I had a mean little mouse rodent sneak into my basement and eat all my Indian corn. I try not to be bitter.....stupid mouse.