‘The Pioneer Woman’: Some of Ree Drummond’s Favorite Thanksgiving Traditions Have Nothing To Do With Food
Most people celebrate Thanksgiving as a time to overindulge on turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. And it’s true that food traditions take center stage on the last Thursday in November. However, many families enjoy other activities during Thanksgiving, too.
The Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond is well-known for her incredible comfort food recipes. Like so many other celebrity chefs, she goes all out on Thanksgiving and sets her table full of steaming hot dishes. But she and her family also participate in some non-food related activities on the holiday.
Ree Drummond honors her family Thanksgiving traditions
The Pioneer Woman likes experimenting in the kitchen — after all, she’s made a living crafting new yet classic recipes at her working ranch in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. But Drummond is fully aware that her family isn’t interested in the fruits of her experimentation on Thanksgiving Day.
In a recent post on her website, the cookbook author shared that in 2020, those time-honored recipes feel especially important. “We’ll celebrate in a more quiet way, with just our immediate family and Ladd’s dad, Chuck, and we’ll reflect on everything we’re grateful for,” Drummond wrote.
On the Drummond Thanksgiving menu, you’ll find expected family favorites like roasted turkey, cornbread dressing (stuffing), homemade cranberry sauce, and brussels sprouts. But after the meal is done, there are some important things the family will do together, too.
‘The Pioneer Woman’ makes memories with her family at home
In the past, Drummond has discussed crafting with the family before the holiday and then displaying those projects at dinner, Taste of Home reported. Past projects include a memory banner filled with photos from years past and a “Thanks Book” as a gift for one of the dinner guests. She’s also known for her adorable turkey crafts.
And while so many people tune in to the A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving or watch the spectacle of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Drummonds take a different approach. Apparently, they watch The Godfather and Gone with the Wind on Thanksgiving instead.
After diner is always a great time for a nap. But rather than vegging out on the couch, The Pioneer Woman’s family likes playing games together and bonding. Finally, they take time to share what they’re all thankful for. Because that’s what it’s all about, right?
Drummond puts thought and care into Thanksgiving preparation
Thanksgiving in 2020 is likely going to look a lot different for most Americans with smaller, more intimate gatherings than usual. But it’s still important to embrace traditions and make the day feel special, despite these changes.
On her website, Drummond recommends creating simple table décor and dressing up the regular dining space for that one special meal. This could include personalized name placards, colorful paper centerpieces, and homemade tablecloths just for the occasion. Whether your celebration includes 2 people or 20, these tiny touches can elevate the meal and make it truly feel like Thanksgiving.
Perhaps the most important element The Pioneer Woman stresses is remembering to express gratitude. Through games, place cards, or just being together, that’s what the Drummonds are planning to do for Thanksgiving 2020.
