Thanksgiving sets the tone for the weeks to come, so we like to keep it beautifully simple. Start by planning and prepping early. Make a checklist of what can be done ahead — everything from grocery shopping and ingredient prep to setting the table the night before (or earlier if possible). We even label serving platters and utensils in advance, so there’s no guessing game on the big day. When it comes to setting up components of your hosting plan ahead of time – we strongly encourage it.
Brining the turkey (we still swear by Alton Brown’s recipe!) can be done a day or two ahead. Sides like stuffing, casseroles or chopping vegetables for dishes can be prepped early and popped in the oven before guests arrive. We are sharing our fall favorite Apple Crisp dessert because it’s deliciously simple, can be made ahead of time, and doesn’t take up the coveted refrigerator space (recipe below).
And remember – don’t do it all yourself … delegate! Assign everyone a task: someone to pour drinks, another to manage appetizers, help with the timing of dishes, bring food to the table, make sure the gravy hot and someone to help plate desserts or set out on a dessert table. Also, recruit a couple of key players to help clean up after the meal. Hosting shouldn’t mean missing out on the fun.
Set up a drink station — cider punch for kids and a batch cocktail for adults — and a grazing table away from the kitchen. This keeps guests mingling while you finish last-minute touches. Recruit helpers to make sure each area stays stocked and clean. Add place cards and a printed menu (customized from our templates in advance) for a polished feel without the fuss.
Simplify Your December
Once Thanksgiving winds down, the holiday season picks up speed. The secret to enjoying it? Prepare early. We’ve curated a Holiday Gift Guide featuring 50+ thoughtful ideas, organized to make your shopping effortless:
- For the Favorite Cook
- For the Home & Entertainer
- For Men
- For the Travel Lover
- For Young Adults
- Stocking Stuffers
- Personalized Treasures
We’ve done the searching, so you can focus on the giving.
When it comes to wrapping, our 2025 look is understated elegance — think subtle winter patterns, velvet and striped ribbons, greenery sprigs, and personalized gift toppers. They double as keepsakes and make every gift feel special.
Bake, Gift & Gather
December is also for baking, gathering and giving — we’ll be sharing our favorite holiday recipes and DIY ideas on the blog. From amaryllis bulb gifts wrapped in burlap and twine to holiday cookie boxes and a Charleston getaway inspiration, we’ll help you make each tradition feel intentional and beautiful, without being overwhelming.
This month we’re also highlighting our Christmas Market trip in Europe — full of inspiration for cozy décor, homemade gifts, and festive food ideas you can easily recreate at home.
The Shookhill Secret Philosophy
Our holiday mantra is simple: Plan early, keep it easy, and enjoy fully.
Whether it’s a perfectly imperfect Thanksgiving meal or a beautifully wrapped gift, what truly matters are the moments you create and the people you share them with.Try
Apple crisp
Ingredients
- Apple mixture:
- Eight honey crisp apples cord, peeled and cut into slices
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Crumb Topping:
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup rolled oats old-fashioned, or quick cooking
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup butter softened
Instructions
- Cook mixture in uncovered Dutch oven for about 10 minutes until apples soften and liquid reduces.
- Transfer apple mixture to a lightly greased baking dish (either a 9x9 or large round casserole dish works well).
- Mix together all the dry ingredients for the crumb topping then cut in the butter. Top the cooked apples with crumbled topping
- Bake at 375° for 35 to 40 minutes or until bubbly.
