Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner: A New Tradition for Family Togetherness
This year, we’re starting a new tradition with a Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner. On October 19, family and friends from across the country will gather at our home in St. Petersburg for a celebration of gratitude. I couldn’t be more excited! The idea came about after realizing how hard it has become to bring everyone together on Thanksgiving Day itself. With people visiting in-laws or living in different parts of the country, we wanted to ensure our family still had a chance to celebrate together. So, we decided to host a Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner as a way to keep the family connected and celebrate our blessings. And, of course, we’re going all out to make this day special.
Why a Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner?
We sent out invitations for our Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner back in July to give everyone enough time to plan. It’s amazing how busy Thanksgiving gets for families—many of whom split the holiday between in-laws and other commitments. I’ve seen it happen so often, where the Thanksgiving table feels emptier each year. That’s why we started this tradition. As Aaron Hunt, our Broker at Avalon Group Realty, wisely said, “Family is at the heart of everything we do. It’s about creating moments and memories that last a lifetime.” That’s exactly what we hope to achieve with this new tradition.
Instead of the classic turkey, we decided to serve Beef Wellington this year. Yes, we’re going a bit fancy for our first Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner, but don’t worry—we’re still keeping traditional elements like cranberry dip, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. It’s a unique twist that will still feel familiar, and I’m sure it will bring smiles to everyone’s faces. (update:) Our Aunt Sherry from California made bacon wrapped green beans with brown sugar sprinkled on top. Additionally she made her mother’s, Patricia Plummer Hunt, famous Strawberry Jello Graham Salad. Our sweet Sammie who was Tinkerbell at Disneyland in Anaheim, California brought a delicious Cranberry jalapeño dip and also made the most amazing dressing. Her son Jackson, made sure we were entertained and had already started his list for Santa that he was eager to share. Furthermore, I personally made the Beef Wellington, my Grandma Fowler’s Macaroni and Cheese, and a southern style chocolate pie.
The Beef Wellington came out of the oven golden brown!
Setting the Scene: Hallmark-Style Thanksgiving
Aunt Pam took things up a notch by buying all new Thanksgiving dinnerware. The plates are truly something special—each one featuring either a pheasant or a turkey scene, made by a company in England. It adds that extra touch of elegance and charm to the table, helping us achieve the “Hallmark movie” look we’re going for. The entire house will be decked out with Thanksgiving garlands, wreaths, and table decorations. We even purchased a piece for a Thanksgiving village! You know those Christmas villages with the little houses and people? Well, this one is themed for Thanksgiving. It’s a lovely piece with a house decorated for fall. We hope they’ll keep making more of these so we can grow our village each year.
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Thanksgiving Décor Inspiration
Creating that Hallmark movie ambiance takes some effort, but it’s worth it. Our front porch will be the perfect backdrop for our group picture. The Thanksgiving wreath will be hung, and our three West Highland Terriers—Bella, Flynn, and Wyatt—will be part of the photo, too. I’ve been searching for pilgrim costumes for the dogs, but I might have to get them custom-made for next year. As you can see, we’re fully committed to making this Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner a memorable event for everyone.
Thoughtful Gifts for Our Guests
To make this Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner even more special, we decided to get a gift for each family that attends. We found these absolutely stunning Christmas town puzzles to give away. They’re some of the most beautiful puzzles I’ve ever seen, and I think they’ll make a perfect early Christmas gift. It’s a little something to say thank you and to spread a bit of holiday cheer.
And since many of our family members are huge Disney fans, some of us will be heading to Disney World the day after the Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner. The Magic Kingdom will be all decked out for fall, and it’s the perfect way to keep the holiday spirit alive. Others plan to get a head start on Christmas shopping, which is also a smart move because the shops are already filled with festive décor.
Here is the beautiful puzzle we found for Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner Gifts.
Musical Traditions: Thanksgiving Piano Hymns
One tradition we absolutely love is playing Thanksgiving piano hymns during dinner. There’s something so heartwarming about hearing these beautiful melodies as we gather to give thanks. It’s one of those small details that makes the evening feel even more special. Aaron Hunt puts it perfectly when he says, “Traditions, whether new or old, have a way of grounding us and reminding us of what’s important. That’s what makes gatherings like these so meaningful.”
Here is the Youtube Music Video we will play during dinner:
Family Togetherness and a New Tradition
Hosting a Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner has given us a chance to reflect on what really matters—family, togetherness, and gratitude. Even though we’re serving Beef Wellington instead of turkey, the heart of the evening remains the same. We want to give thanks to God for all that we have and create memories that will last long after the meal is over. And as Yvette Kim, a realtor with Avalon Group Realty, says, “It’s the love and joy shared that make these gatherings unforgettable.”
The Joy of Gathering Before the Holiday Rush
By hosting our Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner in October, we’re able to beat the holiday rush. No one has to worry about travel chaos or conflicting schedules, and that means we can focus entirely on each other. It’s also a great way to set the tone for the upcoming holiday season. Pam Amante, one of our talented realtors, shared, “There’s a certain calm that comes with gathering early. It allows you to really enjoy the moment without the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving Day itself.”
A Head Start on Christmas Cheer
For those who are big fans of Christmas, the Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner also offers an early start to the holiday season. From the puzzles we’re giving as gifts to the Disney World trip some of us are taking the next day, the festive spirit is alive and well. Plus, for those who are planning to shop, they’ll get to dive into the Christmas sales before the crowds really hit.
Here is the Thanksgiving Village house. We hope they make more in the future!
Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner: A Tradition Worth Keeping
As we prepare for our Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner, I can’t help but feel excited about what the future holds for this new tradition. Will we be wearing pilgrim costumes next year? Will our Thanksgiving village expand into something truly magical? Who knows! But what I do know is that this gathering will be full of laughter, love, and gratitude, which is exactly what Thanksgiving is all about.
I invite you to think about creating your own version of a Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner. Whether it’s due to scheduling conflicts or just wanting to try something new, there’s something incredibly heartwarming about gathering before the big day. As Aaron Hunt mentioned earlier, “It’s about those special moments with family.” And that’s something we all need a little more of.
If you’re looking to make St. Petersburg, FL your home, whether it’s for creating new traditions or enjoying a vibrant lifestyle, we at Avalon Group Realty are here to help. Feel free to reach out anytime—we’re always happy to assist with your real estate needs!
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