As a mother of one grown daughter (busy), one almost-grown daughter (also busy), two tween girls who switch from little kid to big kid every five minutes, an 8-year-old son who’s basically a 50-pound wrecking ball, and Nana to a smaller wrecking ball who idolizes his uncle… let’s just say it’s hard to have intentional family time.

A few years ago, my husband and I got nostalgic for the days when families actually sat down together on Sundays and were present with each other. So we created “Family Dinner”—and it’s still going strong. After all, Momma always said, “If you cook it, they will come.”

I’m kidding—my mom hates to cook—but the idea still works. A promise of good food brings everyone together. What she did teach me is how to be extra, so I started adding themes: fun menus and a craft to keep the younger ones slightly less… wrecking ball.

If you’re thinking, “That sounds like a lot of work,” you’re right. I spend an embarrassing amount of time planning these dinners. Food is my love language (I’m not a hugger), so it’s worth it. BUT—good news for you—I’ve gathered all my ideas and turned them into easy-to-follow plans.

Each month, I’ll share 2 to 3 themed dinners, complete with shopping lists and links. I’ll label them low-effort, medium-effort, and queen-of-extra so you can choose what fits your family. This week, I’ve got two: a low-effort plan and an extra-effort plan.

Low Effort: The Anti-Thanksgiving Meal

Perfect for the Sunday before Thanksgiving, when you absolutely do not want to cook a big meal.

Menu – Breakfast for Dinner

Sausage-Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole My family LOVES this one from Southern Living. You can prep most of it the day before.
Cinnamon Rolls – Whatever brand your crew likes.
Orange & Grapefruit Salad – Chop fruit, drizzle honey. Done.

Activity – Gratitude Jar (With a Twist)

Everyone writes down funny, weird things they’re thankful for. Put them in a jar and take turns guessing who wrote what.

Set the Mood

Paper plates. Yes, I said it. It’s Anti-Thanksgiving. Eat on a blanket on the floor with pillows. If you’ve got tiny kids, bake the casserole in a muffin tin and put fruit on blunt skewer sticks so they can manage it.

High Effort: Queen of Extra – “Party Like It’s 1621”

I went down a rabbit hole researching the original Thanksgiving menu, and while accounts vary, the experts agree on a few things.‍

Menu:

Smoked Cornish Hens
No duck or goose at our local stores, so hens are the next best thing. Venison works too! Try this simple recipe from Chef Billy Parisi.

Succotash
Corn + lima beans = original Thanksgiving vibes. Easy recipe on AllRecipes.

Chestnut Croquettes
They sound fancy but aren’t. Roast chestnuts using this Food Network guide, then make the croquettes using the recipe from The Almanac.

The Original Pumpkin Pie
Souffle Bombay has a recipe where you bake the filling right inside the pumpkin. Kids LOVE this.

Activity – Corn Husk Dolls

I found the cutest tutorial on Curated by Michelle. Husks from Amazon work great!

Set the Mood

Let everyone help set the table. Go family-style with natural textures—wood chargers, simple linens, fall foliage. Real candles if you dare, battery-operated if your wrecking balls can’t resist blowing them out. I love this centerpiece from American Farmhouse Style, plus these ideas from A Pretty Life and Hallstrom Home.

I hope your family loves these meals and activities as much as mine does. I’ll be back with December themes soon. And remember: it’s only fun if everyone helps with prep and cleanup. If not, send them my way—I’ll jerk a knot in their tail.

(Cover Photo: Jessica and her family, a handful of Thanksgivings ago.)