Food, family, faith and football -- for many, they're what holiday revelry is made of.
And while tradition informs what most of those will look like in our homes and yours, there's no reason to add some new traditions to the mix.
"I love a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, but sometimes it's fun to change things up a bit," chef Vanessa Cantave told The Huffington Post, giving this year's day of thanks the kind of fancying up she gave our summer BBQ.
"Maybe you are not interested in tackling the turkey this year, you're a bit of a creative cook or you just want to establish new traditions," she said.
But when going non-traditional, it's still key to stick with seasonal ingredients and flavors, Cantave suggests. "This helps maintain the warmth and comfort of Thanksgiving [that everyone looks forward to]."
Think warm spices like nutmeg (which Cantave used to garnish a butternut squash and leek soup), cinnamon and fresh herbs like sage and thyme. Go for starches, cheese, butter, cream and rich sauces, she says. "And don't forget the wine and drink!"
This week, Cantave invited the editors of HuffPost Black Voices over for some pre-Thanksgiving fun and to demonstrate what she's planning on serving up. Her menu is loose on tradition, heavy on flavor and deviates just enough from your average holiday fare.
Shop this table! Check out our entertaining gift guide, where you'll find the gilded goodness shown here, and more.
Thanksgiving Dinner With Vanessa Cantave
(01 of19)
Open Image ModalChef Vanessa Cantave gave her 2012 Thanksgiving menu a test run at her apartment in Brooklyn, N.Y. (credit:Damon Dahlen, AOL)
(02 of19)
Open Image ModalThe Thanksgiving table gets prepped with warm seasonal colors, gilded accents and fresh fruit. (credit:Damon Dahlen, AOL)
(03 of19)
Open Image ModalThe Table Is Set (04 of19)
Open Image ModalSlightly smaller dinner plates help keep portion control in check, and an informal arrangement of flatware minimizes dishwashing at the end.
(05 of19)
Open Image ModalFloral designer Kathleen Hyppolite uses fresh fruit, like pomegranates and persimmons, as accents in her autumnal arrangement. (credit:Damon Dahlen, AOL)
(06 of19)
Open Image ModalFresh herbs await their spot at the dinner table, as a seasoning and garnish for this year's feast. (credit:Damon Dahlen, AOL)
(07 of19)
Open Image ModalRoasting is the cooking method of choice for baby root vegetables and buttery Cornish hens. (credit:Damon Dahlen, AOL)
(08 of19)
Open Image ModalBrioche cubes cozy up to sweet Italian sausage and wild mushrooms in chef Vanessa's take on stuffing. (credit:Damon Dahlen, AOL)
(09 of19)
Open Image ModalDrool-worthy roasted veggies make the rounds by way of community manager Lucette Jefferson and associate blog editor Jermaine Spradley. (credit:Damon Dahlen, AOL)
(10 of19)
Open Image ModalA low centerpiece and glassware make it easy to pass side dishes. (credit:Damon Dahlen, AOL)
(11 of19)
Open Image ModalAssociate editor Danielle Cadet digs in to chef Vanessa's spiced pear tart with salted caramel. Yum! (credit:Damon Dahlen, AOL)
Butternut Squash and Leek Soup(12 of19)
Open Image ModalButter-Basted Roasted Cornish Hens With Fresh Herbs And Shallots(13 of19)
Open Image ModalBrioche Stuffing With Wild Mushrooms, Chestnuts And Sweet Sausage(14 of19)
Open Image ModalRoasted Baby Root Vegetables With Double Smoked Bacon And Sage(15 of19)
Open Image ModalCreamy Coarse Grits With Fresh Corn And Farmhouse Cheddar(16 of19)
Open Image ModalSpiced Pear Tart With Salted Caramel(17 of19)
Open Image ModalOld Bajan Cocktail(18 of19)
Open Image Modal"The warmth of this cocktail with notes of caramel and orange really brings out fall flavors and I love the addition of champagne which adds a festive touch!" Cantave said. "Make it in a large batch or serve it as a punch when you have guests."Prep Time: 5 minutes1 1/2 oz Mount Gay Extra Old rum1/2 oz Cointreau2 dashes Angostura Bitters2 oz champagne or sparkling winePlace three or four ice cubes in a rocks glass. Stir ingredients and top with sparkling wine and lime twist.Serves 1. (credit:Damon Dahlen, AOL)
(19 of19)
Open Image ModalHappy Thanksgiving from our family to yours! (credit:Damon Dahlen, AOL)
Styling by Jessica Cumberbatch Anderson; food styling by Shani Porter; floral design by kat flower.
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