The Professionals Guide to Thanksgiving

If you’re a self proclaimed chef, obsessed with hosting dinner parties, or a budding home bartender: Thanksgiving Dinner is your time to show up and show out for your loved ones. Whether it’s an elaborate dinner spread with the cult classics, a fruity cocktail served from a glass punch bowl, or a tablescape that toggles with Martha Stewart-standards, hosting Thanksgiving requires time and dedication – before and after the big day.

Lucky for us, we’re tight with a few knowledgeable folks who know a thing or two when it comes to hosting, batching cocktails, switching things up with your menu… and what to do with all that leftover turkey. Plus, we also know a few spots to head to if you’re in NYC and hosting just isn’t your thing. 

Below you’ll find a rundown of top tips from our bartenders, chefs and hospitality experts from around the country. Please get in touch at @wearerhc for full recipes and to share any tips of your own. 

Act One: The Night Before

With Thanksgiving comes a slew of guests, some of which may get into town the night before (and will certainly be hungry after traveling). Our chef friends recommend serving something hearty, but easy to whip up, like a lasagna or a classic weeknight dinner to serve the night before the big day. 

“Stores will be wiped out the day or two leading up to any holiday. Keep it simple. There’s nothing wrong with having a normal weeknight family meal that isn’t so holiday centric, and guests might appreciate the reprieve of not having another heavy meal before they are getting ready for the big day.” – Chef Rece Hogerheide, Executive Chef, Detroit Foundation Hotel

“For me, it is always a nice lasagna — my kids love it, and I can make it and freeze it, then bake whenever it’s time. It’s an easy, simple meal to put together. Have a nice salad, dessert and a good bottle of wine — it’s great for having people over.” – Chef Paul Shewchuk, Fairmont Royal York

Act Two: Feast Day

On the day of your party, a signature cocktail is a must – or at the very least, a signature wine that breathes life into the party.

“I would greet my guests with a refreshing cranberry thyme gin and tonic, a delightful twist on a traditional cocktail perfect for Thanksgiving. For the dinner occasion, the Thanksgiving cocktail: a mix of dry gin, vermouth, apricot brandy, and fresh lemon juice that compliments turkey beautifully. Whether for the main meal or simply to celebrate the holiday, consider serving pumpkin spice White Russians (a riff on a macchiato martini) or espresso martinis. These popular choices can serve as a signature drink or a perfect way to wind down the evening.” – Petr Balcarovsky, Lead Bartender, Detroit Foundation Hotel 

“Beaujolais (wine) has been a fall favorite, and it offers so much. I lean towards the prettier perfumy styles, with lots of floral and berry notes. These wines are soft around the edges, and can pair with so many types of cuisine. One of the many reasons that they do so well with thanksgiving fare, but also one of the few in the red wine category that you can pair with fish.” – Liz Martinez, General Manager, KILN at  Hotel Heron

When it comes to the main event, certain dishes deserve a spot on the table every year, and according to the professionals, stuffing is one of them. 

“There are so many different ways it’s made, from stove top out of a box, to southern cornbread stuffing, to whatever weird amalgamation of the somehow dry pressed and cut product that some call stuffing. But when it is made right, it is my favorite. I love making mine with sausage and chestnuts. Sourdough bread is the way to go. Turkey without stuffing just seems to be missing its soul.” – Chef Rece Hogerheide, Executive Chef, Detroit Foundation Hotel

Or perhaps you’re open to bending the rules? Opt for the more non-traditional route, and make room for dishes outside the turkey norm.

“If turkey and ham are the usual suspects, change it up and try a whole roasted cauliflower. Cover it with labneh, lots of herbs, puffed quinoa and chopped hazelnuts. It’s a nice addition to the table.” – Chef Paul Shewchuk, Fairmont Royal York

Act Three: Encore

Leftovers in the spotlight. For chefs, those extra slices of turkey and untouched corners of any side dishes become key players in culinary experimentation post-Thanksgiving.  

“Since turkey is naturally a very dry dish, leftover turkey is best reused in dishes such as a comforting turkey noodle soup, turkey chili, or especially a hearty turkey pot pie.” – Chef Doug Brixton, The Golden Swan, NYC 

“The brunch following Thanksgiving day can stay on theme by cross-utilizing your leftovers for a Turkey Benedict. If you have dinner rolls, you can use that as the base in lieu of traditional English muffins. I like to smear some cranberry sauce on top of the bread, followed by slices of turkey, a perfect poached egg, topped with a lemony hollandaise. Since everyone loves burritos, a Thanksgiving Burrito will surely be a hit the day after Thanksgiving. Gently warm a large size flour tortilla, just enough so it’s pliable. Feel free to add anything you want inside. Personally, I enjoy cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes, chopped turkey, and giblet gravy. Roll it up and place the folded side on a hot pan to seal the burrito. It may sound a bit messy, but it is delicious and will be a hit.” – Chef Jae Lee, The Joule Hotel 

For Those Looking to be Hosted…

Hosting not your thing? We’ve rounded up dining options in New York City offering holiday-inspired prix fixe menus, boozy cocktails, and plenty of room for family, friends, colleagues, and fellow New Yorkers.

Happy Thanksgiving from RHC! 

Le Jardinier by The Bastion Collection | Midtown East

For Thanksgiving this year, Le Jardinier will be offering a 3 course Autumn-inspired menu for $210 per person, where the menu is overseen by Corporate Executive Chef Andrew Ayala. Starters include Maine scallops with butternut squash and royal trumpet mushrooms along with kampachi paired with sweet potato and coconut, green grapes and orange. Mains will be featuring dishes including Ora King Salmon with caraflex cabbage, maitake and potato foam, a hearty risotto served with red kabocha, grilled kale and mimolette. Or for something more traditional, Jaindl Farm turkey served alongside cranberry coulis and sauce supreme. Reservations can be made via Resy.

THE GRILL by Major Food Group | Midtown East

For a very glamorous Thanksgiving, experience a most memorable, expertly-prepared Thanksgiving Feast in the hands of our charismatic Service Captains at The Grill and The Pool, the crown jewel of New York’s iconic Seagram Building. The Grill’s prix-fixe menu features pumpkin soup, roasted turkey with bourbon gravy, prime rib, a variety of American hams, an exquisite wine List, and divine desserts made with extravagant creativity and passion. $195 per person. Reservations can be made via Resy.

The Golden Swan | West Village

Experience a memorable Thanksgiving at The Golden Swan, where culinary artistry meets festive tradition in an exquisite three-course prix fixe menu for $165 per person. Start your celebration with a selection of delightful appetizers, including the rich foie gras mousse paired with fig jam and house-made brioche, or the earthy Mushroom Velouté featuring wild mushrooms and truffle mornay. For the main course, indulge in the Turkey Duo, served with stuffing and cranberry coulis, or opt for the luxurious poached halibut, complemented by osetra caviar and beurre blanc. Meat lovers will relish the braised short ribs, while vegetarians can enjoy the hearty stuffed acorn squash filled with quinoa and farro. Complete your feast with decadent desserts like the warm sticky toffee pudding with crème fraîche ice cream or a slice of spiced pumpkin cheesecake topped with garam masala chantilly. Reservations can be made via Resy. 

The Noortwyck | West Village

With a mix of Thanksgiving classics and The Noortwyck fan favorites, Thanksgiving at The Noortwyck is the elevated Thanksgiving dinner of everyone’s dreams. From roasted turkey breast with all the trimmings to short ribs with black garlic and Jimmy Nardello peppers, there are comforting, of the season dishes for every palate. The Noortwyck is also offering Thanksgiving pies to-go from talented pastry Chef Ileene Cho, for a chance to bring premium, homemade pies to the Thanksgiving table. Pies are available to order via Resy in classic flavors, like apple streusel, pecan bourbon, and pumpkin with mascarpone chantilly. 

Sartiano’s | SoHo

This Thanksgiving, gather at Sartiano’s for holiday classics and seasonal specials – prepared by Chef Chris Lewnes with hints of Italian flair. Menu highlights include roasted turkey and an array of traditional side dishes, like mashed potatoes, butternut squash soup, and cranberries, alongside Sartiano’s staples. Book the Private Dining Room for an intimate dinner party experience, or reserve a table in the main dining room via Resy.

Aitana at Virgin Hotels New York | NoMad

Celebrate Thanksgiving at one of the city’s newest restaurants – Aitana, inside the Virgin Hotels New York in bustling NoMad, where the vibrant flavors of Latin America meet Mediterranean tradition. Indulge in a multi-course prix fixe menu crafted by Executive Chef Freddy Vargas, who draws on his Ecuadorian roots and global culinary expertise to offer creative twists on holiday classics. Savor dishes like achiote-spiced turkey with cornbread & loganiza stuffing, scallop ceviche, and decadent desserts such as spiced apple milhojas and pumpkin spice latte cake. Reservations can be made here.