Downsizing Thanksgiving can still be delicious. Photo: Deposit Photos

With insights from Jacques Pépin, Ina Garten, Martha Stewart, and Healthy Aging®’s own archives

A Thanksgiving celebration doesn’t need a long guest list or a table overflowing with dishes to feel meaningful. Many people—empty nesters, couples, or solo hosts—are embracing a quieter holiday that still keeps their favorite traditions intact. A smaller gathering can be warm, delicious, and deeply satisfying when you plan with intention and draw inspiration from trusted culinary voices.

1. Rethink the Turkey: Smaller Cuts, Same Tradition

A whole turkey isn’t essential for a memorable Thanksgiving meal. Jacques Pépin has long encouraged cooks to keep things “simple and economical without sacrificing flavor,” and smaller cuts fit that philosophy well.

You still get the aroma, the crispy skin, and enough drippings to make gravy. Try:

• Bone-in turkey breast
• Turkey thighs
• Turkey tenderloins
• Cornish hens for a restaurant-style feel

Healthy Aging® highlighted another smart approach in our multicooker feature:

“Yup, that’s right, you can cram a small, six- to seven-pound turkey into a multicooker and cook the bird in record time leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your guests.” Read more here: Multicookers Save Thanksgiving

Small bird, full tradition.

Roasted carrots topped with cheese, herbs and pomegranate arils are a creative Thanksgiving side. Photo: Deposit Photos

2. Choose the Sides That Truly Matter

When the celebration is smaller, you don’t need a dozen sides. Ina Garten, otherwise known as “The Barefoot Contessa” is a favorite cookbook author of ours.

According to Garten, “There’s nothing like a home-cooked meal to make everyone feel happy and loved.” You will also appreciate some of her favorite sides, Orange-Braised Carrots & Parsnips and Brussels Sprouts Lardons. Take a page out of her book and make as many dishes ahead. She has a plan for that.

Tip: Select two or three favorite sides and skip the rest.

Healthy Aging® has showcased plenty of creative side options over the years. In our fall cookbook roundup, one vibrant recipe stood out: “A great Thanksgiving side idea is Apple, Fennel and Kohlrabi Salad … with shaved Manchego and candied walnuts.” Read more here: Fall Menu Cookbooks

Half-batches and smaller pans keep things manageable without sacrificing variety.

3. Make Mini Versions of Your Classics

Scaling back doesn’t mean giving up the recipes you associate with the holiday. Martha Stewart frequently shares small-scale versions of Thanksgiving favorites and notes that these adaptations can be every bit as festive—and often easier.

Consider:

• Six-inch pies
• Small-batch stuffing baked in a loaf pan
• A single-bag cranberry sauce
• Individual gratins or casseroles

Healthy Aging®’s pie feature also includes this timeless advice:

“There are no shortcuts to learning how to make a good pie.” — Ken Haedrich, author of The Pie Academy, 225 Mouthwatering Fillings and 25 Different Crust Styles. Learn to Make the Perfect Pie with Expert Techniques. Read more here: Pies Have It

Small pies, big pride.

4. Keep the Tradition, Lighten the Format When Downsizing Thanksgiving

A downsized Thanksgiving can make room for new traditions while honoring the ones you love. Pépin often emphasizes that celebration meals should bring “joy, not stress,” and a smaller gathering naturally leans into that philosophy.

You might:

• Start the day with a quiet walk
• Prepare a two-person tasting menu
• Share a quick virtual toast with distant family
• Add gratitude cards or a candle to the table

The meaning of the holiday comes from the intention—not the guest count.

Setting the table to create a festive mood no matter how many guests are invited. Photo: Deposit Photos

5. Make the Table Feel Special, Even for Two

Ina Garten offers many simple and clever table settings that are festive, use items you can just pick up at the grocery store and help create an inviting mood – Check out her video on Table Settings

• Cloth napkins
• A small fall floral arrangement
• Clementines
• Votive candles
• Your favorite glasses or plates
• Curated music to set the tone

And voila!

6. Want Leftovers? Plan Them on Purpose Even When Downsizing Thanksgiving

If enjoying leftovers is part of your holiday ritual, you can still include them—just plan with intention:

• Roast an extra turkey thigh or small breast
• Double your cranberry sauce (it freezes well)
• Bake stuffing in muffin tins for easy reheating
• Stick to vegetables that reheat beautifully, such as roasted squash or sweet potatoes

Leftovers stay enjoyable—without taking over the fridge.

A Smaller Thanksgiving Isn’t a Compromise

Downsizing Thanksgiving is a chance to focus on what you truly enjoy.

Pépin highlights intention, Garten encourages style with practicality, and Stewart proves that even scaled-down celebrations can be stunning. With ideas from Healthy Aging®’s archives and these trusted culinary guides, you can enjoy a cozy, meaningful, low-stress holiday that’s every bit as delicious as the big-table version.

Enjoy your holiday—whatever size your table may be!