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Our 2023 Thanksgiving Menu and Guide.
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Happy November! The holiday season is officially here. I feel so much excitement for all that is coming. Of course, I already feel so behind, but nothing new there. But aside from feeling overwhelmed, I also feel so happy. This is such a special time of year!
As I type away tonight, I just finished up shooting our 2023 Thanksgiving menu. This year’s theme is Simple, Cozy, and Delicious. I crafted my menu with ease in mind. After many years of preparing for Thanksgiving, I’ve come to the realization that anything too fussy is not worth the trouble. Instead, I’m including really delicious recipes, that can be easily prepared and most importantly, that everyone will enjoy. I’m really excited to share this year’s menu, I’m hoping it’s what we’re all looking for!
I’m super happy I was able to get the menu all photographed and settled before heading to New York. I’ll be in the city for the week. I’ve got a handful of work events including our Snif Ulta Beauty event and our Williams-Sonoma signing. Both of which I CAN’T WAIT for. The Ulta Beauty event is this Wednesday at the Herald Square store in New York. Then on Thursday, I’ll be at the Williams-Sonoma store in Short Hills, New Jersey.
When we had our Chicago signing, I was able to do a giveaway for everyone who attended. For this signing, we’re going to be doing the same! It will be fun and I love meeting you all. It really makes me so happy getting to interact with you in person. If you’re in New York or New Jersey, please come out and say hi!
Details for both events are below:
Snif Ulta Beauty Meet Greet – Wednesday, November 8th, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Tickets are FREE but only the first 150 to show up with a ticket are guaranteed access to the meet-and-greet opportunities.
Get your tickets for the event here.
Williams Sonoma Short Hills, New Jersey – Thursday, November 9th 6:00 pm
Reserve your tickets here.
All books will be signed, looking forward to this so much!
What else to update you on? Oh, how about Oslo, he had an amazing Halloween. He just loved going up to each storefront on our town’s main street collecting candy. He is just the sweetest little boy! OH, and this is kind of fun news, Asher is now a brunette. She needed a change of pace. She looks so pretty with light brown hair. When I was her age I never would have been brave enough to make such a change. I love how daring she is!
Speaking of Asher she has been a huge help to me these last few weeks, months, the entire year really. She is so caring and genuinely happy to help. I feel so grateful for her! My mom and I have something very special planned for her this Christmas, I can’t wait! I know she will love it.
I also have to say a big thank you to everyone who has been supporting our Snif candle collaboration. It’s been one of my favorite projects to be lucky enough to create. The gingerbread smash candle is now out!! It’s truly the essence of Christmas! Like fresh gingerbread cookies baking away all day long.
That’s all I have for today! Enjoy another Sunday Favorites and Happy November!
1. Things i’m loving, wanting, and excited to try.
burning…our pumpkin smash candle and our gingerbread smash candle together as a duo. Burning both together creates the most magical, warm, and cozy home. You have to try it!
loving (SO MUCH)…this Vintage Bookshelf Games Edition. This is so cute. I am obsessed with the Candy Land edition. So stinking cute.
reading…the Goop gifts guides. There are so many!
everything in my cart (low)…I have a sweater that looks identical to this Fairisle Wedge Crew Sweater, but at triple the price. This is the best designer-like-looking sweater, super cute.
More cozy finds, love this Free People bonfire cardi and their pom beanie. Really fun and cute. And here’s another Abercrombie find, a great cable notch-neck sweater.
Everyone needs a pair of cashmere socks. We love these cute cashmere blend trouser socks at J Crew (30% off with code FRIENDS).
listening to…Lucy Hale: Sober Doesn’t Mean Boring.
shopping…Amazon Home. I found some really cute holiday entertaining pieces for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
wanting…Activist raw manuka honey. Manuka honey is said to have amazing health benefits. I need to start using it.
everything in my cart (beauty)…RMS Beauty always carries my favorite products. This lip pencil is wonderful.
For gifting, the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk On the Go Kit, is fun and cute.
And from Amazon, these all would make amazing gifts!
gifting…the Papier stationery advent calendar. Gift this to anyone who thrives on planning and organization.
everything in my cart (high)…well, this isn’t actually in my cart, but I think this men’s Suede jacket from Prada is so handsome. Love the new Bottega Veneta Medium Gemelli Shoulder bag. On my Christmas list and this Cartier Baignoire de Cartier Watchis pretty. Way too much, but pretty.
drinking…espresso martinis. I’m so into them right now. I want to make both my vanilla espresso martini and chai espresso martini again very soon! Plus, I have a new one coming this December that I can’t wait to share!
shopping…the Studio McGee holiday collection. Love their classic, festive take on the holidays. These mini trees are really cute and I need to order this ribbon.
2. October’s most popular recipes.
Most popular: Cider Braised Pot Roast with Crispy Sage Butter Potatoes
Runner-up: Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli
Also have to mention: Smothered Chicken in Mushroom Wine Pan Sauce
Everyone’s favorite pumpkin recipe: Pumpkin Butter Cinnamon Roll Bread + 6 Ingredient Spiced Pumpkin Butter
Our favorite drink: Cranberry Bourbon Sour
3. Cute holiday stockings
4. What gifts do you love to give?
As we enter the season of gifting, I’d love to know what gifts you love to give. I struggle with receiving gifts, but one of the things I love most, and I really do mean LOVE, is giving someone the perfect gift.
If I’m gifting to someone I don’t know well, my go-to is a wonderful candle paired with a cute kitchen set or a fun custom board game. For the holidays, I honestly think the Half Baked Smash bundle in a gift basket with either a pie or baking goodies would be perfect. You could also do a cocktail-mixing must-haves basket. It would depend on who I’m gifting to as to which one I’d choose.
I’d love to hear some of your favorite gifts to give! I need some new hostess gift ideas!
Gifting doesn’t have to be something tangible or even cost anything. It can be as simple as the gift of quality time. Babysit a friend’s kids so they can have an hour or two to themselves. Volunteering at a friend or family member’s favorite charity. Cooking dinner for someone. Photo albums take time to put together, but they are so appreciated and fairly inexpensive.
Of course, you can also do a random act of kindness as a gift for someone who looks like they could use a pick-me-up. Buy someone a hot coffee or pumpkin spice latte – just because you can! Or carry some extra cheap gloves with you. Hand them out when you see someone who looks like they could use them.
Simple acts of kindness are almost always well-received!
Ok, ok, comments below, please!
5. The Quickest trip to New York.
On Tuesday I did a quick overnight trip to New York, flying in and out the next day. I was on Amazon Live for the launch of Gingerbread Smash. While I was there I shared how I create my holiday tables and how to use candles within your home. It was so much fun!
And now I’m already back in the city, this time for a slightly longer stay!
If you missed the Amazon Live, you can watch the full clip here.
(a warm and cozy welcome)
(every night – I am religious about skincare)
(legs up to reduce inflammation – increases circulation and helps with relaxation)
(movement every morning)
Amazon Live prep
(Amazon had such a nice display of the candles and books)
(the cutest Halloween night late-night snack at the hotel)
(cozy New York)
6. Thanksgiving Tip of the Week.
Tip: Think About Your Menu
A few things to consider when creating your 2023 Thanksgiving Menu. How much oven space do you have, how many people are you serving, and does anyone have any dietary restrictions?
Depending on how many leftovers you’d like, plan on anywhere from a pound to a pound and a half per person. If everyone is heading out the door at the end of the day, I would go closer to a pound per person. If your guests are staying through the weekend, go for a pound and a half. Bone-in breasts are a nice option if you don’t want to cook more than one turkey. Keep in mind, that if you’ve got a lot of sides, guests will probably eat less turkey.
Write down everything you need, who may be bringing dishes, etc. Tack the list on your fridge a few weeks before to stay organized.
7. Favorite links i’m loving.
The Best Winter Getaways Around the U.S. to Visit This Season
Starbucks Holiday Drinks Are Back! We Ranked Them All From Worst to Best
7 Simple Ways to Make Your Friendsgiving Extra Special This Year
These Are the Best Online Home Decor Brands Around
The Best Food Gifts for Curious Cooks and Holiday Hosts
The Best Christmas Gift Baskets Are Actually Boxes
40 Things to Do in November That’ll Make It Your Coziest Month Yet
Under-$25 White Elephant Gifts Everyone Will Want To Steal
100 Books for Every Genre to Read
8. Cozy Knits Under $100.
9. This week’s dinners + favorite weekend eats.
Monday: Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup with Rosemary Bacon
Tuesday: Shaved Brussels Sprout Candied Bacon Salad
Wednesday: Crockpot Chili Meatballs and Spaghetti
Thursday: Crockpot Creamy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala
Friday: Baked French Onion Meatballs
Saturday: Cranberry Bourbon Sour
Sunday: Chocolate Covered Espresso Spiced Pretzels
This post was originally published on November 5, 2023
What’s the sense in flying to NY for one night for Amazon, flying back to Colorado just to fly back to NY again a few days later? Why not just stay in NY? You could actually explore the city. Working crazy hours isn’t a coping mechanism, it’s avoidance. It’s ok to take a break. The world won’t stop spinning because you didn’t post a new recipe.
I found that odd as well. I guess it’s nice to be able to just fly all over the place on a whim. Better for the environment to stay put in NYC – or plan events better.
I love all that you do. I truly do. I would like to make one observation from a big fan: on both this page, but especially your recipe pages, the ads have become overwhelming. On your recipe page alone there were SIX separate ads. On this page, not as many but, some of them are videos which is super distracting. I know you have to make money, but lately, it seems to be particularly annoying. Maybe it’s just me. Regardless, I still think you do great things.
cindy, this is a money making enterprise. how is she going to afford a sweater “three times the price” of the sweater she’s recommending to readers in this week’s NFT without spamming you with ads?
*49 times the price
Hi Cindy,
Thanks so much for reading and following along. I appreciate you sharing your feedback regarding the ads and will definitely take this into consideration for the future! Happy Sunday! xx
But will you really?
Hi! I asked this before but didn’t hear back yet. Was hoping to come to the Ulta event but it sounds like we have to purchase a candle there for it to be signed? We can’t bring a candle and cookbook we’ve already purchased? Just wanting to check before I make plans to attend!! Thank you!
Hi Liz,
Yes, please come!! I would love to meet you and would be happy to sign your previously purchased candle and cookbook:) xx
No mention of the NYT piece? As an adult, I’d expect you to to graciously acknowledge the profile even if you don’t necessarily agree with everything that was written. Or do you feel that the Pulitzer award winning journalist painted an accurate picture of your life and business?
Hi Tieghan,
All I can say is WOW to the Amazon Live! I actually try to stay AWAY from ordering on Amazon and try to support my local economy whenever possible. BUT your video has me adding several things to my holiday to buy list!
Very well done! The set, the items you selected and your outfit were all SO good!
Thanks for a fun and interactive segment. You are great with this – I would LOVE to see a video from your home for the holidays! I realize these things take time, so maybe for next year. As a former retail girl for 10 years, I appreciate the effort that went into this!! Planning a girl friends holiday dinner based on the video!
Hey Susan,
Thanks so much for your kind message about the Amazon Live, so glad to hear you enjoyed watching:) I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to leave such a thoughtful note. Hope you have a great Sunday! xT
Hostess gift suggestion: a bottle of Ice wine (we have many in Canada, Im sure you have too in the US… small local productions are the best).
As for gifts to friends and family: an activity together, a brunch, a ski day (ski/snow lift tickets are expensive, I have a season pass buy buying a day for a friend or a family member who does not and spending the day on the slopes together is amazing).
Have a great Holiday season !
Hey Virginie,
Thanks for reading today! Love these gifts ideas for the holidays, a ski day is such a great activity and would be so fun! Thanks for sharing:) xT
Who are the six HBH employees? Introduce us to the team!
Thanks Tieghan for a super fun 9 favorite things today. I especially loved the white elephant gift ideas!
I appreciate all the hard work you put into your content every week along with the beautiful & delicious recipes!
Oh & love the pics of NY!!
Hope you have a wonderful week.
Thanks so much for reading today Diane!! Happy to share the white elephant gift ideas, I thought they were fun! I appreciate you being here and your thoughtful message! Have a great week! xT
I’m assuming she has little to no real interaction with her team.
Nothing at all about the NYT article? I would think that would be the highlight of your career to have a NYT reporter travel to you to do an interview.
I just want to say 2 things…..the creamy pierogi soup was so delicious! And I love your outfit in the cover photo of this post! It looks so comfy, cozy and pretty!
Thanks so much for your kind message Joy! So glad you enjoyed the pierogi soup, it’s such a great fall recipe! Have a good Sunday! xT
I’m so surprised you didn’t mention you were featured in an article by the New York Times, “The Star of Half Baked Harvest Inspires Loyalty — and Controversy,” written by Julia Moskin, Pulitzer Prize winning reporter, on 10/30/23. Considering the reporter flew all the way to Colorado to interview you, this must have been the highlight of your career to be featured in such a prominent publication and that you would be so excited about it!
Everyone should read this article to get to know you and HBH better.
Seriously? Asher gets a hair color change and we don’t get a picture?!?
Lol maybe next week if she wants to share:)
That would be great! Thanks so much!
I’m so surprised you didn’t mention your recent article by the New York Times, “The Star of Half Baked Harvest Inspires Loyalty — and Controversy” by Julia Moskin, Pulitzer Prize winning reporter, on 10/30/23. Considering the reporter flew all the way to Colorado to feature you in an article, this must have been the highlight of your career to be included in such a prominent publication and that you’d be very excited about it!
Everyone should read this insightful piece to get to know you and HBH better!
No mention of The NY Times article?
Just want to jump on and tell you how much I love your site! My daughter (who now lives in another state and is starting her first “adult” job) and I are constantly texting about the next fun recipe we want to try. She ordered and loved your meal box too.
So thank you for all the time, effort and creativity you put into the posts. We are enjoying them so much. (And thanks also to the team behind the scenes! The HBH team is the best!)
Hi Stacy,
Happy Sunday! I appreciate your kind message today:) I am so glad you and your daughter have been enjoying the posts and are able to connect through the recipes! Have a great week! xT
They’re not awesome at catching typos…
Good morning, just finished reading your post….enjoyed watching your Amazon segment. Will be travelling to Chicago for American Thanksgiving to visit our daughter and plan to purchase a bunch of your candles while there. I always enjoy the effort you make to provide your readers with a variety of topics but I must admit that your recipes and fashion posts are my fav.
Hi Marlie,
Thanks so much for reading this morning and checking out the Amazon segment! Safe travels to Chicago, I hope you have the best time and a wonderful Thanksgiving! I know you will just love the candles, they are my fave:) Happy Sunday! xx
Tieghan, you always look amazing because you have such good fashion sense. The gorgeous opening photo for todays post is stunning. Love the flowing skirt and those heels…wow! It looks like great fun to have the photo shoots.
Thanks for another fun Sunday morning read with my cup of tea.
Hi Tracy,
Happy Sunday and thanks for reading! Aww, thanks a bunch, it was such a fun shoot and something I don’t get to do regularly! Hope you are having a great weekend! xx