Gobble Talk: Tabletop Team Reflections on Food, Tradition, and Gratitude
Thanksgiving is upon us, and we’re serving up a heaping helping of fun! The Tabletop team is sharing their Thanksgiving must-haves, dream dinner guests, and soundtrack for Turkey Day! From can’t-miss dishes to wild guest list ideas, their answers are packed with flavor and a dash of holiday flair.
Kristen - Founder & CEO
Do you cook for Thanksgiving?
Yes! For the past few years, I've been attending Zayne's giant family Thanksgiving celebration. Last year, I think we had more than 150 people there! It's potluck-style and so much fun. I always make banana pudding, oftentimes 2 or 3 batches! If I don't bring it, the family would be so dissapointed. One year, Zayne's cousin had 3 helpings🤣. I usually bring two to three other sides as well like my Grandma's recipe for mac n cheese, broccoli casserole or green bean casserole.
The One Thing You Can't Miss on Thanksgiving Day
Running the Coffee Pot Turkey Trot in St. Pete, Florida! It's a blast and I've made this a tradition now. This year, I'm planning to dress up. One of the most hilarious group costumes I saw was from last year's race - a family dressed up as a fork, spoon and knife - all made out of aluminum foil. I love watching the spectators with their funny signs too like, "Huffin' for the Stuffin'!"
What a different or unusual Thanksgiving tradition in your family?
One thing that's a little different is that every Thanksgiving night we have a bonfire at Zayne's Aunt Dawna's House and we use palm frawns to roast marshmallows. Coming from North Carolina, I had no idea this was such a thing! We also always have homemade Rice Krispie Treats at the bonfire made by Zayne's cousin Tanya.
If You Could Invite Anyone to Thanksgiving Dinner, Who Would It Be and Why?
If I could invite anyone to Thanksgiving Dinner now, it would be my Grandpa. He passed away in 2020 and I always wanted him to experience Zayne's family's potluck. He would have loved to chat with all of the great people there.
If Thanksgiving Had a Theme Song, What Would Yours Be?
Traveller by Chris Stapleton.
What Are You Grateful for This Year?
I'm so grateful for my husband, Zayne. This year has brought some struggles on the personal front and he's definitely been my rock this year. He keeps our family chugging along and has taken on so many projects, I don't know how he does it all.
Allie - PR & Social Media Manager
Do you cook for Thanksgiving?
Yes! My husband and I started hosting Thanksgiving for our families ever since we were married.
The One Thing You Can't Miss on Thanksgiving Day
Green Bean Casserole
What a different or unusual Thanksgiving tradition in your family?
Inspired by some friends, we recently started what we call T.Hanks-giving, where we pick a variety of Tom Hanks movies to watch every year!
If You Could Invite Anyone to Thanksgiving Dinner, Who Would It Be and Why?
Phil Collins. I'm secretly obsessed with him, and would love him to serenade me while I eat my turkey dinner. 🤪
If Thanksgiving Had a Theme Song, What Would Yours Be?
Mash Potato by Graham Coxon
What Are You Grateful for This Year?
Enjoying my first Thanksgiving as a mom and my baby girl getting to try all the delicious foods! I already have two adorable outfits picked out for her. 🙂
Anna - Social Media Manager
Do you cook for Thanksgiving?
I've been promoted from "napkin folder" to the kitchen crew in recent years and normally get assigned mac & cheese and mashed potato duty. I also always have a tray of homemade cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven & ready for breakfast!
The One Thing You Can't Miss on Thanksgiving Day
My mom’s stuffing and a slice of Kentucky Derby Pie!
What a different or unusual Thanksgiving tradition in your family?
Out of necessity during COVID, my sisters and I taught ourselves to cut each other's hair and there's been no looking back ever since! Thanksgiving morning isn’t complete without a makeshift salon set up in the living room with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on in the background.
If You Could Invite Anyone to Thanksgiving Dinner, Who Would It Be and Why?
Paul Mescal, if you’re reading this, I’m saving you a seat. 🫶
If Thanksgiving Had a Theme Song, What Would Yours Be?
"Let It Snow" by Dean Martin. We spend the holiday in Cleveland, OH, and I've been known to insistently check the weather for weeks in hopes of a snowy Thanksgiving!
What Are You Grateful for This Year?
This year, I’m especially grateful for my friends! Almost all of my closest friends from childhood and college have moved within 10 minutes of me in Raleigh, and I feel so lucky to be creating new memories with them, celebrating milestones, and making our own new traditions.
Danielle - Content Creator
Do you cook for Thanksgiving?
I don’t cook on Thanksgiving—my parents handle that. I’m strictly on dessert duty because, let’s face it, being a former head baker practically makes it mandatory. 🤣
The One Thing You Can't Miss on Thanksgiving Day
Pouring my mom's homemade gravy over everything—mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing... you name it!
What's a different or unusual Thanksgiving tradition in your family?
A unique Thanksgiving tradition in our family is putting up the Christmas tree and decorating it with Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. My parents began collecting these ornaments in the 1980s and have continued to add to the collection each year, focusing on certain series we all cherish.
If You Could Invite Anyone to Thanksgiving Dinner, Who Would It Be and Why?
Yes, chef! If you know, you know... there's just something about Jeremy Allen White as Carmen from The Bear. Thanksgiving would instantly become a five-star dining experience with him in the kitchen—organized chaos, perfect plating, and all. And let's be honest, watching him manage the meal with that intensity and charm? Yeah, I wouldn't mind that one bit.
What Are You Grateful for This Year?
I'm thankful for so much this year: my health, the opportunity to work a job I love, my family and friends who are my rock, and having another year with my senior pug, Pumba. Every moment with him feels like a gift!
Quinn - Vice President
Do you cook for Thanksgiving?
Partially! My mother-in-law cooks a massive feast, but I am always requested to bring mac and cheese and a dessert.
The One Thing You Can't Miss on Thanksgiving Day
All the sides - corn casserole, Grandaddy's Collards, my Mama's dressing, my mother-in-law's chicken and pastry... to name just a few!
What's a different or unusual Thanksgiving tradition in your family?
We always watch the Thanksgiving dog show while we eat our lunch!
If You Could Invite Anyone to Thanksgiving Dinner, Who Would It Be and Why?
Probably my husband's grandparents who I was never able to meet. They passed before we started dating and I've always wished I could have gotten to know them. Since we spend the day with his family, I think it would be so sweet to have them be there and for them to meet their great grandson.
If Thanksgiving Had a Theme Song, What Would Yours Be?
The Thanksgiving Song by Ben Rector, 10000%. We always listen to it as we travel back to our hometown on Thanksgiving!
What Are You Grateful for This Year?
It's been a wild year especially for North Carolina, so I am thankful for my health, my family's health and a roof over our heads.
Lewis - Creative Director
Do you cook for Thanksgiving?
Sure don't, but my husband does! My mother-in-law (some of her dishes above) and sister-in-law are amazing cooks too. So is my mom, but the thing she and I have more fun with is setting a really pretty table.
The One Thing You Can't Miss on Thanksgiving Day
I'm more a fan of the "supporting acts" than the turkey... cranberry sauce (my MIL's) and mashed potatoes (my mom's) to name a few.
What's a different or unusual Thanksgiving tradition in your family?
We alternate spending the holiday with my family here in NC and my husband's family in PA so every year looks a little different. Adam's mom never fails to pick up turkey-shaped butter for the table and I like being the first to grab some for my roll by lopping off the head. 🦃
If You Could Invite Anyone to Thanksgiving Dinner, Who Would It Be and Why?
My Nanny. NC Thanksgivings haven't been the same without her. She didn't cook much either, for the record! 😉 I miss eating off her pink Johnson Brother's china and hearing her declare, at the end of the meal, "Now that was a good bird."
If Thanksgiving Had a Theme Song, What Would Yours Be?
Alice's Restaurant by Arlo Guthrie
What Are You Grateful for This Year?
The amazing people (and pets) in my life. ♥️
Joe - Business Developer
Do you cook for Thanksgiving?
Yes, our family cooks the whole spread!
The One Thing You Can't Miss on Thanksgiving Day
Dressing - with sausage, apples, nuts and yummy stock
What a different or unusual Thanksgiving tradition in your family?
No TV!
If You Could Invite Anyone to Thanksgiving Dinner, Who Would It Be and Why?
Anthony Bourdain. He was an amazing chef and told fantastic stories.
If Thanksgiving Had a Theme Song, What Would Yours Be?
Custard Pie, Led Zeppelin
What Are You Grateful for This Year?
In light of all the storm damage lately, I'm very grateful for all the simple things that I too often take for granted: clean water, electricity and a warm, dry place to live.
Julia - Social Media Manager
Do you cook for Thanksgiving?
Yes! I actually do most of the cooking—from starters to dessert. It can be a bit overwhelming, but I honestly love it!
The One Thing You Can't Miss on Thanksgiving Day
I genuinely love it all, but if I had to choose one savory and one sweet, my picks would be Cornbread Pudding and Apple Pie à la Mode.
What a different or unusual Thanksgiving tradition in your family?
We always make sure to have Gherkins Pickles and Green Olives on the table! It’s a tradition from my mom’s family, something she grew up with, and now it’s a tradition we’ve happily carried on.
If You Could Invite Anyone to Thanksgiving Dinner, Who Would It Be and Why?
I’d just want to have everyone together again. Growing up, we always celebrated with my grandma, and those memories hold a special place in my heart. I’d also love to have my grandpa at the table, who I never got the chance to know, and to have my mom back with us too.
If Thanksgiving Had a Theme Song, What Would Yours Be?
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong - just a day full of gratitude and reflection!
What Are You Grateful for This Year?
I’m just grateful for the chance to do what I love, and for the love and support of my family and friends (furry ones included)!