And How to Host a Backyard Tailgate of Your Own
Thanksgiving morning used to be a quiet, slow start in our house: the kids sleepy, coffee brewing, the Macy’s parade humming in the background. But a few years ago, we started a simple new ritual—a Thanksgiving morning walk with our neighbors.
Somewhere along the way, that casual walk turned into one of my favorite parts of the holiday: our backyard Thanksgiving tailgate down by the lake.
What started as, “Let’s meet outside for a quick walk,” became:
“Let’s bring snacks…”
“And warm drinks…”
“And actually stay a while.”
Now, every year, before the busyness of the holiday begins, we share a morning outside with the people who feel like extended family.
And it’s nothing fancy—just good food, warm drinks, a few thoughtful setup pieces, and a tradition worth repeating.
Here’s how our little gathering comes together and how you can create your own version this Thanksgiving.
How to Start a Thanksgiving Morning Tradition (That Sticks)
You don’t need a full brunch spread or a big event.
You just need intention and a setup that invites people to linger.
Start With a Walk
It resets the day, helps calm the pre-hosting nerves, and gives the kids a way to burn off energy before all the sitting, cooking, and eating ahead.
Choose a Simple Gathering Spot
For us, it’s the lakefront by our house. No decorations needed—the view sets the tone.
Your spot might be:
- a backyard patio
- a driveway
- a porch
- a fire pit area
- a neighborhood green space
Let Everyone Contribute
One of my favorite parts of this tradition is that it feels communal. Our neighbor always brings the Bloody Mary bar and a big thermos of hot cocoa—everyone knows it, everyone looks forward to it.
Thanksgiving Morning Tailgate: Our Real Menu (Simple & Crowd-Pleasing)
Cranberry Walnut Muffins
Soft, slightly sweet, and perfectly seasonal. They disappear fast.
Pumpkin Bread
We slice it thick, wrap it in parchment, and it stays soft and warm if kept in a covered tray.
Our Famous Stuffing Balls
These are the showstopper. We always make extra because people inevitably ask, “Wait… what are these?” Crispy outside, soft inside, and perfect for dipping. (We love serving them with a cranberry sauce.)
Easy Cast Iron Skillet Frittata
This is our warm anchor dish. Loaded with potatoes, cheese, and whatever leftovers we have on hand, the cast iron holds heat and is easy to serve outdoors.
Drinks
We set up a Bloody Mary Bar and warm-drink station at the end of the table:
- Hot cocoa (brought by our neighbor)
- Mulled cider
- Coffee with flavored creamers
- The famous Bloody Mary bar
Everything stays warm using a small portable burner and thermoses.
How We Keep Everything Warm (and Cozy)
Because this is an outdoor November gathering, warmth matters—and this is where the tailgate gear shines.
Solo Stove in the Center
It’s the unofficial gathering point. Everyone gravitates toward it with their drinks and plates.
Blackstone Griddle
We use it to warm up the frittata, toast muffins, and keep sausage bites hot.
Small Portable Burner Station
This is key for keeping:
- Cider warm
- Cocoa hot
- Cranberry dipping sauce warm for stuffing balls
People can help themselves, buffet-style.
Simple, Cozy Setup Ideas
Use One Tailgate Board as the Centerpiece
We lay out:
- Sliced pumpkin bread
- Cranberry walnut muffins
- Fresh fruit
- Some cheeses
- Small bowls of nuts
Our Tailgate Board pulls everything together —it’s usually the heart of the setup.
Thermoses Over Open Containers
- No wind issues
- No spills
- Everything stays warm
Blankets & Flannels
We toss a few blankets and flannels into a basket for guests who want to wrap up by the Solo Stove.
“Come If You Can” Invitations Keep It Casual
A quick group text the night before is all it takes:
“Walk at 9, tailgate by the lake after. Come if you can!”
People love low-pressure gatherings—especially on busy holidays.
Free Download: Thanksgiving Morning Outdoor Gathering Checklist
Want a simple way to remember everything next year? I’ve created a free printable checklist you can keep with your holiday recipes.
It includes:
- Food checklist (muffins, pumpkin bread, stuffing balls, frittata ingredients)
- Warm drink station items
- Gear list (Solo Stove, thermoses, Blackstone, burner, table, blankets)
- Setup essentials
- Comfort items for guests
Why This Tradition Has Stuck
It slows down the holiday.
It brings neighbors together.
It connects the kids to something meaningful and simple.
It’s easy, warm, and low-stress.
Most of all, it creates a moment—every single year—that feels like the real start of Thanksgiving.
Shop Our Thanksgiving Morning Tailgate Essentials
If you’re ready to start your own Thanksgiving morning tradition, here are some of the pieces we love using year after year:
- Solo Stove
- Blackstone Tabletop griddle
- Portable burner
- Thermoses and insulated mugs
- Cozy blankets and flannels
- Our Tailgate Board
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I LOVE this! It actually reminds me of a hiking tradition I did as a kid with my parents and their friends and families! I’m going to have to try those stuffing balls this year!