Thanksgiving is a time when we give thanks for our many blessings. It’s also a time when we gather with family and friends to enjoy a delicious meal and fellowship. While many people will be a part of a large gathering, some will be planning the holidays just for two. An intimate celebration can be equally as enjoyable and festive if you properly plan it. Whether you’re spending the holiday with your spouse, a close friend or family member, a cozy Thanksgiving dinner can be just as memorable and meaningful as a large gathering.
I will give you just what you need to plan a happy and delightful Thanksgiving dinner for two. So, let’s get started on creating a memorable Thanksgiving that the two of you will remember for years to come.
1. Planning Your Thanksgiving Dinner
Dinner for two can be quite easy. The first thing to do is to discuss the plan and menu with your guest. Do so can remove a ton of guess work. Although we love our traditional Thanksgiving meal, a scaled down version of the traditional or some alternatives may be satisfying for you and your guest. For example, instead of a full turkey, roasting a large turkey breast may suffice. With this you can still have all the trimming that goes along with the traditional dinner but not having to worry about cooking a whole turkey and excess leftovers. Whatever the two of you decide it’s best to keep the menu simple but filled with your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.
2. Shopping and Meal Prep
Ok your menu is set and now it’s time to shop. Make sure to create a detailed shopping list to avoid multiple trips to the grocery store. Shopping for fresh and high quality ingredients is always a great idea to make sure your meal is perfectly delicious. Once your shopping is complete, plan your cooking schedule by deciding which dishes to make ahead of time. I usually make my desserts a day before and prepare some of my side dishes so they are ready to go straight in the oven the day of Thanksgiving. The goal for you and your guest is to have a happy and memorable Thanksgiving so it is key not to become overwhelmed.
3. Table Setting
There are many different schools of thought on table setting for two for the holidays. In many cases it is suggested to choose a small table for an intimate setting. Set the table with simple and elegant decor, dinnerware and utensils. Because it is Thanksgiving, I like to set the space for the holiday the same as if I had a room full of guests. The only difference is preparing food for just two. Whatever you decide, make sure it is reflective of your style and create a welcome and warm environment.
4. Crafting the Perfect Menu
A small Thanksgiving dinner allows you to focus on quality rather than quantity. Even when preparing a dinner for two I still like to prepare some of my many favorites. The one thing I enjoy just as much as my Thanksgiving dinner are my Thanksgiving leftovers. So my goal of the day is to give thanks, enjoy the fellowship and indulge a bit. Here are a few suggestions for an intimate dinner for two:
a. The Main Course
Turkey’s have been decorating the Thanksgiving dinner table for centuries. But if you are preparing a smaller meal, then you have a few other choices. If you choose not to roast a whole turkey then a roasted Turkey Breast, Roasted Chicken or Cornish hens are great alternatives. But what about the Ham? If you crave that holiday ham it’s ok to prepare one for your intimate dinner. Ham make great leftovers.
b. The Dressing
I could never imagine a Thanksgiving dinner without Cornbread Dressing. Prepare a small batch of your favorite stuffing or dressing to serve with your main dish. Cornbread dressing can be prepared in a number of ways so choose a recipe that is complementary to your meal.
c. Side Dishes
For side dishes I choose 3 to 4 classic thanksgiving and soul food dishes. This may seem like a lot but we must remember to treat this dinner for two like the feast that it is. Thanksgiving only comes around once a year. A few must-have dishes, of course, are homemade cranberry sauce, creamy mashed potatoes and a small batch of gravy. And just like my cornbread dressing a few must haves for me are collard greens, mac and cheese and deviled eggs.
d. Dessert
Choose the dessert of your choice to prepare for this special day. Some great options are sweet potato pie, pecan pie, peach cobbler or banana pudding.
The holidays represent an exciting time and preparing a meal for any number of guests is a part of the season that can be fun and memorable. From planning the menu to the dinner itself, the key is to concentrate on the moments you will share together. In the end, it’s the love shared that makes this intimate Thanksgiving celebration truly special. So, as you prepare to create the perfect intimate Thanksgiving feast, remember that it’s the moments and memories you create that matter the most. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
