As you’ve heard from every single person (and corporate email) this year, we are in unprecedented times. COVID-19 makes gathering for the holidays more of a challenge this year, and we know lots of people are opting for smaller gatherings for Thanksgiving. But small doesn’t have to mean boring and sad! We’re here to help with tips for hosting a small gathering this Thanksgiving that still feels special.

Before getting into it, we do want to urge you to please be responsible if you’re gathering with others for Thanksgiving this year. COVID-19 numbers are rampant right now across the country, and holidays are no exception. If you choose to see family, please be responsible and gather outdoors and with masks, if possible, and get tested or quarantine as needed before and after gatherings. It’s up to all of us to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to protect our neighbors. You can find current CDC recommendations for Thanksgiving gatherings here.

That being said, you can absolutely enjoy a small, intimate Thanksgiving gathering with family or with just immediate family or a significant other! There are a few ways to make a smaller celebration feel just as special.

Decorate

Just because it’s a smaller celebration doesn’t mean you can’t make your space feel special! Fresh flowers or greenery, neutral pumpkins, and pretty place settings can make even a simple dinner feel like a special occasion. Light some candles, plan an elegant tablescape, and enjoy the ability to beautify on a smaller scale!

Plan a special menu

A smaller Thanksgiving guest list means you can get extra creative with your menu! Want to skip the turkey? No problem! Want to splurge on a more expensive entree? Now’s the time! If you’re looking for some fun ideas, here are some creative solutions for an outside-the-box or more intimate Thanksgiving:

Simply Whisked: Thanksgiving for Four or Less

Delish: Thanksgiving for Two

The Spruce: 5 Small Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas

Real Simple: How to Host Thanksgiving for Two

Plays Well With Butter: Sidesgiving

Get creative

If getting together with your family isn’t an option this year, make the best of it! Call your extended family members, plan a virtual video-chat game night, an outdoor Thanksgiving dinner (if you’re lucky enough to live in a warmer climate!), or a new tradition altogether – Thanksgiving bonfire, anyone?! Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks for what we have, and coming together with loved ones, and luckily there are lots of ways to do those things without huge group gatherings.

We want to know how you’re planning to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, and your ideas for making it special even when it’s scaled down! We’d love to hear what you’re planning. Let us know in the comments below and over on Instagram too @AlmaHomes!