I feel like it’s a widely held belief that apartment dwellers cannot host Thanksgiving. I’m going to be very blunt and tell all of you that if you believe that… Well, you’re wrong.
When people think of Thanksgiving, they probably envision a big Rockwellian scene — complete with a big dining table in a big dining room, and a formal dinner to go along with it. There’s very likely a cornucopia involved. (I have yet to make it through a holiday season without 40 requests for a cornucopia centerpiece.)
But not everyone has a dining room. Are the dining table challenged meant to forgo their right to host major holidays? I say, “NO!” You have as much right to host as anyone else, and I will tell you how with just one word:
APPETIZERS.
Who says you have to present a gigantic bird on a silver platter to make an event worth attending? I certainly never said that, and I think we can all agree that I am the foremost authority on everything. (Kidding not kidding.) Appetizers and cocktail hours are almost always the best part of any event — be it a wedding or simple gathering at home — so why not have an entire night of that?
No, I am not a diagnosed crazy person. Why do you ask?
With a little creativity and an open mind (and perhaps a cupcake tin or two), you can craft bite-sized versions of all your traditional Thanksgiving favorites. You can even serve your favorite autumn soup in mugs or teacups! Going at it from this angle not only allows you to host an intimate gathering fit for fun and mingling, but it is also perfect for planning ahead! Most appetizers and bite-sized portions can be made ahead of time and frozen. Now instead of slaving away in the kitchen while your company laughs and chats, the host or hostess of the party can throw things in the oven quickly and enjoy all the merriment along with guests. GENIUS.
As I do with most things, I turned to Pinterest for some Thanksgiving bite-sized recipe ideas to share with you. And as usual, Pinterest totally came through. Ahem…
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Prosciutto Bites
Doesn’t that food look DELICIOUS?! Yes, it most certainly does. So go, small space grasshoppers! Be brave! Host Thanksgiving this year! And then please tell us all about how fabulous it was. The people need to know.
Thank you so very much for sharing me with all your friends!
Apartment Envy 
Amen! I do not happen to live in an apartment, but do think smaller quarters are deliciously cozy, (and interesting, and creative, and unique, and..). Absolutely love your twist on the traditional giant-plate Thanksgiving meal. I’d choose the bite size versions over the mound on the plate any day! Great idea. Happy Thanksgiving!!
I agree! Thanks so much!
I love love love photos of dinner parties in unexpected places, like a long table in an entry hall. The company I work for sometimes sets up long tables in the warehouse for group meals, and I feel oh so industrially chic.
Love your appetizer idea (some of my favorite Thanksgivings have been the ones that aren’t centered around a table, but where everyone grabs a plate and sits wherever, party style).
I love that setup idea! And I’m so happy you agree with my small bites mentality :) Happy Thanksgiving!!
I am breaking out the autumnal coffee cups and saucers to serve my soup (Whole Foods Triple Squash - YUM! ) in…thanks for the inspiration!!
YAY!!! That’s awesome!! I’m sure your guests will love it :)
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment on the blog!