Thanksgiving Refreshed: Modern Bay Area Ideas for a Classic Holiday Feast

Doug Gamblin
Nov 19
2 min read

Thanksgiving Refreshed: Modern Bay Area Ideas for a Classic Holiday Feast

Thanksgiving traditions are strong — family gatherings, amazing food, and celebrating all that we’re grateful for. The day is filled with tradition and warm memories. Dianne and I have spent Thanksgiving in many places — our home, our parents' homes, our kids' homes, siblings' homes, the cabin, and even Mimi's Cafe with our college kids and their roommates! We've learned to be flexible and have had a lot of fun along the way.

To celebrate the past and present, we have decided to add a few new dishes to our Thanksgiving table. If you're looking to add a little Bay Area flair to this year’s feast, here are some modern updates that keep the heart of the holiday while giving it a fresh new vibe.

Check out a few ideas, and to keep it simple, I've added a recipe section below.

Herb-Roasted Turkey with Citrus & Garlic

Still classic, still comforting — but brightened with Meyer lemon, rosemary, and thyme for a California-fresh twist.

Sourdough Stuffing with Local Sausage & Apples

A nod to NorCal’s artisan food culture. Crunchy, savory, with pops of sweetness — it’s modern comfort at its best.

Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes

Replace some of the butter with high-quality California olive oil for a lighter, silkier, more contemporary mash.

Mini Pie Flight (Because Choices Matter!)

Pumpkin. Apple. Pecan. Salted caramel pear. This tradition is a throwback to the Dalton Thanksgivings where the pies were more important than the main course! Let your guests choose their own dessert adventure and consider tarts emphasizing our California produce — no more pie pressure.

RECIPE SECTION

Walnut Creek families love fresh, seasonal ingredients — and these recipes bring artisan California flavor to the Thanksgiving table.

Shaved Persimmon Salad with Endive & Pomegranate

A bright, crisp, beautifully styled salad straight from the Bay Area food scene.

Recipe: https://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/shaved-persimmon-salad-with-endive-and-pomegranate.html

Persimmon–Pomegranate Fruit Salad

Simple, seasonal, and stunning — a flavorful Northern California favorite.

Recipe: https://www.ediblegardens52.com/ediblegardens52/for-thanksgiving-persimmon-pomegranate-salad

Sourdough Stuffing with Sausage & Apples

A modern take on classic stuffing using artisan sourdough and local apples.

Recipe: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/apple_and_sausage_sourdough_stuffing/

Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes

Lighter, and dairy free!

Recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1015335-olive-oil-mashed-potatoes

Meyer Lemon Tart

A bright, elegant dessert that celebrates one of Northern California’s signature citrus fruits.

Recipe: https://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/meyer-lemon-tart.html

Salted Caramel Pear Pie

Let the pie fight begin!

Recipe: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/caramel-pear-pie/

Happy Thanksgiving!

Home is where holidays happen. If you’re thinking about moving within Walnut Creek or exploring nearby communities, let’s create a plan now so your next Thanksgiving is spent exactly where you want to be.