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As a celebrated lifestyle expert and the author of Cook Beautiful and Live Beautiful, Athena Calderone is a pro at hosting large-scale holiday gatherings. Yet, like so many of us, Athena is planning a quieter holiday season at home this year. “Thanksgiving is going to look more intimate this year,” she says, but notes, “that doesn’t mean it’s any less beautiful or celebratory.”
We recently asked Athena for some of her best tips on creating a prep/cook/serve plan for Thanksgiving 2020 and we are thrilled to share her inspired ideas—starting with her motto: “Simple ideas, thoughtfully executed … that really embodies this holiday season.”
“I am always thinking of how I can create a delicious meal but not go overboard, so that I don’t feel overwhelmed. I have learned over the years that less is more. So really think through your menu ahead of time and make dishes that can be prepared in advance.”
“This year I chose to make a whole roasted chicken in lieu of a turkey because, truthfully, we do not like turkey—and that’s OK.”
“To make this recipe, I am using the large non-stick Crate and Barrel Roaster, which allows me to nestle in all the beautiful autumnal vegetables that are gonna get all caramelized and delicious. In adding my veg to the chicken, I eliminate having to make an additional side dish!”
“I looooove to make a rustic crostata with seasonal fruit—apples seemed fitting for this holiday. I can make the dough up to two days before and keep it refrigerated until I roll it out in the morning and bake it off. It can be served room temperature and displayed on a cake stand, as it doubles as decor.”
“I truly believe in beauty and the power of beauty, even in an intimate environment. We deserve celebration for the sheer pleasure of taking it in … But beautiful does not have to be fussy and fanciful.”
“I love to think about the decor on my table for example as a 360-degree, holistic approach, and I look to my meal for inspiration. So, I'll take elements that I'm actually cooking our dinner with and use those elements to adorn my table.”
“There is no reason to invest in flowers in my opinion—but as I shop for my meal, perhaps I’ll grab some petit pears with leaves still clinging to them, or some persimmon branches and Concord grapes so that everything on the table is actually edible and not wasteful, and instead just make this a celebration of fall and of the season.”
“One of the things I love so much about just our immediate family being at the center of this year’s holiday gathering is that there’s no reason for formality—encourage your family to nosh on their appetizers of cheeses, fruits, breads and charcuterie as they huddle around the kitchen (always the heart of the home).”
“While it’s important to remember that, yes, the holidays and family are synonymous, you can still celebrate with an intimate gathering—now is the time to usher in new traditions.”
“A new tradition for me is that I will place a quote of gratitude on each dinner plate for each family member to read aloud to spark intimate conversation about the things we are most grateful for. We will also create a phone bowl, where everyone will place their phones before we sit for dinner! Mostly for ME to ensure I remain present with my family. These are the moments that memories are born in our hearts, not in our phones!”