When you're short on time, look to these 23 last minute Thanksgiving ideas for quick & fun activities, delicious food & pretty things for the table.
If you find yourself facing the coming Thanksgiving holiday with a bit of angst over what the heck to do, I know how you feel.
I used to feel like this a lot, even though I don't usually host a dinner. I help my mom set the table and cook the turkey, as well as provide side dishes, and I often ran around the day-of trying to collect leaves or something to make the tables look festive.
That's one of the reasons I created the Holiday Planner complete with a week-of-Thanksgiving checklist, to help remember what can be done in advance and the steps to take on the day itself.
But still, there are always some things that get forgotten.
Or things you'd like to add (like activities for kids) but don't have a lot of time. This is just life, right?
So I complied a list of ideas for fun activities that you can simply print out, as well as foods that are perfect for the holiday but take just minutes, and super easy ways to help your table and home look festive (more free downloads here, too!).
The best part is that no one will guess these last minute Thanksgiving ideas weren't planned way in advance. It'll just be our secret.
23 Easy Last Minute Thanksgiving Ideas
7 Fun Things to Do:
Thanksgiving Mad Libs Printable @ Happiness is Homemade
I Spy Thanksgiving Printable @ Live Laugh Rowe
Thanksgiving Conversation Starters Printable @ Oh My Creative
Printable Fall Coloring Page Bookmarks @ By Dawn Nicole
Thanksgiving Playlist @ Julie Blanner
Thanksgiving Coloring Placemats Printable @ Ella Claire Inspired
Thanksgiving Photo Booth Printables @ Capturing Joy
8 Yummy Things to Eat:
Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Sangria @ Inspired By Charm
Thanksgiving Turkey Cheese Ball @ Make Life Lovely
Cheese & Olive Turkey Appetizers @ Shaken Together
Sweet-Salty Roasted Sweet Potatoes @ Julie Blanner
White Wine Roasted Turkey with Amazing Gravy @ AnOregonCottage (just in case you need a good turkey recipe!)
Sweet & Savory Sausage Cranberry Stuffing/Dressing @ AnOregonCottage
Glazed Apple Fritter Cookie Bites @ Simplify Live Love
Chocolate Covered Pumpkin Pie Bites @ Tastes of Lizzy T
6 Pretty Things to Look At:
Printable Thanksgiving Napkin Holders @ Bitz N Giggles
Buffalo Check Thankful Printable @ Tatertots & Jello
Watercolor Pumpkins Art Printable @ The Weathered Fox
Rustic & Gold Thanksgiving Table with Free Printable Decorations @ AnOregonCottage
Pumpkin Flower Arrangements @ Garden Therapy
Dry Erase Board Menu Printables @ Fox Hollow Cottage
I hope this helps you to have a sweet but low-stress holiday!
Corrie says
Oh, my gosh! This roundup rocks! I'm going to print some of the printables for my planner, make the conversation cards and the sangria, and a whole bunch of other things! Thanks so much for sharing.
Jami says
I love it - so glad this was helpful for you Corrie!
Carole says
This is awesome, great organization for the perfect Thanksgiving. We're going to a friends this year so I'm off the hook and just have to come up with a sweet hostess gift. Those Pumpkin bites might be the perfect idea.
Jami says
Agreed, Carole - those would be a nice hostess gift!