The Little Extras That Make Thanksgiving Shine 🦃


Hey friends❣️

I'm all about Thanksgiving today, no surprise there. But it's extra personal for me this year because, for the first time in ages, I'm hosting! And after so many years in the guest role, I'm a little rusty.

I like to work from the outside in when I plan holiday menus, so today I'm starting with the little extras that make the day special. But I'll be back tomorrow with more holiday inspiration (and a special gift for you ~ watch your inbox!!)


Thanksgiving Salads That Might Just Outshine the Bird!

One takeaway from my 30 years in Southern California is a deep respect for a great salad. Out there, no holiday menu (or any menu, for that matter) feels complete without a big, gorgeous bowl of greens at the center of the table. A fresh fall salad can brighten the Thanksgiving lineup and keep the meal from feeling too heavy. Here are some of my favorite Thanksgiving salads to add a little California sparkle to your feast this year…

Another thing that makes holiday entertaining feel special is to offer guests an inviting cocktail when they walk in the door. Anything made with fall ingredients and flavors works well. Some years, if I've got a volunteer to man the blender, I'll serve my world famous Thanksgiving dessert cocktail (The Frozen Turkey!)

Recipes for a Signature Thanksgiving Cocktail



what you're loving lately

Pumpkin Cornbread 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is the cornbread recipe I’ve been waiting my whole life for! Thank you so much for cracking the code on making a moist, delicious cornbread! The spice blend is great as-is, and that’s how I made it my first time with great results. Today I made it with sage, thyme and rosemary and omitted the brown sugar. Since the texture is really the key to cornbread, I see myself using this recipe over and over again! Thank you again for the superb recipe!
LIA

Reviews from readers like you are a big part of what makes a recipe website like the View from Great Island the perfect place to find your next delicious bite.

When you make a recipe I encourage you to leave a review (and don't forget those 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟!) Whether you made the recipe as written, or changed it up in creative ways, your feedback and conversations help keep our community going strong. Thank you!


Sue Moran

I love to make delicious food, photograph it, and write about it, but mostly, I just love to EAT. Isn’t that what it’s all about? My recipes are bold and vibrant, but totally approachable ~ and my philosophy? We should all have the tools to feed ourselves well, and the confidence to cut loose a little in the kitchen. Food should be fun!

The View from Great Island, Madison, WI 53719
Unsubscribe · Preferences

The View from Great Island

Subscribe for a daily dose of delicious. Hungry folks of all skill levels will get first look at new recipes plus lots of subscriber-only content. Questions? Just click reply!

Read more from The View from Great Island
cranberry bundt cake

Hey friends❣️ My philosophy in the kitchen is simple: food shouldn’t be overworked, over-decorated, or over-thought. The goal is always the same ~ to eat and enjoy it! I love good-looking food, but the visuals should enhance, not disguise. And if a cake is exhausting to make, it’s probably not worth it. This brand new holiday cake proves my point ~ easy to mix, beautiful out of the oven, and completely irresistible once you cut into it. (And it won't be out of place on your January brunch...

pumpkin orzo

Hey friends❣️ My Monday emails always seem to take a practical turn, almost without me realizing it ~ but it makes sense. I’ve just cleared away the dishes from Sunday dinner, and now I’m staring down a brand new week with zero plan for what to eat. Good thing there’s coffee. ☕️ Cheesy Pumpkin Orzo with Turkey Meatballs Fresh up on the site today is a meal that appeals to all ages. I use canned pumpkin but you could just as easily roast a butternut squash (or any other variety) and use that....

holiday appetizers

Hey friends❣️ Popping in today with some useful holiday entertaining tidbits and, as promised, your free gift! Show Stopping Holiday Appetizers Of course all this great appetizer inspiration isn't just for the holidays, the winter months are long and can be dreary if not for the odd party or two. Here's how to set the festive mood right from the start! How to Set the Table 99% of the time I set a super casual table. I’ve got a stash of plaid napkins, and I just roll up the silverware and tuck...