Creating the Perfect Thanksgiving: A Caterer’s Guide
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It’s a time to gather, reflect, and share a delicious meal with those we care about. But here in Massachusetts, Thanksgiving feels even more special—it’s where it all began. As the owner of Powerhouse Café & Catering, I’ve always felt a connection to this holiday’s roots, which remind us of the importance of hospitality, gratitude, and good food.
This year, let’s elevate your Thanksgiving table with thoughtful, creative place settings. I’ll share tips on choosing colors, the pros and cons of assigned seating, and how to make adorable mini sourdough turkeys that will wow your guests. (Spoiler alert: they’re as delicious as they are cute!)
1. A Nod to Massachusetts: Thanksgiving’s Origin
Thanksgiving began right here in Massachusetts in 1621, when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people came together for a three-day harvest feast. While much has changed since then, the spirit of gratitude and togetherness remains at the heart of this holiday.
This local history inspires me to add touches of New England charm to my Thanksgiving table, whether it’s decorating with native cranberries or incorporating artisan breads baked with local grains. Let’s honor our roots while making new memories around the table.
2. Picking the Perfect Thanksgiving Colors
When choosing colors for your table, think beyond the typical oranges and browns. Thanksgiving doesn’t have to look like a pumpkin exploded on your table! Instead, mix and match rich, earthy tones like deep burgundy, sage green, and gold for a modern but cozy feel.
For a more elegant vibe, I love layering neutral shades—think cream, beige, and soft greys—with metallic accents like bronze or copper. Adding texture with linen napkins or a burlap runner can make it feel elevated yet approachable.
Pro Tip: Incorporate natural elements to complement your color scheme, such as fresh herbs (like rosemary sprigs) tied around napkins or small gourds scattered along the table.
3. Should You Assign Seats?
This is one of those “it depends” questions. Assigning seats can make your dinner feel more formal and ensure smoother conversations (no awkward musical chairs!). It’s especially helpful if you have guests who might not know each other well.
But if your group is more casual or you want a relaxed atmosphere, let people choose their own seats. A tip I’ve found helpful is to subtly guide the seating with small clusters of chairs—people tend to follow visual cues.
Pro Tip: If you’re assigning seats, a personal touch like a handwritten name card or an edible gift at each place setting can make guests feel extra special. Speaking of edible gifts…
4. Edible Place Settings: Sourdough Turkeys
Nothing says “welcome to the table” like a freshly baked, personal-sized sourdough loaf shaped like a turkey. It’s a little whimsical, a little gourmet, and a lot of fun. Plus, it ties back to our love of sourdough from our recent post on mastering sourdough bread.
Here’s how you can make them:
Mini Sourdough Turkey Recipe
Ingredients:
• 1 batch of sourdough bread dough (use our guide to getting started or grab a starter from a local bakery).
• A little extra flour for shaping.
• 1 egg (for the egg wash).
• Raisins or seeds (for the “eyes”).
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Divide your sourdough dough into small portions (about the size of a roll).
3. Shape each portion into a round body. Use smaller pieces of dough to form the turkey’s head and tail feathers. Get creative—your turkeys don’t have to be perfect!
4. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut feather-like slits in the tail.
5. Attach the head to the body with a toothpick and place raisins or seeds as “eyes.”
6. Brush the whole turkey with egg wash for a golden finish.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Place one on each plate as a charming (and delicious) decoration.
5. To-Go Containers for Leftovers
Let’s be honest—Thanksgiving isn’t complete without leftovers! Providing small, stylish containers for guests to take home extra food adds a thoughtful touch.
Ideas for To-Go Containers:
• Reusable glass jars for sides like cranberry sauce or gravy.
• Compostable boxes for larger dishes.
• Small tins or festive bags for desserts.
6. Tying it All Together
Thanksgiving is more than a meal—it’s a chance to connect, reflect, and create memories. Whether you’re inspired by the holiday’s Massachusetts origins, choosing the perfect colors, or baking your very own sourdough turkeys, the little details can make your dinner unforgettable.
This Thanksgiving, I hope your table is full of laughter, delicious food, and memories in the making. And if you’d rather focus on enjoying the holiday while someone else handles the catering (or those sourdough turkeys), you know where to find us.