Hearth & Petals

  • Home Decor
  • Outdoor
  • Paint & DIY
  • Styles
  • Seasonal
  • Planning
menu icon
hearth & petals
  • Home Decor
    Browse Home Decor sections
    browse home decorsee all home decor

    by room

    Living RoomsBedroomsKitchensBathroomsEntryways & HallwaysHome Offices & Studies

    decor ideas

    Whole-Home DecoratingDecorative Accents & Seasonal DecorStorage & ShelvingFurniture & Layout

    walls, color and features

    Color & Paint PairingsAccent WallsWallpaper & Wall TreatmentsWall Decor & MirrorsFireplaces & MantelsInterior Lighting

    real-life needs

    Small SpacesBudget-FriendlyRenter-FriendlyKids & Pets at Home
  • Outdoor
    Browse Outdoor sections
    browse outdoorsee all outdoor

    outdoor living

    Backyards & Outdoor LivingPatios & CourtyardsPorches & Front DoorsBalconiesPools & Hot Tubs

    garden, curb appeal and privacy

    Gardens & LandscapingHome Exteriors & Curb AppealFences & Privacy
  • Paint & DIY
    Browse Paint & DIY sections
    browse paint & diysee all paint & diy

    projects, answers and prep

    Painting Projects & How-TosPaint Questions & TroubleshootingPaint, Primer & FinishesPaint ComparisonsPrep, Safety & CleanupCrafts & Creative Projects
  • Styles
    Browse Styles sections
    browse stylessee all styles

    featured styles

    ModernCoastalCountry & FarmhouseBohoCottageRustic

    more styles

    Vintage & RetroMediterraneanMinimalistIndustrialAmericana
  • Seasonal
    Browse Seasonal sections
    browse seasonalsee all seasonal

    plan by season

    FallWinterSpringSummer

    holidays coming up

    HalloweenThanksgivingChristmasNew Year's DayValentine's DayEaster

    celebrate and gather

    Parties & GatheringsTable Styling & CenterpiecesGifts & KeepsakesParty Food & Drinks
  • Planning
    Browse Planning sections
    browse planningsee all planning tools

    turn inspiration into a plan

    Make a Saved Idea WorkBuild a 12-Week Project PlanFind Your Decorating Style

    choose and measure

    Compare Paint ColorsPaint CalculatorWallpaper Calculator
17.9k+ on PinterestSubscribe
search icon
hearth & petals
  • Home Decor
    Browse Home Decor sections
    browse home decorsee all home decor

    by room

    Living RoomsBedroomsKitchensBathroomsEntryways & HallwaysHome Offices & Studies

    decor ideas

    Whole-Home DecoratingDecorative Accents & Seasonal DecorStorage & ShelvingFurniture & Layout

    walls, color and features

    Color & Paint PairingsAccent WallsWallpaper & Wall TreatmentsWall Decor & MirrorsFireplaces & MantelsInterior Lighting

    real-life needs

    Small SpacesBudget-FriendlyRenter-FriendlyKids & Pets at Home
  • Outdoor
    Browse Outdoor sections
    browse outdoorsee all outdoor

    outdoor living

    Backyards & Outdoor LivingPatios & CourtyardsPorches & Front DoorsBalconiesPools & Hot Tubs

    garden, curb appeal and privacy

    Gardens & LandscapingHome Exteriors & Curb AppealFences & Privacy
  • Paint & DIY
    Browse Paint & DIY sections
    browse paint & diysee all paint & diy

    projects, answers and prep

    Painting Projects & How-TosPaint Questions & TroubleshootingPaint, Primer & FinishesPaint ComparisonsPrep, Safety & CleanupCrafts & Creative Projects
  • Styles
    Browse Styles sections
    browse stylessee all styles

    featured styles

    ModernCoastalCountry & FarmhouseBohoCottageRustic

    more styles

    Vintage & RetroMediterraneanMinimalistIndustrialAmericana
  • Seasonal
    Browse Seasonal sections
    browse seasonalsee all seasonal

    plan by season

    FallWinterSpringSummer

    holidays coming up

    HalloweenThanksgivingChristmasNew Year's DayValentine's DayEaster

    celebrate and gather

    Parties & GatheringsTable Styling & CenterpiecesGifts & KeepsakesParty Food & Drinks
  • Planning
    Browse Planning sections
    browse planningsee all planning tools

    turn inspiration into a plan

    Make a Saved Idea WorkBuild a 12-Week Project PlanFind Your Decorating Style

    choose and measure

    Compare Paint ColorsPaint CalculatorWallpaper Calculator

×
Home » Celebrations & Entertaining » Party Food & Drinks

Published: Sep 22, 2026 This post may contain affiliate links

by Bob Thomas Founder & editor · interior decorator and house painter, 10+ years Published 22 September 2026
About Bob Editorial standards


    Friendsgiving · plan the sides

    seven veggie sides for a Friendsgiving table

    From almond-topped green beans to creamy spinach, choose the vegetable and texture your dinner is missing. Each dish leads to its creator's complete recipe.

    Seven distinct vegetable sides on one warm Friendsgiving table, each in its own dish.
    Original source-independent AI-assisted H&P scene.
    by Bob Thomashow we check thingsupdated September 23, 2026
    choose what fits ↓

    Image note. A source-independent H&P visualization of the article theme, not a photograph of a display built or tested by Hearth & Petals.

    Choose the vegetable side your Friendsgiving dinner is missing: a crisp raw bowl, a green with bite, a sweet roasted piece or a creamy spoonful. These seven vegetables offer different ways to fill those gaps.

    Settle the table choice here, then open the named creator's complete recipe for the ingredients and cooking instructions. Each H&P image is an independent illustration, not a photograph of that recipe's finished dish.


    Find the missing texture

    What would make the table feel complete?

    Start with the missing texture. For two sides, pair across roles: raw cabbage-apple slaw with cauliflower gratin, or whole green beans with roasted squash halves. Both pairs offer different vegetables and eating textures.

    01The dinner needs raw crunchOpen the cabbage and apple slaw02I want a green side with biteStart with whole beans and almonds03An orange roasted vegetable is missingSee the honey butter carrots04The table wants a creamy vegetableOpen the cauliflower gratin

    Chapter01

    Cabbage and apple slaw for a crisp break

    Crisp white and purple cabbage slaw with carrot, red and green apple pieces and scallion.
    Apple Slaw Recipe by Natasha Bull. AI-assisted Hearth & Petals illustration, not a source photograph.

    When most of dinner is hot and soft, this raw cabbage-and-apple side changes the pace.

    Original complete recipe↗Apple Slaw RecipeBy Natasha Bull at Salt & Lavender.Get the cabbage and apple slaw recipe→

    Natasha Bull mixes white and purple cabbage with carrot, red and green apple, and scallion. The cabbage remains the base; apple adds a second kind of bite rather than turning this into a fruit salad.

    Her dressing combines mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar and lime. A Greek-yogurt alternative is in her recipe too. Check the complete ingredients before making a substitution for a guest's dietary need.

    Chapter02

    Green beans almondine with a separate crunch

    Whole green beans with sliced toasted almonds and shallot in a serving bowl.
    Green Beans Almondine by Jeanine Donofrio and Phoebe Moore. AI-assisted Hearth & Petals illustration, not a source photograph.

    Almondine gives whole green beans a crisp finish without turning them into a casserole.

    Original complete recipe↗Green Beans AlmondineBy Jeanine Donofrio and Phoebe Moore at Love & Lemons.Get the green beans almondine recipe→

    If almondine made you expect butter, Jeanine Donofrio and Phoebe Moore's olive-oil version changes the shopping list. Sliced almonds, shallot, garlic and lemon complete this particular preparation.

    save this guide + join the Friday edit

    send me the guide and Friday email.

    Enter your email to receive a clean link to this guide and subscribe to The Week Ahead every Friday, plus occasional Hearth & Petals recommendations and offers.

    You are joining the email list. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy.

    Ask what the host already has: another green-bean dish would double the vegetable even if its topping changes. This one earns its place when beans are missing and a creamy casserole would repeat the table's softer sides.

    Chapter03

    Balsamic Brussels sprouts with fruit and nuts

    Browned Brussels sprout halves with dried cranberries, toasted pecans and a balsamic sheen.
    Balsamic Brussels Sprouts by Jeanine Donofrio and Phoebe Moore. AI-assisted Hearth & Petals illustration, not a source photograph.

    The darker green here comes with dried cranberries and pecans already built into the dish.

    Original complete recipe↗Balsamic Brussels SproutsBy Jeanine Donofrio and Phoebe Moore at Love & Lemons.Get the balsamic brussels sprouts recipe→

    Jeanine Donofrio and Phoebe Moore pair browned Brussels sprout halves with balsamic and honey. Toasted pecans, dried cranberries and a little parsley complete the selected version.

    This one can fill the green-vegetable place with fruit and nuts in the same serving. If another dish already brings dried fruit, the bean recipe may give the dinner a simpler green note.

    Chapter04

    Honey butter carrots in glossy little pieces

    Small diagonally cut roasted carrot pieces with browned edges and a light honey-butter glaze.
    Honey Butter Roasted Carrots by Kelley Simmons. AI-assisted Hearth & Petals illustration, not a source photograph.

    Honey and browned butter make diagonal carrot pieces the sweet-edged root choice.

    Original complete recipe↗Honey Butter Roasted CarrotsBy Kelley Simmons at Chef Savvy.Get the honey butter roasted carrots recipe→

    Kelley Simmons cuts the carrots on the diagonal; the edges brown beneath a light honey-butter glaze. Parsley is optional, so the orange pieces can remain the main event.

    If the table needs only one sweet roasted vegetable, compare serving scale before deciding. These are loose pieces people can take alongside other dishes; the maple squash arrives as substantial halves.

    Chapter05

    Maple roasted acorn squash in its own shell

    Roasted acorn squash halves with dark green shells, empty cavities and a little thyme.
    Roasted Acorn Squash by Jeanine Donofrio and Phoebe Moore. AI-assisted Hearth & Petals illustration, not a source photograph.

    A roasted acorn squash half takes its own place on the plate, dark rind around golden flesh.

    Original complete recipe↗Roasted Acorn SquashBy Jeanine Donofrio and Phoebe Moore at Love & Lemons.Get the maple roasted acorn squash recipe→

    Jeanine Donofrio and Phoebe Moore's current recipe uses vertical halves rather than wedges, with olive oil and maple syrup for the glaze. Fresh thyme is optional.

    Nothing is stuffed into the hollow. That makes this a substantial vegetable side when the dinner needs a distinct piece on the plate, without adding a grain filling or another main.

    Chapter06

    Cauliflower au gratin with a golden crumb

    Cauliflower florets visible in a creamy cheese sauce with a golden panko finish.
    Cauliflower Au Gratin by Holly Erickson and Natalie Mortimer. AI-assisted Hearth & Petals illustration, not a source photograph.

    A thin panko crust covers a bake built around cauliflower florets and cheese sauce.

    Original complete recipe↗Cauliflower Au GratinBy Holly Erickson and Natalie Mortimer at The Modern Proper.Get the cauliflower au gratin recipe→

    Holly Erickson and Natalie Mortimer make the milk sauce with Gruyère and Parmesan. Cauliflower is the vegetable under that sauce; toasted crumbs give the top its finish.

    Check the rest of the table before picking it. Another creamy casserole would cover much the same role. The raw slaw or almondine would leave more contrast; choose the gratin when a vegetable bake is missing.

    Chapter07

    Creamed spinach for a soft green spoonful

    Cooked spinach leaves folded through a light cream sauce in a serving bowl.
    Creamed Spinach by John Kanell. AI-assisted Hearth & Petals illustration, not a source photograph.

    Creamed spinach puts a leafy green into the rich, spoonable place at dinner.

    Original complete recipe↗Creamed SpinachBy John Kanell at Preppy Kitchen.Get the creamed spinach recipe→

    John Kanell combines baby spinach with onion, garlic, heavy cream, cream cheese, Parmesan and nutmeg. That is a different kind of green side from roasted sprouts or whole beans.

    Think of it as something to spoon beside dinner rather than a dip to put out before it. The cream cheese and Parmesan belong to the side-dish recipe, with nutmeg as its quiet detail.

    before you bring a dish

    Keep the source with your choice

    Keep one dish name, the table role it fills and its creator's exact recipe link. If you choose two, save both names and links together, with their different roles beside them. That note still makes sense on cooking day.

    Before shopping or offering to bring a side, read that recipe's ingredients and serving notes. If the plan depends on making it ahead, transporting it, reheating it or meeting a dietary restriction, verify those details separately. H&P has not tested these dishes.

    Source credit identifies each recipe creator; it does not imply affiliation or endorsement. The independent illustrations are ideas for the table, not evidence of a finished source recipe.

    Source credit identifies the original recipe, tutorial or product and does not imply affiliation or endorsement.

    Save this guide to Pinterest

    If you own material shown or referenced here and want it corrected or removed, use our content credit and removal page.


    The email form is loading. You can also subscribe from the site footer.



    quick answers

    A few details before you choose

    Which side adds a raw, crisp bite?

    Natasha Bull's cabbage and apple slaw is the raw choice here. It brings shredded cabbage, carrot and apple beside the cooked sides. Use her complete recipe for the dressing and method.

    Which one is the vegetable bake?

    Holly Erickson and Natalie Mortimer's cauliflower au gratin puts florets in a Gruyère and Parmesan sauce with toasted panko. John Kanell's creamed spinach is the soft spoonable choice, without that crumb top.

    Does veggie mean these recipes meet a dietary restriction?

    No. Veggie means vegetable-centered side dishes here. The linked recipes include ingredients such as honey, butter, cheese, cream, nuts or mayonnaise. Check the exact source ingredients and any notes against the diner's needs.

    Can I make one ahead and bring it?

    This guide has not tested holding, transport or reheating. Use the chosen creator's instructions and verify your actual storage and serving plan before promising to bring the dish.



    keep planning Thanksgiving

    the Thanksgiving recipes collection.

    What belongs on your Thanksgiving menu? Find another Thanksgiving recipe with a clear route to make it.

    • Small watercolor and charcoal golden roast turkey on an oval platter with one rosemary sprig.keep planning the Thanksgiving tableThanksgiving Turkey RecipesCompare five Thanksgiving turkey recipes: an intact roast, spatchcock bird, herb breast, smoked turkey or cider-brined legs, with direct maker links.open the guide →
    • Watercolor illustration of a pumpkin pie with one wedge cut from its golden crust.choose a Thanksgiving pie8 Thanksgiving pies to choose by fillingChoose among eight Thanksgiving pies by filling and texture, from pumpkin and pecan to cranberry, chocolate and coconut cream. Each links to a complete recipe.open the guide →
    • Watercolor illustration of a cranberry punch pitcher, a pale drink with rosemary and citrus peel, and a steaming mug on an orange cloth.more Thanksgiving recipes5 Thanksgiving Punch Recipes, From Sparkling Pear to Hot CranberryChoose from five Thanksgiving punch recipes: cranberry-cider fizz, sparkling pear, pomegranate with vodka, creamy pumpkin, and hot spiced cranberry.open the guide →
    • Watercolor illustration of a complete sweet-potato casserole with miniature marshmallows, pecans and a short serving spoon.more Thanksgiving side ideasThanksgiving Yams: 5 Sweet Potato RecipesChoose maple slices, slow-cooker candied pieces, marshmallow or pecan-streusel casserole, or savory roasted sweet-potato cubes, with links to five full maker recipes.open the guide →
    • Watercolor illustration of three stuffed mushrooms and crackers on a small plate.more Thanksgiving recipessix Thanksgiving appetizers for the hour before dinnerChoose six Thanksgiving appetizers by oven space, make-ahead work and serving style, with direct links to each creator's full recipe.open the guide →
    • Watercolor illustration of a warm cider mug and ruby pomegranate tonic with an autumn leaf.more Thanksgiving recipes6 Thanksgiving drinks for the whole dinner, with and without alcoholSix Thanksgiving drinks with direct maker recipes: three alcohol-free choices, a cranberry margarita, apple cider sangria and a bourbon cider cocktail.open the guide →
    • Watercolor illustration of apple crisp, a pumpkin-roll slice and cranberry-orange Bundt cake with autumn leaves.more Thanksgiving recipessix Thanksgiving desserts beyond pie, chosen by when you can make themChoose six Thanksgiving desserts beyond pie by oven time, chilling and serving style, with direct links to every creator's complete recipe.open the guide →
    • Hand-drawn warm soup bowl and antique spoon in the H&P watercolor collection style.plan your Thanksgiving first course5 Thanksgiving Soup Recipes, from Smooth Squash to French OnionChoose a Thanksgiving first course from five soups by texture, ingredients and preparation, then open each maker’s complete recipe.open the guide →


    Bob Thomas, founder and editor of Hearth & Petals

    written by

    Bob Thomas

    By Bob Thomas for Hearth & Petals.

    as seen in Homes & Gardens · Bob Vila · Yahoo

    more about Bob →follow on Pinterest

      More Party Food & Drinks

      • A cranberry, Brie and pistachio pastry wreath on a scalloped plate beside a knife and green napkin.
        Christmas Wreath Appetizers: 5 Savory Recipe Choices
      • A curly-kale salad wreath with tomatoes, grated cheese and a red-pepper bow on a white plate beside a fork and folded napkin.
        5 Christmas Wreath Salads, From Endive to Caprese
      • Five separate complete soup vessels show the five different warm soup choices.
        5 Thanksgiving Soup Recipes for the First Course
      • Six Thanksgiving side dishes in complete serving dishes: stuffing, mash, panko-topped macaroni, corn spoon bread, green beans and cranberry sauce.
        6 Thanksgiving Side Dishes, From Stuffing to Cranberry Sauce

      leave a reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      the holiday edit · every Friday

      save the celebration. start before the rush.

      Five holiday rooms, tables and front doors, with the next useful thing to choose, gather or make.

      make nowthe best of Halloween
      save nextan easy Thanksgiving table
      start earlyChristmas rooms and porches
      preview this Friday’s edit →
      your Friday holiday edit

      plan the next celebration early.

      Get five well-timed holiday ideas and the one useful thing I would start next. Every Friday.

      By subscribing, you agree to receive The Week Ahead every Friday, plus occasional Hearth & Petals recommendations and offers. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy.
      the week ahead

      save the celebration. skip the last-minute rush.

      Five holiday rooms, tables and front doors, plus what is worth starting next, every Friday.

      By subscribing, you agree to receive The Week Ahead every Friday, plus occasional Hearth & Petals recommendations and offers. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy.
      hearth & petalsideas worth saving. practical plans for making them yours.

      Footer

      ↑ back to top
      AboutSitemapPlanningStandardsContactCredit & removalPartnerTermsPrivacyDisclaimerPinterest ↗Subscribe

      As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, I may earn from qualifying purchases.

      Copyright © 2026 Hearth & Petals