How to Celebrate Thanksgiving Day in the UK in Honour of Your American Friends and Family

Thanksgiving may be an American holiday at heart, but here in the UK many of us have friends, family members, colleagues, or even readers across the Atlantic,  and marking the day can be a lovely way to show appreciation for the people who enrich our lives. 

Whether you’ve lived in the United States yourself, have American relatives, or simply enjoy an excuse for a hearty seasonal feast, Thanksgiving can easily become a cherished celebration on this side of the pond.

If you’re thinking of hosting a UK-based Thanksgiving gathering this year, here are some enjoyable and meaningful ways to join in with the spirit of the day.

Plan a Traditional Meal — with a British Twist?

The centrepiece of Thanksgiving is, of course, the meal. While American classics like roast turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, green bean casserole and cranberry sauce are staples, you can happily blend these with British favourites.

Ideas for your menu:

Roast turkey or chicken with sage and onion stuffing

Cranberry sauce (homemade or shop-bought — nobody will judge!)

A tray of roasted root veg, Yorkshire puds and buttery mash

Sweet potato mash or a sweet potato bake

A pumpkin or apple pie for pudding

If you have American guests, they’ll appreciate a nod to home. If you're celebrating with British friends, they’ll enjoy discovering new festive dishes.

Share What You’re Grateful For

Thanksgiving is ultimately about gratitude, and adding a moment of reflection elevates the meal into something more heartfelt.

You could:

Invite everyone to say one thing they’re thankful for

Make little paper leaves where guests can jot down their thoughts

Create a “gratitude jar” to fill with notes throughout the evening

It’s a simple, touching way to honour the holiday’s true spirit.

Add a Touch of American Flair

Decor doesn’t need to be elaborate. A few well-chosen touches will set the mood:

Mini pumpkins or gourds on the table

Warm autumnal colours: burnt orange, deep reds, golds

A playlist of American classics or country music

Napkins or bunting featuring subtle stars and stripes

A cosy, autumnal ambiance is all you need.

Include American Friends and Family Virtually

If your loved ones are in the States, time zones permitting, a video call during the day or after the meal can bring everyone together.

You might:

Toast each other over Zoom

Swap recipes

Share photos of your respective dinners

Let American relatives judge your pumpkin pie efforts — at their peril!

It’s a lovely way to make the occasion feel connected and communal.

Watch an American Film or TV Special

Thanksgiving episodes are practically an American art form. After dinner, curl up with:

Friends Thanksgiving specials

Modern Family

A feel-good film like Planes, Trains and Automobiles

American football highlights for the truly committed

It rounds off the evening in classic US style.

Support a Good Cause

Many Americans mark Thanksgiving by helping others, whether through charity dinners or food drives. You could follow the same spirit by:

Donating to a UK foodbank

Supporting a warm spaces project

Bringing extra tins for a collection basket

Encouraging guests to chip in

It’s a meaningful, thoughtful nod to the holiday’s values.

A Celebration of Friendship and Connection

Thanksgiving in the UK isn’t about copying the American holiday exactly — it’s about celebrating the people in our lives, acknowledging how fortunate we are, and enjoying a delicious seasonal meal together.

Whether your table is full of British friends recreating American recipes or you’re joined by relatives who’ve flown across the pond, marking Thanksgiving here is a lovely way to honour traditions, share cultures, and create lasting memories.