Thanksgiving Holiday – Do it Your Way With 10 Tips From Town & Country Village.

Each year Americans gather around the table to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday with friends and family. Last Fall, celebrations looked different as families skipped large indoor gatherings.

While families are more likely to gather this year, everyone is getting creative with their festivities, including the big Thanksgiving celebration! People are planning backyard gatherings, patio parties, and non-traditional celebrations. Whatever you plan to do this Thanksgiving season, Town & Country Village is here to help you prepare!

#1 Plan A Backyard Potluck Thanksgiving Holiday Celebration 

The backyard celebrations have been going strong and now that the weather is cooler, it’s more enjoyable than ever to spend time outdoors. Host a potluck on Thanksgiving and let everyone bring their favorite dish to share. Set up the yard with tables and chairs and string some lights up for a festive outdoor affair this Thanksgiving.

#2 Make Your Thanksgiving Potluck Dish Spectacular!

Have a recipe in mind for your potluck dish? What about putting together a fancy spread to wow your guests? Visit Barnes and Noble for inspiration with the new book “Spectacular Spreads: 50 Amazing Food Spreads for Any Occasion.” You’ll find ideas and recipes for all kinds of spreads for special occasions, holidays, breakfast and brunch, lunch and dinner, dessert, and drinks.

Then head over to Randall’s and pick up the ingredients to create something everyone will remember for many Thanksgivings to come! To up your presentation game, find just the right platter and serving ware at Williams-Sonoma. Check out the Plymouth Pumpkin Platter for a traditional look. For a more contemporary design, the new Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Handled Platters might be just the right choice.

Checkout the Williams Sonoma Blog for uber terrific Thanksgiving holiday recipes and entertaining ideas. Pop by TCV’s Williams Sonoma store where their team of T-Day experts can assist with your holiday entertaining needs.

#3 Ideas For Sprucing Up Your Outdoor Space This Thanksgiving Holiday Season

Have you been thinking about sprucing up your outdoor space? Might as well do it now to accommodate your Thanksgiving crowd with help from Pottery Barn’s Outdoor and Garden selections. Check out dining table and chairs options for your backyard and create a warm and inviting space for all kinds of future gatherings.

Highlight the natural element of being outdoors and plant some lovely seasonal mums in Pottery Barn’s new Artisan Hand Painted Terra Cotta Indoor/Outdoor Planters. Once the season is over, use the same planters for your indoor houseplants.

#4 For Chili Weather, Bundle Up With Luxe Cozy Comfy Throws

You can never tell with Houston weather so for an outdoor gathering, treat your guests right and have some blankets available for a chilly night. Find lots of warm and cozy throws at Soft Surroundings. Their Umbra Throw made of chenille is super cozy with a distinctive marled-stripe pattern. For something fun, try the Pompon Throw with whimsical pom-pom tassel detailing to complement the luxurious and warm comfort of a quality throw.

Pottery Barn has plenty of options as well. Their cotton Bayside Seed Stitch Throw with its chunky seed-stitch knit gives these warm and sumptuous blankets a homespun look. Pottery Barn is a member of the Better Cotton Initiative and supports more sustainable cotton farming.

#5 Plan Some Outdoor Fun With Games For The Thanksgiving Crowd

Backyard parties aren’t complete without backyard games! Elevate the entertainment with quality sets of some of the classics like Oversized Outdoor Tumbling Tower, Outdoor Lawn Bowling, Bocce Ball Set, and the Oversized Outdoor 4-in-a-row Game. These games from Pottery Barn will keep both kids and adults busy while the food is being prepped to serve. Organize competitions between teams and let the winners get the first pick of desserts!

#6 Think Restaurant Patio Dining & Catering For Friendsgiving Get Togethers!

Most people like to carve out time during the Thanksgiving holiday to celebrate with friends. This Friendsgiving, consider gathering at a restaurant a day or two before or after Thanksgiving to enjoy a stress-free event with wait staff and delicious food at-the-ready. Just make sure you make your reservations. If you’re happy to host but not happy to cook this Friendsgiving, call up our restaurants for catering options that are sure to please. The easiest cleanup and preparation for a Thanksgiving celebration is none at all!

Restaurants With Outdoor Patios For Friendsgiving Celebrations

Ready to go out and celebrate with your friends on Thanksgiving weekend? Come to Town & Country Village and enjoy casual patio dining with your group. Escalante’s patio is an oasis right in the middle of the shopping center. Enjoy your Tex-Mex amongst the relaxing sounds from the fountain and enjoy the company of those who have stuck by you through thick and thin.

For other options, check out the patio at KP’s Kitchen and the comfortable outdoor seating at McCormick & Schmick’s. If you’re looking for a more private gathering, consider reserving a private room. McCormick and Schmick’s and Fleming’s offer private rooms for your event.

#7 Catering Options For Thanksgiving Meals At Home

Planning to host at home but want to serve restaurant-quality food for your Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving this year? Call up one of our many restaurants and ask about catering! Focus on visiting with guests instead of cooking and cleaning.

McCormick & Schmick’s offers chilled trays, pasta for a crowd, three course dinners, desserts and more on their catering menu. Zoe’s Kitchen can deliver your catered meal with a minimum $100 order. Choose from lots of options, including crowd-friendly portions of Kabobs, Pitas and Rollups paired with Greek Salad and fresh sides. Hit up Café Express if you want to serve hearty pasta dishes like a classic Chicken Alfredo or the Tuscan Amore featuring Spanish artichoke hearts and roasted tomatoes.

#8 Traveling To See Friends & Family This Thanksgiving Holiday? We’ve Got You Covered.

When you’re the one traveling to someone’s home this Thanksgiving, don’t forget to pack a hostess gift. Pick out just the right book for your hosts from Barnes & Noble. Between best-sellers, cookbooks, and beautiful coffee table selections, you’re sure to find just the right gift.

Shop Williams-Sonoma for beautiful kitchen linens, especially themed ones like the Pumpkin or Harvest Kitchen Linen Bundle. Found something pretty for your hostess but want to personalize it? Bring it to Mine Gifts & Monograms and get your items personalized for an extra special touch.

Traveling with kids can be a challenge. Keep them entertained while you’re on the road or on the plane with fun new activities. Stop by Learning Express to stock up on surprises. Shop for fidget toys, Pop-Its, activity books, and travel games to keep everyone happy.

Head to Barnes & Noble for kids’ books that celebrate the Thanksgiving season. From picture books to chapter books, Barnes & Noble’s vast book collection will satisfy every reader in the family.

Going With A Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner?

If you’re looking forward to setting a beautiful table for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner this year, you might find just the perfect centerpiece at The Accessory Place. The floral department can create an attention-grabbing Thanksgiving arrangement just for the occasion. Their festive wreaths on your front door will also help welcome your guests into your home.

#9 Set The Mood With Candles, Linens & Table Runners

Choose from lots of options at Bath & Body Works that will highlight the scent of pumpkin, apple and pecans in your home. Find candles with scents like Fall Leaves and Apple Crisp & Spice at Trudy’s Hallmark. There you’ll also find lots of Fall-themed decorations for your mantle and table.

Stock up on beautiful seasonal table linens and place settings for your Thanksgiving table at Williams-Sonoma. The Harvest Bloom Table Runner and Napkins make for a cheerful holiday table. Visit Pottery Barn for placemats that bring the autumn feel right into your dining room.

#10 Do The Big Grocery Shop Run Early To Make Your Thanksgiving Holiday Easy As Pie!

It’s best to shop early and get most of what you need ahead of time. Then do a last minute run closer to the holiday for the fresh items on your list. Randall’s will have all the groceries you need to plan a wonderful Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings. Get your turkey, sweet potatoes, rolls, and more to cook a meal to everyone will remember.

Most of all, grab a pumpkin while you’re at Randall’s and try a new tradition this year. Have family members say something they’re thankful for and write it on the pumpkin with a black permanent marker. Then set your Thankful Pumpkin out on the table as an exercise in gratitude.

No matter how you plan on celebrating this year, find your inspiration at Town & Country Village!

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