In the Fall of 2014, I spent a semester abroad in Florence, which was amazing! However, I didn’t have my family to celebrate Thanksgiving with! Often times, I wondered how do people celebrate Thanksgiving in another country? How am I planning Thanksgiving abroad? It’s actually quite easy if you’re in a super popular city like I was! However, Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks, so it’s actually really nice to share it with people who are in the same boat as you! If you’re freaking out about where you’re going to do Thanksgiving, don’t. Here’s a little post about planning Thanksgiving abroad…
So, Huffington Post has a good article about planning Thanksgiving abroad, but we’re going to go on an easier route, right? We’re studying abroad and on a budget! You can use some of these tips almost anywhere!
I highly recommend this menu creator from NYTimes. It’s filled with awesomeness! Other than that, here’s some recipes, that look so delicious and easy:
- Cranberry Salsa
- Deviled Eggs with Bacon
- Baked Brie With Maple Roasted Cranberries
- Fruit Salad
- No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
So, if that’s not your thing, here’s a few places you can go if you’re planning Thanksgiving abroad (in Florence):
- The Diner
So, I actually decided to have Thanksgiving here. It’s not bad! You’re not going to find your mom’s mashed potatoes or your grandma’s pumpkin pie here. Meal is 30 euro per person, and usually includes roast turkey with stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cornbread and buttermilk biscuits. For dessert, you can have apple pie and pumpkin pie. Also, wine and water is included, and they have vegetarian options. You have to call 055 290748 to reserve your table. - Ristorante Academia
According to The Florentine, Ristorante Academia is also having Thanksgiving. I had a few friends have Thanksgiving there, and they enjoyed it. You can enjoy an evening meal of pumpkin soup with cornbread, turkey with stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and creamed corn. Also, dessert includes apple strudel, pumpkin or apple pie. However, reserve early, and the meal is 35 euro per person. Unfortunately, drinks are not included. Call 055 217343 or email info@ristoranteaccademia.it - Ristorante Quinoa
Also listed by The Florentine, Ristorante Quinoa is having Thanksgiving dinner. You can have butternut squash soup with crusty bread, followed by roast turkey with stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and veggies, with pumpkin pie and gelato to finish. Additionally, the meal is 25 euro per person, glass of wine and water included. Call 055 290876 to book.
The source of these three places are directly from The Florentine. I used this to help with planning Thanksgiving abroad when I was studying in Florence.
Additionally, I did a little research, and here are some places having Thanksgiving in Paris this year:
- Ô Chateau
So at this restaurant, you can enjoy Pumpkin Velouté, roasted turkey, potatoes al gratin, chives, homemade coleslaw Apple tart and Vanilla & Pecan nut ice cream, and a choice of wine pairings. The standard selection of the sommelier is 31 euro, and the premium is 67 euro. - Verjus
According to their website, they will be serving Thanksgiving dinner. Dinner will feature a Thanksgiving-themed preset tasting menu and wine pairing. The website didn’t include a menu or pricing, so we recommend calling first. - Breakfast in America
We’ve found a pretty good deal at this restaurant. Firstly, you get a choice of an apératif: kir or non-alcoholic fruit cocktail or Stella (beer). Starter choice includes home-made soup or salad. The main course includes traditional turkey plate with gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, vegetables and cranberry sauce. Finally, your choices of dessert are homemade pie (pumpkin, apple or pecan pie). All of this adds up to 36.95 euro. Make sure to check out their website on how to reserve your party.
There you have it! See, planning Thanksgiving abroad can be super easy. Also, from my experience, going to one of the restaurants that are holding Thanksgiving feasts is one of the easiest options! You’re studying abroad! This is your time to enjoy!
For more Thanksgiving posts, check out the Thanksgiving archives. If you love to party and love to know how to throw a festive get-together, click here.
Follow Girl In Gamba on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
