By Ashley Tatum | Global Luxury Real Estate & Design | Coldwell Banker Global Luxury
Connection Is the Real Centerpiece
Thanksgiving is about more than turkey and pie — it’s about togetherness. Whether your table seats four or twenty-four, the best memories are made between bites, laughter, and a little friendly competition.
As someone who loves hosting and design, I know that the magic of the holidays comes from the energy you create — cozy, connected, and a little bit playful.
Here are my favorite Thanksgiving games and activities to keep guests of all ages engaged long after the last slice of pumpkin pie.
1. The Gratitude Game
Best for: Dinner table bonding
Before dessert, pass around a small bowl filled with slips of paper labeled with prompts like:
“A moment this year that surprised me…”
“Someone who made my life easier…”
“One thing I’m looking forward to…”
Each guest draws one and shares. It’s heartwarming, funny, and often tear-jerking in the best way.
💫 Ashley’s Tip: Keep the slips in a keepsake jar to revisit next year.
2. Turkey Trivia
Best for: Teens & adults who love competition
Create a quick trivia game — everything from “What year was Thanksgiving declared a national holiday?” to “What’s the most popular Thanksgiving side dish in the U.S.?”
Break guests into teams, add a small prize (like a candle or bottle of wine), and watch the fun unfold.
📚 Bonus: Include local San Diego questions (“Which beach hosts the annual Turkey Trot?”) for hometown flair.
3. The Family Feud – Holiday Edition
Best for: Large gatherings
Use index cards or a whiteboard to create your own version of Family Feud with holiday-themed questions.
Examples:
“Name something you put on a Thanksgiving table.”
“What’s a dish people pretend to like?”
“Favorite pie flavor?”
Divide into “families” and let the laughter begin!
🏆 Ashley’s Hosting Tip: Use your living room TV or projector to display the “board” if you want to get fancy.
4. Turkey Tag (Backyard Fun)
Best for: Kids & kids-at-heart
If you’re lucky enough to have San Diego’s November sunshine, head outside!
Use clothespins with paper feathers labeled with each player’s name. The goal? Tag other players while protecting your own feathers.
🏃♀️ Local Twist: Play this at sunset in the yard or on the beach for extra fun (and great photos!).
5. The Great Pie Bake-Off
Best for: Foodies & aspiring bakers
Host a “bake-off” with family members bringing their favorite dessert creations.
Have everyone taste and vote anonymously for “Best Presentation,” “Most Creative Flavor,” or “Tastes Like Home.”
🥧 Pro Tip: Create small tasting cards with gold or fall-toned stationery for a polished touch.
6. The Thanksgiving Photo Challenge
Best for: Everyone — especially your creative guests
Hand out prompts like:
“Cutest kid moment”
“Best plate presentation”
“Most colorful dish”
“Funniest family expression”
At the end of the night, scroll through the photos together — instant laughs and Instagram-worthy memories.
📷 Ashley’s Tip: Create a shared album labeled “Thanksgiving 2025” so everyone can add and relive the day.
7. Candle of Kindness
Best for: Reflective moments before dinner
Light a single candle and pass it around the table.
Each person shares one thing they’re thankful for or a person they want to honor.
When everyone’s had a turn, keep the candle burning as a symbol of gratitude throughout the evening.
❤️ Why it matters: It brings calm and connection before the laughter and chaos begin.
8. “Who Said It?” – Family Edition
Best for: Families with lots of inside jokes
Before guests arrive, jot down funny or iconic phrases people have said throughout the year (“I told you not to touch that!” or “I’ll just have one more slice…”).
Guests guess who said it — you’ll be amazed how many family legends come out.
9. The Thanksgiving Talent Show
Best for: Families who love to perform
Kids sing, grandparents tell stories, adults share hidden talents — it’s lighthearted, inclusive, and guaranteed to create memories.
🎤 Add a twist: Make it a “Turkey Trophy” contest with a small prize for the crowd favorite.
🦃 Make It Meaningful, Not Perfect
The best gatherings aren’t flawless — they’re real.
Let the kids make a mess, let the dog steal a roll, and laugh through it all.
It’s not about how your table looks (though I know you’ve styled it beautifully 😉) — it’s about how your home feels.
As someone who helps families find the homes where these memories are made, I can tell you — these are the moments that matter most.
📩 Happy Thanksgiving from my home to yours.
If you’re dreaming of celebrating next year in a new space — whether by the beach or in the hills — I’d love to help you make that move.
—
Ashley Tatum
Global Luxury Real Estate & Interior Design
Coldwell Banker | Del Mar, CA
🌐 AshleyTatumRealEstate.com
📸 @ashleytatumrealestate
✨ Born & Raised in San Diego | Local Expertise, Global Reach