Here’s how to have a proper American Thanksgiving in France – one that tastes like home…
If you’re an American living abroad, there are certain dates in the calendar that tug at the heartstrings. Thanksgiving is one of them.
It’s not just about roast turkey or pumpkin pie. It’s the unmistakable buzz in the days leading up to Thanksgiving and the whole day itself. It’s the aroma drifting through from the kitchen that morning. It’s the laughter around a crowded table, and the age-old debates about how to make the best stuffing or gravy or what’s the best kind of pie.
Whether your memories are of a bustling family gathering, a celebration with friends or neighbours, or a quiet meal shared with those closest to you, Thanksgiving creates an opportunity to bring people together.
How to have a proper American Thanksgiving in France
Living in France doesn’t mean leaving those traditions behind. In fact, celebrating Thanksgiving overseas can make the occasion even more meaningful. It becomes an opportunity to create new traditions alongside old ones, introducing French friends to a holiday they may know only from films or social media while bringing together family, neighbours and new acquaintances around a table groaning with a hearty mix of French goodies and American classics. And what’s not to love about that?
At its heart, Thanksgiving has always been about giving thanks. Long before it became a national holiday, it was a celebration of harvest, community and gratitude. And perhaps more than ever, those values remain relevant today, wherever in the world you happen to live. In a busy modern life, setting aside one day to slow down, share a meal and reflect on what truly matters feels more important than ever.
A little preparation goes a long way
So, how do you recreate an authentic American Thanksgiving in France? From finding those essential ingredients that simply can’t be substituted to planning the perfect menu, here’s everything you need to know.
Plan your perfect Franco-American Thanksgiving
The beauty of Thanksgiving is that no two tables are ever quite the same. So, what’s your go-to Thanksgiving meal? Roast turkey is a given, and Kristen Crosson at American Groceries Europe advises that you order your turkey in advance from your local butcher as they’re not commonly available in France where they’re seen as very much a Christmas dish. Will you be serving creamy mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans or buttery bread rolls? Will dessert be a classic pumpkin pie or a rich pecan pie?
Whatever your preference, American Groceries Europe has got your back when it comes to authentic ingredients: Magic Turkey Cooking Bags for the perfect roast and a bird that bursts with flavour; cranberry sauce jellied and whole; turkey gravy and stuffing, as well as sweet potatoes and mashed potato mix – not just American through and through but easy to make too! They can make dessert easy too, with pumpkin filling and pumpkin puree, ready-made pie crusts and pumpkin pie spice. And don’t forget to add in an order for root beer and some Thanksgiving sweets – and why not throw in a few marshmallows topping your sweet potato casserole or for S’mores by the fire after dinner?
And with your order placed, you can sit back knowing all the hard work will be done for you, and you won’t have to substitute authentic American ingredients with the only thing you can find in your local French supermarket.
Add a French twist to the feast – serving local cheeses before dessert, choosing a beautiful regional wine to accompany the meal, or sourcing wonderful seasonal produce from your local market to complement your turkey. Thanksgiving is, after all, about bringing people together, and there’s no reason why American traditions and French hospitality can’t sit happily side by side.
Dress the part
Once the menu is planned, it’s time to think about the atmosphere. Thanksgiving is as much about recreating the atmosphere as it is about the food itself, and a few Thanksgiving party favors or even Stars and Stripes décor will quickly transform your home into a festive American celebration.
American Groceries Europe has everything from Stars and Stripes tablecloths and Thanksgiving paper napkins to flags, bunting, foil fringe decorations, hanging wreaths and windsocks. You can even pick up Thanksgiving-themed sweatshirts and mini plush turkey party favor to get everyone into the spirit of the day. Whether you simply decorate the dining table or go all out by dressing the front door and garden too, those little details make the occasion feel even more special.
Celebrate Together
Thanksgiving has always been about giving thanks, sharing good food and strengthening communities – values that feel just as much at home in France as they do across the Atlantic.
Start planning your feast and place your order at: americangrocerieseurope.com
