Thanksgiving dinner is a meal we look forward to all year long. The savory stuffing, the roasted turkey, the cranberry sauce — does it get any better than that? Well if you ask us, the best part are the leftovers! And we're talking about more scrumptious meals than the usual turkey sandwich. We've scoured the internet for different ways to put that surplus of food — trimmings included — to use. These 15 recipes will have you licking your chops.
Butternut Bakery
Don't throw away that pumpkin purée just yet! You can use it to make delicious pumpkin cupcakes the entire family will keep coming back for. Once you add in a little pumpkin pie spice, flour, baking soda, dark brown sugar, and more goodies, you'll have 12 sweet treats to munch after Thanksgiving.
P.S. You may want to have someone else bake this recipe a second time so you can have 24 cupcakes!
Cozy Cravings
Your family will become a huge fan of crostinis once they taste this recipe. Between the butternut squash, ricotta cheese, and bacon, everyone will be eating sweet as well as savory mini sandwiches.
Munching with Mariyah
Blend your leftover pumpkin and squash with coconut milk, red curry paste, ginger, and more veggies for the heartiest lentil soup you've ever tasted. Everyone will be looking to recreate this dish for a taste of lentils once they eat it, er, sip it.
Brit + Co
Bring your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers together with some cheese, peppers, and onions for a delicious frittata. You can eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
The Butter Half
These savory pop tarts are filled with cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and bits of tender turkey, then drizzled with gravy for a snack or meal that will knock your socks off. (via The Butter Half)
Foodess
Put the sandwiches on hold, because this turkey pot pie is the *only* way to use those turkey leftovers to their greatest potential.
A Sweet Pea Chef
Take your comfort food and turn it into something nutritious by topping salad with leftover turkey and a vinaigrette made with leftover cranberries.
Spices in My DNA
This recipe stuffs your everything bagel with a poached egg, cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and turkey.
The Seasoned Mom
It's cozy casserole season, so this recipe is the perfect way to use up that leftover turkey by adding it to a pasta bake that is rich, creamy, and jam-packed with flavor.
Lively Table
Nothing soothes the soul better than a steamy bowl of soup like this, filled to the brim with tender shredded turkey, nourishing veggies, and a generous dollop of Greek yogurt for extra smoothness.
The Cookie Recipe
If you don't know what to do with that heap of extra mashed potatoes, we've got you covered with these crispy potato, bacon, and cheese-filled bites of glory.
What Should I Make For...
If you want ALL the carbs, this recipe sandwiches turkey and all the fixin's between a fresh roll and it. Is. Magical.
Whitney Bond
Kick things up a notch and put a healthy spin on your leftover turkey with these veggie-filled fajita rice bowls.
Yes to Yolks
This recipe smashes the traditional pierogi together with leftover Thanksgiving goodies for a fun and seasonal spin on a classic.
Jessica in the Kitcen
Vegetarians can enjoy Thanksgiving to the max too, and if anything proves it, it's this stacked meatless 'wich that swaps the usual turkey for plant-based meatloaf.
Pickled Plum
These turkey-filled hash patties will make brunch fanatics swoon with their festive flavor and golden crisp exterior.
Bless Her Heart Y'all
This feast doesn't just give you a healthful meal after gorging on holiday eats, but it also serves as a weeknight wonder, clocking in at just 15 minutes from start to finish!
Chef de Home
Putting that leftover turkey to use never looked so good with this creamy mushroom and pasta-filled tetrazzini.
Half Baked Harvest
This Thanksgiving leftovers croque Madame sandwich is an excellent way to serve breakfast on Black Friday. After all, you'll need an extra boost from the fried eggs to get you through your mad dash at the mall!
Vikalinka
Not sure what to do with all the leftover butternut squash? Make a cheesy au gratin casserole!
Crowded Kitchen
Don't throw away your cornbread after Thanksgiving! You can use what's leftover to bake vegan cornbread stuffing to give it a toasted yet flavorful taste.
Crowded Kitchen
This tasty and crunchy pumpkin salad is a great option to make if you're confused about what to do with your leftover pumpkins.
Averie Cooks
Let's say you bought one too many apples for the apple pie you baked. Instead of lamenting over your 'mishap,' use what's leftover after Thanksgiving to make caramel apple gingerbread cookie cups!
Completely Delicious
This delicious leftover pizza is a thoughtful option for anyone who swears they're tired of eating leftover Thanksgiving turkey after a couple of days.
Pink Owl Kitchen
Chances are it'll be cold the week of Thanksgiving so use your leftover sweet potatoes to create this creamy soup. It's good for the soul!
For more Thanksgiving leftover recipes, follow us on Pinterest — and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter!
This post has been updated.
Working from home is a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it's great that you can get sh*t done virtually anywhere with WiFi, but on the other, you're constantly summoned to your couch (or in more severe cases, your bed) to take a "break" (a nap) that can impact your productivity. Having cute desk accessories and organization solutions on deck at all times is a must for anyone seeking to dial in and simply feel good about the whole 'working from home' thing. Whether you know the beauty of WFH life or not, these gifts for people who work from home will certainly liven up any workspace.
Our fave WFH gifts in this post:
Papier
Seeing every to-do item in one place (that's not a computer screen) is a major game-changer for staying on-task, and the ultimate hack is this structured notepad.
Amazon
This custom, made-to-order name plate would make any WFH-er feel more dignified.
Amazon
This way, they can take their work anywhere, whether it be the sofa or bed. The finished wood gives this lap desk an upscale feel that means business!
Amazon
This cute, squishy desk-sized lamp is sure to alleviate The Horrors (work stress).
Amazon
These top-rated animal pens are the perfect little workday cheerleaders when they hang out at anyone's desk.
Uncommon Goods
This gooey glob helps get the grime (like dust and dirt) out from in between their keyboard, mouse, and headphones.
Amazon
We're convinced that noise-cancelling headphones are a product directly from heaven. This pair does an excellent job at drowning out sonic distractions.
Amazon
This desk riser with an attached dry-erase board helps eliminate papers from piling up on their desk. It's the perfect vehicle for meeting reminders, brainstorms, and other important work items.
Amazon
This desk mat can handle it all – keyboards, notebooks, cold drinks, and basically everything else needed for the 9 to 5 grind.
Amazon
Having an ergonomic setup can help prevent that infamous WFH-induced back pain. Start small with this soothing mouse pad!
Amazon
If your working-from-home gift recipient is on the anxious side, a fidget cube can be a real game-changer when it comes to letting out stress and pent-up energy.
Urban Outfitters
Shed some light on their daily work routine with an adorable tiny lamp, shoppable in a variety of playful colors and patterns.
Amazon
For helping them jot down genius ideas, look no further than gifting a hearty pack of sticky notes. The colors in this set will make working a lot more fun.
Amazon
This super-satisfying stress ball alternative will keep their anxious hands busy during meetings and email sweeps.
Amazon
Coffee is life, so make sure their caffeinated cup stays fresh all morning long. This gift is especially thoughtful if you know they're a slow sipper!
Loam Candles
Having a cute candle lit during the workday instantly improves morale. We don't make the rules.
Amazon
For the on-the-go worker, a laptop without a laptop riser is criminal. This easy-to-set up one has almost 12,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, most notable for its durability.
Umbra
This lightweight, design-forward wall shelf is perfect for stowing away joy-inspiring knick-knacks and work necessities alike.
Amazon
Let these cutie little bears take the reins – er, rather, the cords – and create more space for a clear head.
Amazon
This bound notebook will withstand any weather, plus it's the perfect place to write down great ideas!
ban.do
This lively, colorful sticker book will make those long meetings much more entertaining. These would pair super well with the notebook above for a cutie gift set.
Amazon
Don't let them fry their eyes all day – these blue light glasses work to filter out the harmful effects of [dun-dun-dunnn] computer screens.
Target
Hydration helps fuel a healthy mind, and that noggin is needed for making great things happen at work. This 40oz insulated tumbler keeps drinks ice-cold all throughout the day!
Urban Outfitters
This poster says what we're all thinking about WFH.
Amazon
The Pomodoro technique is a killer method for staying tuned-in. With this timer, the work time versus rest time is left up to the user.
Uncommon Goods
This box o' cards comes ready with 60 different prompts that help your local worker at home destress and recharge before, during, or after the workday.
Day Designer
A planner is going to help facilitate the utmost organization and productivity for your giftee that works from home.
Uncommon Goods
This lap desk makes it easy for them to slouch on the couch (we're guilty!) or laze in bed while still getting sh*t done while they work.
ban.do
If it's not being used for coffee, consider this the cutest catch-all for miscellaneous desk junk.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
It's time for apple, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice desserts to take a backseat – Christmas desserts with peppermint and spiked sweets are here to shine. Festive food gets us in even more of a holiday mood than we're already in, and you really can't decorate your space or watch a holiday movie marathon without some sweet treats, can you? Get ready to yank your baking supplies out of the pantry at least once or twice this holiday season.
Brit + Co
Mini pies are the perfect Christmas dessert because they're hand-held and bite-sized, plus these feature chocolate, pecan, and caramel flavors! They're also vegan, which just makes us love them even more. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
You probably already have everything you need for this DIY dessert recipe: peanut butter (or another nut butter), chocolate chips, Chex cereal, butter, and powdered sugar. The red and green candies are just a bonus! (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
These sugar cookies are so good, they don't really need any embellishments, but would it really be a Christmas party without reindeer cookies?! Save a few to leave out for Santa, too. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
If you love red velvet cake and you love cheesecake, then this is the dessert for you. The crust, cheesecake filling, and whipped cream come together beautifully so that every bite you take is better than the last! Plus, the Oreos on top are the perfect finishing touch. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Cookies will never be totally healthy, but there are definitely ways that you can make them healthier. Check out this easy Christmas dessert that's paleo-friendly. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Have breakfast for dessert by adding eggnog to your French toast batter. It adds just the right amount of spice to the recipe and makes it creamy and smooth. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Turn your favorite morning beverage into a sweet treat with these cupcakes. The flavors and spices make for the perfect holiday season dessert. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Find a new way to enjoy the minty flavor of peppermint with this macarons recipe. Covered in white chocolate, it's a nod to the traditional French pastry. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Move over white chocolate ganache, because this pumpkintart is ready for its turn in the spotlight. We love that the gingersnap crust helps balance the rich taste of dark chocolate. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
These roses look good enough to eat – because they are indeed edible! It's the one time you'll enjoy stopping to smell the roses. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
If puff pastry apple roses feel like too much of a lite dessert, you'll want to keep this vegan apple cake recipe handy. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
We have a *major* sweet tooth for anything that involves gooey chocolate, so combining our love of doughnuts and hot chocolate sounds like a dream come true. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Take a break from traditional Christmas desserts and make candy recipes instead! Who knows, someone may request that you make frozen chocolate peanut butter yogurt cups for their birthday next year. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Who says desserts have to be food? This sweet drink is a classic Christmas dessert, whether you're decorating the tree or curling up for a movie night. Our favorite detail is definitely the sugared rosemary. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
If regular slices of cheesecake are too rich for you, try these mini bite-sized options for your next get-together. They're a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet, and just the right amount of creamy. (via Brit + Co)
Sugar and Cloth
You just can’t get through the snowy season without indulging in some sweet and cool peppermint bark. No surprise, it's amazing in cannolis. (via Sugar and Cloth)
Mott's
These lil cups are a fun, festive, and fabulous treat to make with and for your little ones — or for anyone else, frankly! Just look how cute they are! (via Mott's)
Liv for Cake
We like big bundts and we cannot lie; a slice of this, we can't deny! Flavored with rum and eggnog, this luscious cake is slathered with a generous coating of eggnog cream cheese icing that will make your tastebuds sing. (via Liv for Cake)
A Cookie Named Desire
With creamy eggnog cheesecake swirling into fudgy goodness, these brownies will make even eggnog naysayers fall in love with the soft and chewy bites. (via A Cookie Named Desire)
Two Peas & Their Pod
We know you’re thinking it because we’re thinking it — be still, my heart! This rich, minty, and chocolatey cake is dripping with glaze and topped with crushed candy canes. Can you say flavor bomb? (via Two Peas & Their Pod)
Sugar and Cloth
One of the best things about donuts is they can be enjoyed as both a dessert *and* as a sweet breakfast option. The Champagne-infused dough and white chocolate glaze create the ultimate holiday treat. (via Sugar and Cloth)
Domestic Gothess
This swoon-worthy recipe stuffs crisp apples and mincemeat into a flaky filo pastry, resulting in complete dessert heaven. Adorned with cranberries and drizzled with custard, this treat is guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday party. (via Domestic Gothess)
Two Peas & Their Pod
These tiny snowballs are slightly salty, nutty, buttery, and downright delish. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)
Pinch of Yum
We hope you’re ready for additional caffeine, because you’ll be brewing an extra cup a day just for an excuse to dip and devour these beauties. Totally addicting, these munchies are packed with nuts and cranberries and drizzled with chocolate. (via Pinch of Yum)
The Real Food Dietitians
Storebought marshmallows will never taste the same after you make these. Dip them in chocolate or add them to your hot cocoa for a truly decadent treat. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Sprinkle Bakes
Silky smooth panna cotta may seem like a summery dessert, but when made with eggnog and topped with orange liqueur-spiked cranberry sauce, it's completely festive. (via Sprinkle Bakes)
How Sweet Eats
If you prefer snowflakes and twinkly lights to bright red and green decorations, you'll love this fluffy vanilla almond cake with cream cheese frosting. (via How Sweet Eats)
Sprinkle Bakes
But if you do love colorful decorations, opt for this wreath cake, decked out with nonpareils and candy canes. (via Sprinkle Bakes)
Averie Cooks
Instead of rolling out dough to make individual cookies, bake up these bars, and have fun making your own sprinkle design on top. (via Averie Cooks)
The View From Great Island
It truly isn’t the holidays without some jam-filled thumbprint cookies to munch on. Though a berry jam is most commonly used, the choice of this orange jam is brilliant. (via The View From Great Island)
My Life Cookbook
You don't have to be an artist to make an adorable tree-shaped dollop of mousse in these chocolate cups. (via My Life Cookbook)
Best Friends for Frosting
Bite-size cream puffs are the ideal treat, and with a light peppermint ganache and festive sprinkles, they're holiday-ready. (via Best Friends for Frosting)
Feel Good Foodie
We love how fluffy mousse is, and this Christmas dessert (which only needs four ingredients, FYI!!) mixes in peppermint extract for the perfect seasonal flavor. Add some crushed candy canes on top for an extra cute detail. (via Feel Good Foodie)
Passion for Savings
Don't be intimidated by the cylindrical shape; this colorful cake is both easy to bake and easy to roll up while hot. (via Passion for Savings)
Just a Little Bit of Bacon
If the cranberry sauce at your Thanksgiving dinner didn’t satisfy your cranberry needs, this festive tart will. Fresh cranberries are piled into a shortbread crust over a luscious layer of almond cream, and it’s kind of the best thing ever. (via Just a Little Bit of Bacon)
Leite's Culinaria
Popular in Austria, these melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookies are a simple blend of hazelnuts, butter, and powdered sugar. (via Leite's Culinaria)
Domestic Gothess
Filled with mincemeat, marzipan, and apricot jam, this impressive buttery wreath is packed with flavor. And since it's fruity, you can get away with eating it for breakfast. (via Domestic Gothess)
Half Baked Harvest
Have more Christmas cookies than you know what to do with? Use them to top these velvety, chocolate-rich crème brûlées. (via Half Baked Harvest)
The View From Great Island
If you want to get real fancy, haul out your bundt cake pan and try this recipe. The patterned cake looks even more impressive when laden with a shiny glaze. (via The View From Great Island)
Crowded Kitchen
These heart-shaped cookies are so much easier to make than you'd think. Impress your Christmas guests with a bout of sugar cookies! (via Crowded Kitchen)
Forks and Foliage
If you can't handle full-on sweetness, try these brownies that mix in some tahini for a nutty flavor addition. The flaky salt on top adds an edge that you do not want to miss out on. (via Forks and Foliage)
Rachel Mansfield
Is there a better duo than chocolate and peanut butter? These blossoms feature creamy peanut butter and dark chocolate chips for a rich, smooth take on the classic combo. (via Rachel Mansfield)
Averie Cooks
This citrusy, just slightly olive-oily cake will brighten up your winter diet, and the touch of Grand Marnier makes it taste extra-elegant. (via Averie Cooks)
Vanilla and Bean
Okay, regular Oreos. We raise you one with these uniquely delicious (and super festive!) homemade sandwich cookies! (via Vanilla and Bean)
Chef Genevieve LaMonaca
For this delicious Christmas dessert, roll 60 (3lbs) white donut holes in 2.25oz green sugar sprinkles, then cover a 5.5 x 13.5-inch foam cone in plastic wrap. Insert your toothpicks (you'll need 60) into the foam, then push donut hole on the toothpick. Start from the bottom and work your way up. Add 1/2 cup peanut M&M’s to fill holes to resemble Christmas ornaments. Top with gold star cupcake topper. Cover with saran wrap until ready to use. Make up to 3 days ahead of time!
Follow us on Pinterest and check out our online baking classes for more festive Christmas desserts!
This article has been updated with additional reporting by Justina Huddleston, Dana Sandonato, Meredith Holser, and Chloe Williams.
As much as I love an ugly Christmas sweater party, a small part of me still cringes at just how wacky they can be. There's a very fine line between 'ugly Christmas sweater' and 'playful holiday get-up' – but I think these fun holiday sweaters strike the perfect balance of the two. They're all colorful, festive, and so much fun to wear to any and every holiday get-together you've got going this year.
Anthropologie
With 'tinsel' literally in this sweater's name, you'll be making a shiny statement wherever you wear this piece. It also comes in silver, gold, navy blue, and brown to suit your personal holiday style.
Abercrombie & Fitch
This femme 'fit boasts a bow that's reminiscent of holiday gifts and all things merry. It only helps that this sweater is super soft to the touch!
Urban Outfitters
This sweet holiday sweater has an adorable reindeer design along the front, so it's instantly going to fit in for any holiday party. You can also snag the pair of matching shorts to complete the coziness if you'd rather stay in.
Urban Outfitters
With this sweater, you'll literally be a star. The color palette challenges holiday tradition in the best way, though you could totally make it a better fit for a party with a black mini skirt, tights, and metallic boots.
Anthropologie
Oh, so fancy! This cardi's collar is lined with faux fur to make it feel ultra-luxe. Layer it over your best party dress, and voila!
Nordstrom
Bring on more bows, please! This tie-up cardigan secures with two oversized velvet bows that speak to the holiday season flawlessly.
Gap Factory
Snoopy is truly a holiday icon, especially in his dramatic puffer jacket. Don the famous dog on this cozy sweatshirt – it's so much cuter than an ugly Christmas sweater, plus you'll earn mega compliments (everyone loves Snoop!) wearing it.
Free People
This fuzzy sweater is downright festive, thanks to the traditional stripes across the top half. We love it because it still leans very 'holiday,' but isn't explicitly so, since the color palette isn't just reds and greens.
Nordstrom
Espresso martinis are a hallmark of the holiday season, and you simply can't change our minds on that. Get playful with your holiday sweater selection with this design that evokes a happy hour at any time of day, especially on a holiday break away from school or work!
Free People
You'll be able to get a lot of wear out of this sweet red sweater around the holidays! The slouchy fit is ideal for pairing with even more winter layers to stay warm.
American Eagle
With Christmas' favorite villain on it, this super-soft sweater will always be in style around the holidays.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Christmas party games are a fun way to connect, relieve some holiday stress, and bring some holiday cheer, way better than zoning out in front of the TV or navigating tricky political conversations. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or hosting the big day (or eve), here are some ROFL Christmas games for adults and kids to experience real holiday joy, perhaps create some new traditions, and take the best IG shots of the season.
Shutterstock
Play charades with a holiday twist! Write down Christmas-themed clues (e.g., decorating a tree, Rudolph, Mariah Carey, building a snowman...) and have teams act them out. Keep it simple for kids, especially ones learning to read, or add some pop culture references (Buddy the Elf, anyone?) for adults-only parties.
Shutterstock
Play short snippets of Christmas songs and have guests guess the title. To up the challenge, use instrumental versions or hum the tune. For kids, you can turn this into musical chairs with holiday music!
Shutterstock
Create trivia questions about Christmas movies, traditions, and songs. Bonus points for the most obscure facts! Here's a few to start:
Shutterstock
Use candles, essential oils, or holiday-themed spices like cinnamon, peppermint, or pine. Blindfold guests and have them guess the scent. Throw in some unexpected surprises like egg nog, maple syrup or Scotch tape.
Shutterstock
If you're lucky enough to have a White Christmas, set up buckets outside labeled with different point values. Guests toss real snowballs, or “snowballs” like white cotton balls or small foam balls if you're playing indoors, into the buckets for points.
Shutterstock
Find awkwardly shaped items around the house, like a basketball or stuffed animal, and provide rolls of wrapping paper. The fastest (and neatest) gift wrapper wins!
Shutterstock
Hand out spoons or chopsticks and teams have to race to get ornaments from one side of the room to another.
Shutterstock
Similar to an Easter egg hunt, hide candy canes around the house or yard and let guests hunt for them. Wrap a few with dollar bills to up the ante .;)
Shutterstock
Stick Christmas-themed names or characters (e.g., the Grinch, Jude Law, Holiday Armadillo, Charlie Brown) on players' foreheads. Guests ask yes/no questions to guess who they are. It's a great ice breaker for new friends!
Anything with a ticking clock adds a certain element of hilarity to it. Give your teams gingerbread houses with icing and decorations. Let the creativity flow, and award prizes for categories like “most festive” or “funniest" or "worst construction."
Jingle Bell Toss: Set up your college-era Solo cups into a bowling pin formation at opposite ends of the table. Each players tries to get large jingle bells
Human Hungry Hungry Hippo: Pair up, stand in a circle, and hand out plastic candy canes. Toss shatterproof Christmas balls in the middle of the circle. One person stands, holding the feet of the other person on the floor. The person on the floor tries to collect more balls with the candy cane than the other teams for a human version of Hungry Hungry Hippo!
Christmas Pictionary: Like charades, but on paper. Use pop culture references like "Hallmark Holiday Movie" or holiday-themed phrases like "Silent Night" for teammates to guess.
Left-Right Christmas Story Game: Make up a holiday story that includes the words "left" and "right" often. Guests pass a wrapped gift or object left or right as the words are mentioned, and whoever holds it at the end keeps the gift!
Christmas Bingo: Downloadbingo cards with holiday symbols or themes. Mark them off as they’re called out. First to yell “Bingo!” wins.
Reindeer Ring Toss: Use inflatable reindeer antler hats (or make your own) and toss rings to see who can "decorate" the reindeer.
Christmas Cookie Taste Test: Bake or buy a variety of holiday cookies. Blindfold guests and see who can identify the most flavors correctly.
Christmas Movie Emoji Quiz: Create a string of emojis that represent Christmas movies and have guests guess the titles.
Snowman Building Contest: If there’s snow, go outdoors for a snowman-building competition! If indoors, use toilet paper to “wrap” someone as a snowman.
Holiday Scavenger Hunt: Make a list of Christmas-related items like a red ornament, mistletoe, or a stocking and have guests search for them in teams.
Christmas Karaoke: Set up a karaoke machine or app and sing along to holiday classics. Bonus points for best singer or most dramatic performance!
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
