This post is the first in a series of Thanksgiving Foodie Fridays. In my childhood household, the appetizers were THE thing at every holiday home gathering. I can still taste those mushroom canapes with the cream cheese topping. Then there was that shrimp mold. It mesmerized me how Mom could get it to look like a real fish, scales and all. Thanksgiving is a day of good friends, food and family. Might as well indulge! Let's make some memories of our own, and welcome our guests in with some stylish starters and a chic cocktail or two.
HERE: 17 Savory Starters & Seasonal Cocktails
I just may have shared this recipe last year, but I do think it bears repeating. Tieghan says that people go crazy for this. I can see why.
Half Baked Harvest
Apple cider, orange juice, hints of lemon, spiced pumpkin butter, vodka, and brandy all mixed together to create an autumn punch. Cheers to that. And that pretty little glass pumpkin is one stylish server! Buy it at Williams Sonoma. Recipe is from
Half Baked Harvest
Candied Nuts
This recipe makes a seasonal appetizer featuring a great combination of textures
and flavors.
and flavors.
Maple Cream Sweet Potato Soup With Cheddar Cinnamon Sugar Twist
Two years ago, I made this fabulous soup as an appetizer. It was a fun offering in small shooter type glasses. I casually walked around and passed the glasses out. It's made with bourbon, so it is quite sophisticated and just delicious. Equally good served as a seated first course.
Thanksgiving Vanilla Bean Caramel Apple Cider Sparkling Cocktail
Now this is a chic cocktail! And isn't that serving tray elegant? With all of the fall flavors and a dash of sparkles this is one #toastworthy drink.
Hemstitch Cocktail Napkins
A cloth cocktail napkin elevates the experience. they are ever so much more elegant than a soggy paper one. This set of 12 is now on sale for $15 and change. You just can't beat that price. Stock up for hostess and holiday
gifting, too.
gifting, too.
Autumn Spice Chex Mix
My own Mom had a version of Chex mix that was staple at every holiday. Heather calls this dish "snack crack." Sounds addicting. Here's a hint - it is all covered in white chocolate.
Carrot Tart With Ricotta And Almond Filling
This recipe gets the award for most attractive. The geometric pattern of the carrots makes this tart is a real
showstopper.
Creamy Pumpkin Soup Shooters
The creaminess comes from sour cream and canned pumpkin. Very attractive in small brandy glasses or in traditional bowls at the table.
Autumn Moscow Mule & Mug
Honeycrisp Apple Moscow. It's made with homemade apple butter, apple cider, and some good vodka. Then each mule is topped off with ginger beer. It’s classic, but with an autumn twist. Serve these Moscow Mules in a festive mule mug for a show stopping drink. Get the Mule recipe HERE and the marvelous Mug at Anthropologie
Figs With Bacon & Chili
This one bite appetizer is salty, sweet, and sticky. It's sophisticated and seasonal.
Bon Appetit
Blue Cheese & Walnut Dip With Waldorf Crudites
Old school. I remember always having a Waldorf salad for special occasions. This easy appetizer will be like that but deconstructed. Love the idea of this.
Food and Wine
Butternut Hummus with Feta & Pomegranates
I have never made hummus. Have you? But this looks luscious, and it is made with butternut squash. It's pretty, right?
Love & Lemons
Cranberry Sage Sparkler
If there is one thing that says celebrate, it is something sparkling. This signature cocktail will earn you mixology points. It features cranberries, lemon, cinnamon, cloves, sage, honey, and sparkling wine.
Better Homes and Gardens
Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls
Normally I might turn my nose up at a basic cheese ball..... especially those premade in the markets. These, however, are super festive and filled with yummy ingredients like maple syrup, cinnamon, cream cheese, cranberries and more. And if there ever was a day when you need an easy appetizer, this is it.
Eat Well 101
Thanksgiving Cheese & Crostini Board
This is exactly what I think I am doing for the Holiday. Let's talk about how gorgeous it is! Use all of the recipes or just a few, depending on the number of guests. Click through to see suggested cheeses, fruit nuts, and charcuterie. The maple cream and apple baked brie sounds like heaven.
How Sweet Eats
Citrusy Mulled Wine
Give your guests a warm welcome. You just can't go wrong with warmed red wine, brandy, and honey. Not to mention your home will smell delicious while concocting these.
Country Living
Figs With Bacon & Chili
This one bite appetizer is salty, sweet, and sticky. It's sophisticated and seasonal.
Bon Appetit
Blue Cheese & Walnut Dip With Waldorf Crudites
Old school. I remember always having a Waldorf salad for special occasions. This easy appetizer will be like that but deconstructed. Love the idea of this.
Food and Wine
Butternut Hummus with Feta & Pomegranates
I have never made hummus. Have you? But this looks luscious, and it is made with butternut squash. It's pretty, right?
Love & Lemons
Cranberry Sage Sparkler
If there is one thing that says celebrate, it is something sparkling. This signature cocktail will earn you mixology points. It features cranberries, lemon, cinnamon, cloves, sage, honey, and sparkling wine.
Better Homes and Gardens
Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls
Normally I might turn my nose up at a basic cheese ball..... especially those premade in the markets. These, however, are super festive and filled with yummy ingredients like maple syrup, cinnamon, cream cheese, cranberries and more. And if there ever was a day when you need an easy appetizer, this is it.
Eat Well 101
This is exactly what I think I am doing for the Holiday. Let's talk about how gorgeous it is! Use all of the recipes or just a few, depending on the number of guests. Click through to see suggested cheeses, fruit nuts, and charcuterie. The maple cream and apple baked brie sounds like heaven.
How Sweet Eats
Citrusy Mulled Wine
Give your guests a warm welcome. You just can't go wrong with warmed red wine, brandy, and honey. Not to mention your home will smell delicious while concocting these.
Country Living
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