There is something so comforting and wonderful about our Thanksgiving tradition. Without a doubt, your Turkey Day menu is one of those traditions. From green bean casserole to pumpkin pie, everyone has their favorite dish. However, it doesn’t hurt to try something new every once in a while. If you are planning to have a coastal Thanksgiving, then why not add a little Topsail Island flavor to your Thanksgiving gathering? 

Create a coastal themed centerpiece

You can't have the ultimate Thanksgiving dinner without a festive and beautiful centerpiece on the table. Since this is a beach-themed Thanksgiving, it is important to bring a little bit of the coast to the table. 

Need a fun idea that is easy and beautiful? Try adding seashells, starfish, and lighter colors to the table. If you need a great example of beach themed centerpieces check out Sand & Sisal for some great ideas. 

Perfect coastal inspired appetizers

For many of us, Thanksgiving isn’t just one meal. The day includes a family gathering, football, kids running around, great memories, and always lots of appetizers. This year is the time to try something new. Forget that old cheese ball and try more seafood themed appetizers. Here are two great ideas for your Topsail Island Thanksgiving celebration. 

Crab dip

Crab dip is a delicious and creamy dish that is great any time of the year. One of the best features of crab dip is its warm, rich flavor. Here on the North Carolina coast we love our crab dip, and we thought it was the perfect way to kick off the Thanksgiving Day calorie fest. Need help finding the perfect crab dip recipe? No problem – we've found one for you.

Spicy baked shrimp po'boy dip 

If you have a shrimp lover in your party this Thanksgiving, they'll love this twist on a Po'Boy. Best served in a bread bowl with crisp vegetables like celery or carrots, it is also perfect for dipping with crisp pieces of baked bread. The spicy baked shrimp Po'Boy dip isn't likely to have any leftovers.

Seafood inspired main courses

Planning the main dish of any meal can be stressful. However, for many of us, Thanksgiving is the biggest meal of the year. Forget the traditional turkey and gravy. This year we have a new take on Thanksgiving and you guessed it, it is all about seafood. Here are a couple of fun seafood recipes that are sure to “wow” the family this year. 

Seafood paella 

Paella is a wonderfully warm and savory dish that is very popular in Spain. However, we think we have the perfect recipe for your Thanksgiving paella. Perhaps the best thing about this menu is that we get to use fresh, local shrimp. What more could you ask for? Don’t worry – we have everything you need for this recipe: just click here!

Desserts everyone will love 

We all love the main dishes but let’s face it, what we are all really looking forward to is dessert. So, after you’ve had all your vegetables it's time to enjoy some delicious sweet and savory desserts. Here are two awesome desserts you are sure to love:

Pear and Cranberry Tart

In case you didn't have enough calories, we have one more delicious dessert to add to the waistline. This Pear and Cranberry tart is actually easy to make last minute. It's unique because it combines the wonderful flavor of pears with the traditional flavor of cranberries. Perhaps the best part is that this dessert just begs to be served with a fresh scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pumpkin Cheesecake With Bourbon Sauce

If you love cheesecake (who doesn't) this is the dish for you. Of course, what is even better than cheesecake? Well –cheesecake with the flavors of pumpkin and bourbon, of course. There is a reason pumpkin lattes are so popular at Starbucks. With its rich and nutty flavor, pumpkin is simply a fall staple that no proper Thanksgiving meal should be without.  Click here to make this wonderful dish. 

Find your Topsail Island fall vacation

Are you ready to book a Topsail Island fall beach vacation? If you are, now is the perfect time to grab the phone and call one of our friendly reservationists at 800-497-5463 or click the button below to see our current inventory of vacation homes.