Thanksgiving Dinner Must-Haves: Everything You Need for Thanksgiving Dinner

Think back to your favorite Thanksgiving memories. For me, I think of waking up and smelling food cooking and of the excited anticipation of the day ahead, knowing that I would be seeing family and eating a delicious Thanksgiving dinner.

I think of relaxing with my family, laughing, talking, creating more memories to look back on. Mostly though, I think of the years we had a perfect Thanksgiving dinner. Aside from spending time with family and being thankful, the food is literally the most important part of the celebration!

If you’re anything like me, you always feel like you are missing a crucial part of Thanksgiving dinner. You’re worried you will ruin Thanksgiving in some way by forgetting something or not being prepared. No worries, however, as I have come up with a list of Thanksgiving dinner must-haves.

Everything You Need for Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving appetizers:

• Vegetables
• Party poppers
• Cheese and crackers
• Spinach dip bites

Main course:

Turkey, obviously. This goes without saying, right? My family also does ham, however.

I found this roaster oven that has a self-basting lid, by the way. Click the link to check it out.

Thanksgiving side dishes:

For a perfect Thanksgiving dinner, you should choose at least 3 side dishes, plus a salad of some sort, and of course, rolls with butter. Some of my favorite Thanksgiving side dishes include:

• Corn
• Green bean casserole
• Mashed potatoes
• Stuffing
• Sweet potatoes
• Cranberry sauce
• Carrots
• Brussel sprouts
• Scalloped potatoes

Oh, and you can’t forget the gravy!

With all of these Thanksgiving side dishes, you can browse around for different recipes so that you can make them to your own liking.

Thanksgiving dessert

• Pumpkin pie
• Apple Crisp
• Apple pie
• Rhubarb pie
• Whipped cream
• Pumpkin cheesecake

Drinks to have on Thanksgiving:

This is up to the personal preference of each family. Think about the people you will be hosting in your home, or about the family that is hosting you in theirs. What do they like to drink when they are celebrating a holiday? What pairs well with the foods and desserts being served? Some options include:

• Wine
• Beer (is this normal or just my family?! LOL)
• Cider
• Hot cocoa
• Water
• Coffee
• Apple cider sangria (please, please, please Brandy?!?! P.S. – Brandy is my sister, and she makes a killer apple cider sangria.)

This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.

Other Things to Consider When Making Thanksgiving Dinner

Does anyone have allergies? Are there other dietary needs such as a vegan option? The most important part of planning food for Thanksgiving or taking a passing dish is to consider the other people who will be attending.

Final Thoughts on Thanksgiving Dinner Must-Haves

Thanksgiving time is my favorite time of year. It’s a time for feeling and showing thankfulness, a time for spending with friends and family, and a time for reflecting on the year that has gone by since the last Thanksgiving gathering. Thanksgiving should be close to perfect, so including as many Thanksgiving dinner must-haves as you can is the way to go.

What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner? Leave a comment below and let us know!