Thanksgiving should be about enjoying good food, good wine, and good company. It shouldn’t be about stressing over the details. With a few make-ahead favourites and thoughtful wine pairings, you can host a cozy, delicious holiday meal that feels elevated but still approachable. This menu is designed to be simple and easy to prepare ahead of time, so you can actually enjoy your own party.

Welcome Drink: Sparkling Apple Cider Spritz

Set the tone with something festive and light. A sparkling apple cider spritz is refreshing, seasonal, and can be made non-alcoholic

**To Make:**

Combine apple cider (2 oz) with Prosecco or dry sparkling wine (4 oz) and a hint of lemon juice. If you want more spritz, top with sparkling water or add more sparkling wine. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a thin apple slice.
**Non-alcoholic version:** Skip the sparkling wine and use club soda, sparkling water or ginger ale for a fizzy alternative.

.Pro tip: Serve in coupe or stemless wine glasses for an effortless but elegant start to the evening.

Appetizer: Toasted Blue Cheese & Honey Bites

Kick off the evening with something small but memorable. I’ve turned my recipe for Blue Cheese Bites up a notch by replacing water crackers with a toasted baguette and regular honey with hot honey. Crispy baguette slices topped with creamy blue cheese, a drizzle of hot honey, and (if you like) a toasted walnut for crunch. It’s the perfect mix of salty, sweet, and savoury in one bite.

Wine pairing: Sparkling wine (think Prosecco or an Ontario traditional method bubbly). The bubbles cut through the richness and set a celebratory tone right from the start.

Light + Fresh: Autumn Salad

Balance the meal with a salad that feels seasonal. Combine spinach, thinly sliced pears, candied pecans, and tangy goat cheese in a salad bowl and toss with a light vinaigrette. It’s simple, but the textures and flavours make it shine.

Wine pairing: Riesling (off-dry). The slight sweetness complements the pears and balances the vinaigrette without overwhelming the greens.

The Main Event: Roast Turkey with Herb Butter

You can’t go wrong with a classic roast turkey. Keep it stress-free with a simple herb butter (thyme, rosemary, sage) tucked under the skin before roasting. Don’t forget the essentials: gravy and a bright cranberry sauce.

I swear by Martha Stewart's recipe for Roast Turkey with Herb Butter

Wine pairing: Pinot Noir. Light and earthy, it enhances the turkey and the tangy cranberry sauce without overpowering the meal.

Once the turkey is in the oven and those herby aromas start filling the kitchen, it’s time to turn your attention to the sides. This is the part of the meal where family traditions (and new ones) come to life. Every household has its must-haves, and in ours, the sides tell the story of two backgrounds coming together in one cozy, delicious spread.

Crowd-Pleasing Sides

In our house, Thanksgiving sides are a mix of tradition and a little twist. My husband is Irish, so he didn’t grow up celebrating Thanksgiving, while I grew up in Canada with a Colombian-influenced table. Together, our celebrations have become a blend of both — familiar comfort foods with a few personal touches.

He’s a purist when it comes to the classics, so we always have creamy mashed potatoes made simply with butter, salt, and pepper, and a traditional herb stuffing that fills the house with that nostalgic Thanksgiving aroma. When my whole family joins us, we add rice on the side — a nod to my Colombian roots and the flavours I grew up with. I know, it’s a carb overload, but we love it!

An example of the typical side offerings at Thanksgiving in my house.

If you’re looking to mix things up this year, here are a few side dishes that never fail to impress:

**Garlic Mashed Potatoes** – Creamy, garlicky, and perfect with gravy. You can do this by simply by mixing in mashed roasted garlic into your creamy mashed potatoes.
**Maple-Glazed Carrots** – A touch of sweetness that feels festive and cozy. I found this easy recipe for you.
**Mushroom + Herb Stuffing** – Savoury, earthy, and impossible not to love. You can try this recipe as a vegetarian side option.

Wine pairing: Chablis from France or lightly oaked Chardonnay. Both wines tie the turkey and sides together, especially the potatoes and stuffing. Remember, a Pinot Noir is always a good option.

Sweet Finish: Pumpkin Pie or Apple Crumble

End with a classic, whether you’re team pumpkin or team apple. Both are easy to prep ahead, leaving you free to enjoy the evening.

A pumpkin and apple pie made by yours truly.

Wine pairing: Late Harvest Riesling or Icewine. These wines are sweet but balanced. They highlight the warm spices and fall fruits beautifully.

Hosting Made Easy

This menu hits all the Thanksgiving must-haves without requiring a marathon in the kitchen. Almost everything can be prepped in advance, and the wine pairings add a polished touch that elevates even the simplest dishes.

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is about more than the food — it’s about slowing down, gathering around the table, and celebrating the people who make life delicious. Whether your traditions are long-standing or brand new, a good bottle of wine and a few make-ahead dishes can turn even the simplest meal into something special.

A No-Fuss Thanksgiving Menu with Perfect Wine Pairings