It is tricky to be a vegetarian this time of year. A food holiday is upon us that literally has a table centerpiece of a stuffed bird as its mascot. Let’s put some plant-foods on that table! If you are welcoming a vegetarian to your Thanksgiving dinner this year, please don’t cringe at the idea. I am here to help!
Tara’s Tuesday Tips:
Welcoming a Vegetarian to Thanksgiving Dinner
Keep in mind, this is a holiday of giving thanks for friends + family of all kinds. I know you’ve heard the phrase – it’s the thought that counts – being thoughtful is always a good idea – especially on Thanksgiving. Enriching your menu with plant-based options to make your vegetarian or vegan guests feel welcome is in keeping with the spirit of the holiday. So, let’s make your vegetarian loved ones feel welcome + happy to be part of the festivities.
Tips for the Host
Take a deep breath.
The vegetarians did not come to your Thanksgiving to ruin your day.
Don’t be weird.
Introducing me as your vegetarian friend makes both of us look weird. Hello, this is my vegetarian friend Tara. Nope.
You do you.
We the vegetarian people, as I am currently speaking for all of us, we are ok with you eating meat. You need not apologize for eating meat in front of us, just don’t put it on our plates + there will be no need for apologies.
Mind the meat spoon.
Please for the sake of all of us that don’t eat birds, keep the turkey spoon + its juices in its respective bowl, pot, or plate.
It takes a village.
If you know someone is coming to your dinner party that cannot eat the food you are cooking, give them a job. When you are the host, you can’t do everything, nor are you expected to! Tell them to bring something + be specific – “Hello my happy herbivore homegirl, please bring mashed potatoes that comply with your dietary restrictions and bring enough for 8 people. See you on Thursday at 2pm.” See … that was easy!
Feed me donuts + tell me I’m pretty.
Ok, we could do without the last part, but sometimes I get carried away in my writing. You don’t need to tell me I am pretty, but please let there be donuts or cookies or a muffin maybe? Make a vegetarian dessert. The meat eaters won’t miss the meat in their dessert, make meatless desserts + make everyone happy at once. Every dessert on this blog is vegetarian: click here: My Vegetarian Family Dessert Recipes.
Tips for the Guest
Don’t assume anything.
This is a generic life rule, but I will stick to the topic. As a vegetarian, when you are invited somewhere, never assume that the host knows what your expectations are as a plant-based eater. Unless you are coming to my house, then it’s ok to assume that you will be well-fed. Anywhere else, tell them! Text, email, call, whatever, just communicate.
Be reasonable.
There will be meat at the table where your meatless plate will be. Remember the mascot of the day? The stuffed bird on a lovely fall-inspired dining table? There will be meat + the meat spoon + the turkey juice. BUT …as long your plate is safe, eat drink + be reasonable.
Don’t procrastinate.
Talk to the host in advance, don’t wait until the day before, no one likes that last minute stuff, call today.
Bring food!
Non vegetarians LOVE to try our food! Bring lots.
No judgement.
Don’t talk about veganism during dinner, let them eat their bird in peace. As an athlete and a vegetarian, my plate always looks different than the people around me. More food, less food, more plants, less plants. The spirit of this holiday is gratitude + togetherness. Leave the judgement at the door.
A Few Other Thanksgiving Tips to Help:
How to Handle a Vegetarian Coming to Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving Survival Guide For Vegetarians
What To Eat On Thanksgiving If You Don’t Eat Turkey
Tara’s Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes:
Vegetarian Turkey Replacements:
Instant Pot Chickpea Seitan Nuggets
Vegetarian Seitan Turkey Cutlets
Soups:
Dairy-Free One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Easiest Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Instant Pot Sweet Potato Corn Chowder (Vegan!)
Quinoa Vegetable Soup: Instant Pot or Stove-Top
Pastas:
Instant Pot Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Dairy-Free One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Sweet Potato Mac N Cheese (dairy free)
Dairy Free Creamy Pumpkin Pasta
Meatless Baked Pasta Casserole
Everything Else:
Quick and Easy Vegetarian Mushroom Gravy
Easy Vegan Flaky Biscuit Recipe
Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Savory Pumpkin Hummus (Oil-Free!)
Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Vegetables:
Oil-Free Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Sun-Dried Tomato Brussels Sprouts
Salads:
Thanksgiving Salad With Pumpkin Vinaigrette
Asparagus Salad with Lemon Garlic Dressing
Oil-Free Balsamic Asparagus Salad
Desserts:
Pumpkin Oat Bars (Vegan + Gluten Free)
Eggless Almond Butter Blondies
Food For Thought
If all else fails on Thanksgiving this year, remind yourself it is just one meal on just one Thursday + tomorrow is another day with another meal to look forward to. So, as you amend your family’s traditional recipes this year by removing the chicken stock and bacon bits + replacing them with edible plants, remember you are honoring your loved one + what is important to them. Your plant-based guests will surely appreciate your gesture as they look at their plate. This year, thanks to Tara’s tips to the rescue, the vegetarian’s plates won’t be filled with just a slice of bread and a few yams. All of our plates will be filled with love, amended recipes, happy holiday memories, and a variety of meatless options for all.
I hope you find something to be thankful for. Above all, my hope is that you have the opportunity to enjoy good food in the company of good people on Thanksgiving + every day. 🦃 🤎🍽️
All the best,
Tara 🤎🤍🧡
⭐Did you learn everything you need to know about welcoming a vegetarian to Thanksgiving dinner? Leave a comment below!
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