Thanksgiving in the South is all about tradition, family and a lot of good food. Southerners know how to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes guests feel at home. Here are a few secrets to hosting a memorable Southern Thanksgiving.
Planning ahead: The key to an easy Thanksgiving
One secret Southerners swear by is planning and making lists. Thanksgiving can be a big undertaking, but with some advance preparation, you can enjoy the day instead of being stuck in the kitchen. A well-planned menu lets you get a lot done before the big day, leaving more time to relax with your guests.
Prep your dishes in advance
Many Southern classics taste just as good — or even better — when made beforehand. Cornbread and biscuits for cornbread dressing can be baked a day or two in advance, and sweet potato casserole holds up beautifully when prepped the night before. Pies, like pecan or chess pie, can also be made early without losing flavor. This approach saves time and eases the stress of cooking everything at once.
A make-ahead game plan
Creating a timeline can make all the difference. The turkey might be the star, but sides like casseroles, mashed potatoes and cranberry relish can be assembled early and baked or reheated on Thanksgiving Day. Southerners know a well-thought-out game plan leads to a smoother, more enjoyable hosting experience.
Southern hospitality is in the details
The first step to a gracious Thanksgiving gathering is creating an inviting atmosphere, and Southerners have this down to an art form. It’s all about making guests feel at home the moment they step onto your front porch. That starts with decor, but not the over-the-top, Pinterest-perfect kind.
Simple and natural decor
Forget the expensive centerpieces — Southerners prefer to decorate with what’s around them. Magnolia leaves, pine cones, cotton bolls and fall flowers picked fresh from the yard can transform a table into something special. Add a few candles and family heirlooms, and you’ve set the scene for a cozy, welcoming vibe.
Handwritten place cards at each setting add a personal touch and make your guests feel truly welcomed. Even at a more formal Thanksgiving gathering, these small gestures create a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home.
Music and scents to set the mood
Music sets the vibe, so cue up soft gospel, blues or classic country to keep things laid-back. For an extra touch, simmer a pot of cinnamon, oranges and cloves; your home will smell as welcoming as it looks.
Light appetizers to keep folks happy
While putting the finishing touches on the main meal, you’ll want to keep your guests entertained and, more importantly, fed. But no one wants to spoil their appetite before the turkey hits the table. Serve classic Southern snacks such as deviled eggs, cheese straws and a platter of pimento cheese with crackers. These are light but satisfying enough to keep everyone from getting too hungry.
The feast: Southern classics and new favorites
Let’s face it: The meal is the star of Thanksgiving. In the South, tradition rules the table, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add your own flair. Here’s how Southerners serve up some of their favorite dishes.
Forget stuffing: Make cornbread dressing
Cornbread dressing, rich with flavor from homemade turkey stock, celery, onions and a touch of sage, is a traditional Southern Thanksgiving dish. Drizzled with giblet gravy and topped with cranberry sauce, dressing is as important as the turkey. Families have been known to fight over who gets to make the dressing once Grandma has passed on.
Sweet potato casserole: Marshmallows or streusel?
Nothing divides a Southern Thanksgiving quite like sweet potato casserole. Some swear by the marshmallow topping, while others won’t touch it without a brown sugar and pecan streusel on top. Whichever side you land on, you can’t go wrong with this dish on your table.
A secret family recipe
Almost every Southern family has that one secret recipe passed down from generation to generation. It might be Aunt Jean’s pecan pie, Grandma’s giblet gravy or the hush-hush seasoning blend that gives your turkey its signature flavor. And while most Southerners won’t give up the family recipe, you can certainly add a dish that becomes your own secret tradition to pass down.
Making everyone feel included: From food to fun
Thanksgiving is about bringing people together, which means making sure everyone feels welcome — whether they’re 5 or 75, vegan or carnivore. Southerners take the time to craft a menu that includes something for every palate.
Dietary needs? No problem
A key to Southern hospitality is ensuring everyone’s plate is full, regardless of dietary needs. Have a vegetarian guest? Offer hearty vegetable dishes, like roasted sweet potatoes and collard greens. Hosting someone who’s gluten-free? Cornbread dressing made with gluten-free cornmeal is a great option.
The infamous kids’ table
Grown-ups love to regale the young ones with tales of being stuck at the kids’ table for years. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. A separate table with simple crafts and coloring books keeps children entertained while adults finish final prep work.
And if the weather’s nice, send those kids outside to play football or chase. They’ll work up an appetite and be less prone to pickiness.
Grace and gratitude: Keeping the focus on what matters
In the South, Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food — it’s about gratitude and connection. A gracious Thanksgiving gathering centers on these values, starting with a moment of grace.
A Thanksgiving blessing
Saying grace before the meal is a time-honored tradition and a great way to set the tone for the day. It doesn’t have to be formal or elaborate. A simple prayer of thanks for the joy of being together is enough.
Sharing thanks
Beyond the blessing, many families will take time to go around the table and share what they’re thankful for. It’s a small but powerful gesture that reminds everyone why they’re gathered in the first place. Some families even use a special thankful tablecloth where guests can write down what they’re grateful for each year.
The true spirit of Thanksgiving
At the end of the day, a gracious Thanksgiving isn’t about a perfectly set table or an Instagram-worthy meal. It’s about making your guests feel cared for and welcomed. The best hosts know that the true magic of Thanksgiving happens when everyone feels like they belong, whether through a shared meal, a handwritten place card or simply spending time together.
Lucy Brewer is a professional writer and fourth-generation Southern cook who founded Southern Food and Fun. She’s passionate about preserving classic Southern recipes while creating easy, crowd-pleasing dishes for the modern home cook.