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As a business built around American-style products, we think it’s important to honour the traditions of the States. Thanksgiving, a quintessential American holiday, might not be traditionally celebrated in the United Kingdom, but that doesn’t mean you can’t embrace the spirit of gratitude, togetherness, and a delicious feast right here in the UK. While it may not be a national holiday on British shores, Thanksgiving can be a wonderful opportunity to bring friends and family together for a heartwarming celebration. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through how to celebrate Thanksgiving right here in the UK, and we offer some tips to make your celebration feel like a true American holiday.
Thanksgiving is all about spending quality time with your loved ones, so the first step is to invite friends and family to join in the festivities. Send out heartfelt invitations, whether digitally or via traditional mail, and encourage everyone to come together for a memorable day of gratitude.
Create a warm and inviting atmosphere by decorating your home with the colors and symbols of autumn. Use warm, earthy tones, and consider incorporating elements like pumpkins, gourds, and cornucopias as centrepieces. This will give your home a cosy, seasonal feel that’s perfect for the occasion.
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, so take some time for a moment of reflection. Ask your guests to share what they’re thankful for and encourage heartfelt conversations. You can even provide small notebooks for guests to jot down their thoughts and express their gratitude.
The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving celebration is of course the food. Traditional Thanksgiving dishes like roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes can be the stars of your feast. But feel free to add your own twist, and don’t forget to include some British favourites to make your guests feel at home.
Pies are a quintessential part of Thanksgiving dessert, so make sure to have a selection of pies on hand. Classics like pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and apple pie are always a hit. And why not include some Whoopie Pies for a delightful twist on traditional American sweets? They are gaining popularity in the UK and will add a unique touch to your celebration. As an American product handmade right here in the UK, and available throughout November in special American, Fall and Thanksgiving-inspired flavours, these will really help you and your guests get into that American spirit.
To keep everyone engaged and entertained, consider planning some fun activities. You could organize a friendly football match, have a game of touch rugby, or even set up a craft station where kids and adults can make Thanksgiving-themed decorations.
Thanksgiving is not just about celebrating within the walls of your home; it’s also a time to share with those in need. Consider organising a food drive or making a donation to a local charity to give back to the community during this season of giving.
While Thanksgiving may not be a traditional UK holiday, you can still embrace its spirit of gratitude, togetherness, and delicious food. Use this guide to create a memorable Thanksgiving celebration for you and your loved ones. Whether you’re an American expat missing the traditions of home or a UK resident looking to experience something new, Thanksgiving can be a wonderful occasion to celebrate and share with your nearest and dearest. So, this year, gather your friends and family, share a meal, express your gratitude, and make lasting memories in the true spirit of Thanksgiving – and don’t forget to add the Whoopie Pies!
Image by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels
While Thanksgiving is not a holiday traditionally celebrated in the United Kingdom, it’s a beloved and deeply rooted tradition in the United States. Being a business based on the American tradition of Whoopie Pies, we think it’s fantastic to embrace other aspects of American culture – food, celebration, and traditions. We, like many Brits, didn’t know much about Thanksgiving, other than what we’ve seen in Friends! So, we decided to learn a bit more about it, and share it with Whoopie fans.
This special holiday is all about coming together with loved ones to express gratitude and appreciation for the bountiful harvest and the blessings of the year. Thanksgiving’s focal point is, of course, the delicious food shared around the table. Who doesn’t love an excuse to enjoy great food and the company of loved ones? In today’s post, we’ll explore the essence of Thanksgiving and how our delightful Whoopie Pies could fit right into this feast of thanks right here in the UK.
Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States. It has its origins in the early 17th century when the Pilgrims, who had settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, celebrated a successful harvest alongside Native Americans. The tradition evolved into a national holiday in 1863, thanks to President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation during the Civil War.
What makes Thanksgiving so special is that it transcends any religious or cultural boundaries; it’s about the spirit of gratitude, togetherness, and sharing. Families and friends gather to express their thankfulness for the good things in life, whether it’s the love of family, good health, or a hearty meal on the table.
At the heart of Thanksgiving is a grand feast that showcases the rich diversity of American cuisine. Turkey is the undisputed star of the show, roasted to golden perfection and often served with mouthwatering stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. But the meal doesn’t stop there. It includes an array of side dishes like mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and more. And of course, there’s an assortment of pies for dessert, with pumpkin and pecan pies being popular choices.
Now, let’s talk about Whoopie Pies – the delectable treats that are gaining popularity in the UK, thanks to businesses like ours. Whoopie Pies are a classic American dessert with a soft, cake-like exterior and a creamy filling, sandwiched together to create a delightful handheld indulgence. While they may not be a traditional Thanksgiving dessert, Whoopie Pies can make a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
Here’s how you can incorporate Whoopie Pies into your Thanksgiving celebration:
Thanksgiving is a holiday that transcends borders, and its focus on gratitude and sharing resonates with people worldwide. While it may not be a traditional celebration in the UK, the spirit of Thanksgiving is something we can all embrace. And with the rising popularity of Whoopie Pies, our sweet delights can add a touch of American charm to your Thanksgiving feast. So, this year, as you gather with loved ones, give thanks, and indulge in delicious food, why not consider adding some Whoopie Pies to your menu to sweeten the celebration?
Hello, Whoopie Lovers!
Although we are not currently taking online orders, we are BACK FOR ONE WEEK ONLY AT THIS YEAR'S HULL FAIR! Check out our socials for pitch info, menu, prices and opening times.
Meanwhile, our beautiful little Whoopie brand is up for sale. If you want to take on a fantastic and unique product with nearly two years of groundwork already done, and are ready to take it to the next level, then The Whoopie Bakery could be just what you're looking for. Please email kate@thewhoopiebakery.co.uk to discuss.
You can also still join the mailing list and follow our socials for updates when the business has been taken on by a new owner, and to keep up to date with Kate and Matt's ventures, visit www.thechefandthesloth.com.
We want to say a huuuuge thank you to all our customers and we hope our paths will cross again, and that you'll continue to support Whoopie as it progresses.
