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- Our ‘anything goes’ Thanksgiving potluck keeps it low-stress. Last year, we had tacos, and this year, someone’s bringing chicken wings. (businessinsider.com)
Local Family Ditches Traditional Thanksgiving Stress for “Anything Goes” Potluck
A local family of six has found a unique way to reclaim Thanksgiving from the overwhelming expectations of a traditional feast: an “anything goes” potluck. Tired of the endless cooking, cleaning, and the pressure to create a “picture-perfect” holiday, Rachel Garlinghouse and her husband have opted for a decidedly low-key approach, prioritizing comfort and connection over culinary coordination.
Garlinghouse, a working parent, explained that their initial attempts at hosting a traditional Thanksgiving, honoring both sides of their family, quickly led to exhaustion and grumpiness. “We spent days before the Thanksgiving meal in the kitchen, prepping dish after dish, on top of days of cleaning and re-cleaning,” she recounted. “The expectations for a picture-perfect holiday became too much.”
Now, their Thanksgiving celebration is a relaxed affair where every attending family brings a few dishes of their choosing. This year, the spread will include everything from chicken wings and a fruit platter brought by Garlinghouse’s sister, to the family’s traditional gluten-free sweet potato pies and a new s’mores cake recipe.
Last year, a DIY taco bar was a highlight. “Yes, our Thanksgiving is a potluck, and no, the foods don’t always coordinate.
And that’s OK with me,” Garlinghouse emphasized.
Comfort is key, extending beyond the food. The family has ditched formal attire, encouraging guests to come in whatever makes them most comfortable. Garlinghouse herself plans to wear a Christmas graphic tee, jeans, and house slippers, while her children are free to choose their own outfits, even if that means yoga pants.
The dining setup is equally unfussy. For a gathering of 15, including seven children, folding tables and chairs are the norm. Washable, stain-resistant tablecloths and disposable plates and platters are used to minimize cleanup, allowing more time for enjoyment and less for chores.
To foster a cozy and laid-back atmosphere, the family turns on the fireplace and plays jazz music or kid-friendly playlists. Activities are also planned to keep younger guests entertained, with a separate table set up for holiday-themed coloring sheets and board games available for older children and adults.
Perhaps one of the most unconventional choices is keeping to their regular lunch schedule. Instead of delaying the meal for hours, their buffet-style Thanksgiving opens at 12:30 p.m., preventing “hangry” moments and ensuring everyone can enjoy the food when they’re ready.
This local family’s “anything goes” Thanksgiving offers a refreshing alternative to the holiday hustle, proving that a truly memorable celebration can be found in simplicity and shared joy.