So, you decided to host Thanksgiving this year. At GEORGE’S® Beverage Company, we have the most delicious appetizers and drinks to complement the big feast! Check out some of our favorite ways to be the ultimate host this Thanksgiving so you can worry less about the planning, and spend more time with your friends and family.

From appetizers to cocktails to party favors and decor, our George’s team has you covered!

Ultimate GEORGE’S® Thanksgiving Guide

It’s no secret that the way to everyone’s hearts is through their stomachs. Of course, your guests will be looking forward to the traditional Thanksgiving menu items like turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy. This year, “wow” your guests (or your host) by bringing yummy appetizers for everyone to share before dinner. Plus, guests can help themselves and mingle around a bounty of snacks and delicious signature cocktails while you finish making dinner.

Appetizers
Make crowd-pleasing appetizers for everyone to munch on before sitting down for turkey. Did you know that one of the secret ingredients in many of our appetizer recipes is GEORGE’S® Bloody Mary Mix? Serve sliced veggies, crackers, and slices of bread, and let everyone dig into our delicious Crab Dip or Bloody Mary Dip.

Planning ahead is essential when hosting a Thanksgiving dinner. Apps that you can make ahead of time are GEORGE’S® Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs and GEORGE’S® Buffalo Chicken Meatballs.

It’s officially oyster season, and oysters are a staple here on the Eastern Shore. Buy them pre-shucked or if you have an oyster shucker in the family, make some Bay Oyster Shooters with OLD BAY® Vodka and Bloody Mary Mix. If you want to add some flare, you can do an Old Bay rim and garnish with a lemon slice!

Cocktails
The holiday season is the perfect time to relax with family and friends. Start the day with a Bloody Mary made with OLD BAY® VODKA, and OLD BAY® Bloody Mary Mix, topped with celery and olives. An easy cocktail to make in batches ahead of the day is a yummy Bloody Mary! Double or triple the recipe portions depending on how many people you’re having and you’ll be set for the day!

For a light, refreshing, and elegant cocktail that you can whip up in no time, try our GEORGE’S® Strawberry Bellini, made to perfection with our GEORGE’S® Strawberry Margarita-Daiquiri Mix.

Try one of our fall-themed drinks made with GEORGE’S® Margarita Mix, such as the Spiced Harvest Margarita garnished with cinnamon sticks and star anise. Or bring out the copper mugs and try a Cranberry Mule!

Table Decor & Favors
Get creative when setting the table with some Thanksgiving flair! This is a great way to get the kids involved; they will love helping out. We love repurposing our GEORGE’s Bottles, which can be painted with pretty autumn color palettes, and make great candle holders on the dinner table.

Other ideas include laying fresh herbs, such as rosemary and thyme on the table, or in your napkin rings! They smell amazing, and can beautify a tablescape for the holidays. Depending on the gathering you’re having, there’s so much you can do!

Here are some more ideas for dinner favors:

• Mini Pumpkins.
• Gift Bags of Candy Corn Tied With Ribbon.
• Chocolates in holiday packaging.
• Autumn Inspired Mini Candles.
• Clever place cards with small gifts attached, such as mini mason jars filled with nuts, candies, or even homemade spices!

Pro Tip: Are you serving up a Maryland-inspired Thanksgiving with OLD BAY®️ VODKA? Leave mini shot glasses at everyone’s place at the table so that everyone can try a sip!

We’re wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and holiday season! If you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year, we hope our guide provides you with some ideas to make the day your own! Make new or continue old traditions with GEORGE’S® Beverage Company and OLD BAY®️ VODKA.

We’d love to see what you make, so—tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok for a chance to be featured on our social media and website!