It’s officially November. Halloween was a success (and I survived!), so it’s on to Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays. This year, we’re heading out east for the long weekend and hosting 16, which means I’m planning (and prepping) early. Here’s everything on my list and in my head:
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation: Wednesday, November 25. Lines can start as early as 12–1 p.m.. For the full “wow” experience and more fully inflated balloons, arrive later in the afternoon, around 4 p.m. Inflation ends at 6 p.m., and all visitors must be through security by then. Enter at 72nd & Columbus and follow the designated viewing path around the Museum of Natural History. Expect heavy crowds and full security screening, so pack light, dress warmly, bring snacks, and avoid strollers. The loop takes about 45 minutes, and the easiest exits are 82nd–86th Streets.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: This year marks the 100th parade, so expect even bigger crowds than usual. The best viewing spots are Central Park West (60th–70th Streets) for wide balloon views, Central Park South for slightly lighter crowds, and 6th Avenue (40s–50s) for roomy streets and great sight lines. Avoid Herald Square and Columbus Circle. Arrive by 6 a.m. (prime areas fill by 7 a.m.) and dress much warmer than you think. Parade starts at 8:30 a.m. Bring snacks, warm drinks, HotHands, some entertainment and a comfy seat. Avoid large bags and strollers. Here’s a detailed map of the route.
For the sporty folk, there are some fun runs up ahead supporting great causes:
Not on Thanksgiving but the weekend before: Race to Deliver: God’s Love We Deliver’s annual 4-mile run and walk in Central Park, plus a kids’ race for ages 2 to 11. Sunday, November 22 at 8 a.m.
The Queens Turkey Trot takes place on Saturday, November 28 at 8:30 a.m. in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. Participants can choose a 5K or Half Marathon, with proceeds supporting the Rolling Thunder special-needs running club.
The Prospect Park Track Club Turkey Trot is a five-mile run through Prospect Park on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 26. Runners go in two waves, at 8:15 a.m. and 9 a.m. Every runner gets the club’s famously cozy turkey trot hat, plus bagels and hot chocolate at the finish. It sells out every year, so sign up now.
If you’re looking to volunteer with your kids, may I suggest these wonderful organizations:
God’s Love We Deliver: prepare and deliver meals to New Yorkers living with serious illness. Kids are welcome, including for the Thanksgiving morning meal delivery. Spots fill fast, so sign up early!
Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen: help pack and hand out hundreds of hot lunches every weekday morning in Chelsea. Kids under 12 must be with an adult.
DOROT Thanksgiving Meal Delivery: deliver a holiday meal to an older adult on the UWS or UES, then stay for a short visit. Families with kids 10 and up are welcome. It’s usually the Sunday before Thanksgiving, so keep an eye out for this year’s sign-up.
Citymeals on Wheels: help deliver holiday meals to homebound New Yorkers. Kids can join with an adult, and little ones can make holiday cards to tuck into the meals.
Encore Meals on Wheels: deliver meals to and visit with homebound seniors in Midtown West. Families with kids of all ages are welcome.
FeedingNYC: help deliver full Thanksgiving dinners to families living in shelters, Monday, November 23, and Tuesday, November 24, in Midtown. Register online.
Don’t forget about Small Business Saturday on November 28! Here’s where I’d shop: KRB, Mary Arnold Toys, E.A.T. Gifts, The Corner Bookstore, Spiral Books, Mecox Gardens and John Derian.
It’s a great weekend to hit the theaters! The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping: the Haymitch prequel, with Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, and Elle Fanning. Focker-In-Law: the Meet the Parents crew is back, with Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro, and Ariana Grande as the fiancée this time. Hexed: Disney Animation’s looks INCREDIBLE.
Big PSA: The Sephora sale is going on now (up to 20% off through November 9)! Here are the things I absolutely love and buy over and over again. It’s a great time to stock up before the holidays, and there are some excellent gift sets, too. My top three products are: the K18 Hair Longevity Serum, my favorite mascara and LOVE this Green Banana Buffing Bar
Don’t forget to leverage an AI tool when doing Thanksgiving prep. This year, I’ve already used it to create an agenda for our Thanksgiving weekend, and next I’ll have it turn all my recipes into one organized grocery list and build a timed schedule for the big day, so I know exactly what to make and when. Game changer!
Camp Snap: My son got one for his birthday, and we’re all obsessed! It’s a screen-free digital camera, so it’s just point and shoot, with no scrolling or endless retakes. It gets about 500 shots per charge and has six built-in filters. It would be so perfect for capturing family Thanksgiving memories, and a great pick for traveling with kids. For budding filmmakers, there’s also the screen-free Digital Video Camcorder. Use code ABOUTANDOUT at checkout for 7% off your order!
We always have a puzzle out over Thanksgiving weekend. It’s such a fun way to get the whole family involved, and inevitably, we all get super invested in it. Here are a few I have my eye on: New Yorker cover or a fun parade one.
Thanksgiving outfits! More to come, but here is what’s on my mind right now:
A gorgeous top and matching pants. And you better believe I’ll be living in my favorite pants (elastic waistband for Thanksgiving weekend is a must!)
….with excellent sweater option: #1 COS, #2 Ralph Lauren and #3 Tuckernuck
I cannot stop thinking about this skirt, which feels perfect for the fall and Thanksgiving weekend
An excellent tote. Very, very high on my wish list.
For girls’ clothing and Thanksgiving outfits: I LOVE this sweet dress from Dôen, or this one for a bit of dazzle. Sézane has great items, too.
Here are some cute Thanksgiving books for my kids that I love. We’ll be reading them over the weekend: Balloons Over Broadway, Bear Says Thanks, The Crayons Give Thanks, and Happy Thanksgiving, Biscuit!
If you’re looking for a hostess gift to bring, here are some ideas: boxed chocolates from Birley bakery, a fancy puzzle for the weekend, incredible smelling hand wash and lotion, charming embroidered hand towels, a stunner of a platter, (or serving bowl), and the best cashmere throw.
JB Prince: The kitchen equipment mecca that professional chefs have relied on for decades just opened in Chelsea Market, with everything you could possibly need. Perfect for Thanksgiving prep!
If you’re hosting, this is your reminder to do an inventory check to ensure you have all the proper kitchen essentials. Here are my musts for cooking Thanksgiving:
Tupperwear! According to me, one can ever have too many, and get it to give away all the left overs!
….nor can you have too many Le Creuset Dutch ovens in various sizes
My favorite clean ceramic coated (nonstick) cookware set, on sale (it’s the best!)
Other necessary items: a cast iron skillet, roasting pan with a rack, favorite sheet pans, and excellent knives!
I just got these stainless steel saucier pans a couple of weeks ago and have been surprised by how often I’m using them.
This tiny pot comes in handy more than you’d think, perfect for melting butter, chocolate and more!
I always forget about a gravy boat! Here’s a good one that’s affordable
I’m sure no one needs recipe recommendations, but here are the ones I’m particularly excited to make this year:
Pumpkin muffins that I’ve recommended a few times, so helpful to have premade for breakfast for the kids over the weekend
A big apple crumb cake. I dislike pie (sue me!), but I like the idea of this.
Mushroom & Leek Bread Pudding: to me, this recipe has it all and is perfection: pancetta, Gruyère and mushrooms. It’s incredibleeee.
A refreshing and incredible salad that I cannot recommend enough
…and my all time favorite salad that is around for every dinner party and will never stop mentioning it on my newsletter. :)
I loved last year’s Thanksgiving guide from Caroline Chambers, which I found very helpful.
Ordering in and not cooking for Thanksgiving? Here’s where I’d turn to: Bubby’s, Frenchette, Butterfield, Yura, or Round Swamp (if you’re Out East, 2025 link)
And the best news ever: Carissa’s The Bakery, (my favorite bakery from out east is coming to the city this Thanksgiving!) Carissa’s is offering complimentary delivery of its Thanksgiving menu to LESET in the West Village, with pickup on Wednesday, November 25, from 1 to 6 p.m. Pre-order online by Sunday, November 22 at 3 p.m.
Don’t forget the non-alcoholic drinks for your guests! I absolutely love Ghia, and I’m planning to pick up some Motherroot. It keeps popping up on my IG, and I’ve heard it’s delicious. For the kids, we always bring out a bottle of Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider. They love it, and it makes them feel so grown up to be sipping “champagne” at the table!
Decorating and tablescaping are some of my favorite parts of hosting. Here’s everything I have my eye on:
This tablecloth!! or this is a perfect floral of my dreams. And this one for the kids table.
Dark brown rattan placements, I’d use over and over again.
I’m tempted to do these paper plates for dessert, just because they’re SO pretty. (and for the kids table)
I love getting calligraphy name cards from Etsy, a great way to elevate the table. I just ordered some, but now admiring these pretty ribbon ones.
For the kids’ table: mask kit (SO cute!), build your own turkey kit, name cards, and love these surprise balls (another option here), headbands (my daughter will love) and an activity tablecover.
Turkey macarons, omg! A must!
That’s all for now! More to come as I discover even more Thanksgiving treasures!