Gravy Without the Drama: 8 Simple Tips for Hosting Vegan Relatives this Thanksgiving

In the Kitchen:

The holidays are a time for coming together, sharing gratitude, and indulging in delicious meals. If you're hosting Thanksgiving this year and have a vegan or two on the guest list, fear not! Accommodating a vegan diet doesn't have to throw a wrench into your favorite holiday recipes. You don’t have to focus on making every dish vegan, and most vegan friends and relatives will appreciate the effort and options you provide them. Here are some simple tips and tricks to ensure your Thanksgiving feast is a simple and drama-free hit for everyone.

Photo source pexels.com by Nicole Michalou

1. Vegan Substitutions Omnivores Won’t Notice
Many Thanksgiving recipes can be easily veganized without compromising flavor. Swap dairy milk for cashew cream or oat milk in mashed potatoes, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in stuffing, and consider plant-based butter for your rolls. These swaps are so seamless; your non-vegan guests probably won't even notice the difference. If you’re an omnivore that can’t compromise the butter in the mashed potatoes, wait to add the dairy until the final mix and set aside appropriate portions using a vegan substitute. It may be an extra dish, but your vegan guests will hopefully feel gracious enough to help clean up after the meal instead of sitting down to watch the game.

2. Embrace Plant-Based Staples
When planning your menu, focus on the abundance of delicious plant-based staples available. Think hearty vegetables, grains, legumes, and fruits. A roasted vegetable medley or a quinoa salad can be just as satisfying as traditional dishes. Don't forget about the power of herbs and spices to elevate flavors! 

3. Watch Out for Easy-to-Miss Non-Vegan Ingredients
Some non-vegan ingredients can sneak into your dishes, so keep an eye out for them. Common culprits include honey, chocolate, gelatin, and certain wines that might use animal products in the fining process. Read labels carefully or opt for vegan-certified products to avoid any accidental slip-ups.

4. Mindful Etiquette for Omnivores
It's essential to remind non-vegan guests to be mindful of the vegan options. While curiosity is natural, it's polite not to devour all the vegan dishes out of sheer interest. Make sure your vegan guests have had their fill before allowing others to give it a try.

5. Online Resources for Guidance
If you're feeling overwhelmed, there are countless online resources to guide you through the vegan Thanksgiving adventure. Websites like "Minimalist Baker," "Oh She Glows," and "The Vegan Society" offer a plethora of easy-to-follow vegan recipes that even the most novice cook can master. If you’re still overwhelmed, reach out to your vegan guest to see if they have a favorite recipe you can follow.

6. Potluck Approach
If the thought of preparing a vegan-friendly Thanksgiving feels daunting, consider a potluck approach. Politely ask your vegan guests if they'd like to contribute a vegan entree or side dish. It's a win-win – they get to enjoy their favorite dishes, and you have one less thing to worry about.

7. Don’t Stress or Overthink the Menu!
Most vegan guests are accustomed to menus that don’t 100% accommodate their diets. It’s wonderful to be an inclusive host, but you don’t have to make the entire meal vegan. Do your best to provide options for everyone, but you don’t have to master a Vegan Beef Wellington to provide a great meal. If all else fails, have some vegan ice-cream on hand for desert!

8. No Politics at the Dinner Table
The choice to follow a vegan lifestyle is a personal one, and Thanksgiving is not the time to debate it. Let your gathering be a celebration of togetherness and gratitude rather than a platform for dietary discussions. After all, the holidays are stressful enough without adding a side of debate to the table!

Hosting a vegan-friendly Thanksgiving doesn't have to be a high-stakes affair. With a bit of creativity and flexibility, you can create a feast that satisfies everyone around the table. Remember, it's about sharing love, gratitude, and, of course, a delicious meal that accommodates all dietary preferences. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

 Oh, and if you do want to master a delicious Vegan Mushroom Wellington, here’s a recipe that we adore! Vegan Mushroom Wellington