Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s time to start prepping for that perfect feast. If you’re ready to try something new this year, we’ve got you covered. This post has gathered some of the best Thanksgiving recipes, ensuring your feast will be memorable for family and friends alike. From a classic roasted turkey to innovative dishes and decadent desserts, there’s something for every type of gathering. So put on your apron, and let’s get ready to cook the best Thanksgiving dinner yet.
Take your menu up a notch with innovative cooking methods and ingredients. Try air fryer recipes for a healthier twist on favorites or grill some side dishes for that smoky flavor. Don’t overlook the opportunity to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into delectable treats, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate dinner for two, it’s crucial to adapt your menu. Traditional dishes are always crowd pleasers, but don’t forget to cater to guests with dietary restrictions. Vegetarian and gluten-free options can add a unique twist to your menu. And you can always ask guests to contribute a dish potluck-style.
Don’t shy away from adding your own flair to classic recipes. Try brining the turkey this year or throwing some roasted almonds into the green bean casserole. Whether it’s a new seasoning for your stuffing or adding a gourmet touch to your pecan pie, twisting it up can make otherwise traditional recipes stand out.
To ensure a stress-free cooking experience, plan your Thanksgiving menu in advance. Balance new recipes with beloved traditional dishes and organize a timeline for cooking. Aim for a variety of side dishes, appetizers and desserts to round out your Thanksgiving feast.
It’s a time for gratitude, togetherness and, of course, a delicious meal. As your local library, we’re here to help bring your innovative Thanksgiving ideas to life. We have a wide range of cookbooks and resources to inspire your culinary adventures. So gather the knowledge you need and embark on a Thanksgiving celebration that will not only fill your stomach, but also your heart. We wish you a wonderful and memorable Thanksgiving, full of great food, joy and cherished moments.
29APR10:00 AM10:45 AMToddlertime10:00 AM – 10:45 AM South Congaree Branch
A fun-filled interactive program for toddlers and their grownups that uses rhymes, songs, puppets, musical instruments and more to kindle the learning process. (24–36 months)
A fun-filled interactive program for toddlers and their grownups that uses rhymes, songs, puppets, musical instruments and more to kindle the learning process. (24–36 months)
APRIL 29, 2024 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
29APR11:30 AM12:15 PMPreschool Storytime11:30 AM – 12:15 PM South Congaree Branch
Share a lifelong love of reading with your little one by exploring stories and activities together. This storytime is designed to promote language and listening skills, expand the
Share a lifelong love of reading with your little one by exploring stories and activities together. This storytime is designed to promote language and listening skills, expand the imagination and spark curiosity about the world around us. (ages 3–5 years)
APRIL 29, 2024 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
29APR6:00 PM7:00 PMBook Club: Murder on Mondays YA Edition6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Chapin Branch Library
Will you uncover the truth? Delve into secrets, lies, puzzles, misdirection, cliffhangers and surprise endings in a selection of murder mysteries written especially for young adults. (ages 16+)
Will you uncover the truth? Delve into secrets, lies, puzzles, misdirection, cliffhangers and surprise endings in a selection of murder mysteries written especially for young adults. (ages 16+)
APRIL 29, 2024 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
29APR6:30 PM7:00 PMPajama Storytime6:30 PM – 7:00 PM Lexington Main Library
Throw on your PJs, grab a blanket, invite your stuffed animal friend and snuggle in for a soothing evening of stories, songs and rhymes. (families with children)
Throw on your PJs, grab a blanket, invite your stuffed animal friend and snuggle in for a soothing evening of stories, songs and rhymes. (families with children)
APRIL 29, 2024 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
29APR6:30 PM7:30 PMBook Club: Monday Evening Book Club6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Irmo Branch Library
Read a variety of books and enjoy a lively discussion in a friendly, casual atmosphere. (ages 18+)
Read a variety of books and enjoy a lively discussion in a friendly, casual atmosphere. (ages 18+)
APRIL 29, 2024 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
30APR10:30 AM11:30 AMPreschool Storytime10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Gaston Branch Library
Share a lifelong love of reading with your little one by exploring stories and activities together. This storytime is designed to promote language and listening skills, expand the
Share a lifelong love of reading with your little one by exploring stories and activities together. This storytime is designed to promote language and listening skills, expand the imagination and spark curiosity about the world around us. (ages 3–5 years)
APRIL 30, 2024 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
30APR11:00 AM12:00 PMLifelong Learning: Financial Literacy11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pelion Branch Library
Learn about finances from an expert. Presented in partnership with Truist Pelion Branch. (ages 18+)
Learn about finances from an expert. Presented in partnership with Truist Pelion Branch. (ages 18+)
APRIL 30, 2024 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
30APR11:30 AM4:30 PMGiving Back: Red Cross Blood Drive11:30 AM – 4:30 PM Cayce-West Columbia Branch
Your blood can save lives. The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at the library, and we’ll have plenty of reading materials ready to help pass the time. Schedule your appointment
Your blood can save lives. The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at the library, and we’ll have plenty of reading materials ready to help pass the time. Schedule your appointment with redcrossblood.org. (ages 18+)
APRIL 30, 2024 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM
30APR4:30 PM5:30 PMChallenge Accepted: Board Game Night4:30 PM – 5:30 PM Gilbert-Summit Branch
Play games, eat goodies and more at this low-key game night. (grades 9–12)
Play games, eat goodies and more at this low-key game night. (grades 9–12)
APRIL 30, 2024 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
30APR5:30 PM6:00 PMPajama Storytime5:30 PM – 6:00 PM Gilbert-Summit Branch
Throw on your PJ’s, grab a blanket, invite your stuffed animal friend and snuggle in for a soothing evening of stories, songs and rhymes. (families with children)
Throw on your PJ’s, grab a blanket, invite your stuffed animal friend and snuggle in for a soothing evening of stories, songs and rhymes. (families with children)
APRIL 30, 2024 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM
01MAY10:00 AM11:00 AMHandmade: Fiber Friends10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Lexington Main Library
Relax and work on your current project while chatting with fellow crafters. Bring your knitting, crochet or needlework, and troubleshoot challenges in a group setting. (ages 18+)
Relax and work on your current project while chatting with fellow crafters. Bring your knitting, crochet or needlework, and troubleshoot challenges in a group setting. (ages 18+)
MAY 1, 2024 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
01MAY1:00 PM2:00 PMPreschool Storytime1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Chapin Branch Library
Share a lifelong love of reading with your little one by exploring stories and activities together. This storytime is designed to promote language and listening skills, expand the imagination and
Share a lifelong love of reading with your little one by exploring stories and activities together. This storytime is designed to promote language and listening skills, expand the imagination and spark curiosity about the world around us. (ages 3–5 years)
MAY 1, 2024 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
01MAY3:00 PM4:00 PMLego Club3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Gilbert-Summit Branch
Tackle an engineering challenge or let your imagination run wild as you explore what you can build with Lego bricks. (grades K–5)
Tackle an engineering challenge or let your imagination run wild as you explore what you can build with Lego bricks. (grades K–5)
MAY 1, 2024 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
01MAY4:00 PM5:00 PMLego Club4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Gaston Branch Library
Tackle an engineering challenge or let your imagination run wild as you explore what you can build with Lego bricks. (all ages)
Tackle an engineering challenge or let your imagination run wild as you explore what you can build with Lego bricks. (all ages)
MAY 1, 2024 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
01MAY4:00 PM6:00 PMHandmade: Stitch2Gether4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Cayce-West Columbia Branch
Relax and work on your current project while chatting with fellow crafters. Bring your needed materials. (ages 16+)
Relax and work on your current project while chatting with fellow crafters. Bring your needed materials. (ages 16+)
MAY 1, 2024 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
01MAY6:00 PM7:00 PMCommunity: Poetry Party6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Pelion Branch Library
Wrap up National Poetry Month with this celebration. Listen to poetry written by members of our community and congratulate the winners of our annual Poetry Contest. (all ages)
Wrap up National Poetry Month with this celebration. Listen to poetry written by members of our community and congratulate the winners of our annual Poetry Contest. (all ages)
MAY 1, 2024 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
01MAY6:00 PM8:00 PMGame On: Community Game Night6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Irmo Branch Library
Drop in for an evening of games with the community, from old favorites to new adventures. Bring your family and friends, or come solo and meet someone new, as we
Drop in for an evening of games with the community, from old favorites to new adventures. Bring your family and friends, or come solo and meet someone new, as we play together. Presented in partnership with Firefly Toys & Games. (all ages)
MAY 1, 2024 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
02MAY10:00 AM11:00 AMBook Club: Rowdy Readers Book Club10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Irmo Branch Library
Read a variety of books and enjoy a lively discussion in a friendly, casual atmosphere. (ages 18+)
Read a variety of books and enjoy a lively discussion in a friendly, casual atmosphere. (ages 18+)
MAY 2, 2024 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
02MAY10:00 AM12:00 PMNow Showing: Mystery Movies10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Cayce-West Columbia Branch
Practice your armchair detective skills while watching a mix of classic and modern whodunit movies. (ages 16+)
Practice your armchair detective skills while watching a mix of classic and modern whodunit movies. (ages 16+)
MAY 2, 2024 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
02MAY2:00 PM3:00 PMHandmade: Bullet Journal2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Lexington Main Library
Bullet journaling is a method of journaling using dotted instead of lined paper, allowing people to express their creativity and organize their lives while engaging in mindfulness. Materials will be
Bullet journaling is a method of journaling using dotted instead of lined paper, allowing people to express their creativity and organize their lives while engaging in mindfulness. Materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own journal. (ages 18+)
MAY 2, 2024 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
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