Table of Contents
- 1. Bake your first pie of the season
- 2. Host a soup swap
- 3. Roast a tray of root vegetables
- 4. Make a holiday recipe binder
- 5. Add a Personal Touch with a Thanksgiving Menu Card
- 6. Try a new stuffing recipe
- 7. Make cinnamon rolls on a lazy Sunday
- 8. Build a fall-themed grazing board
- 9. Simmer a pot of mulled wine
- 10. Send out Thanksgiving invites
- 11. Make a batch of compound butter
- 12. Try a one-pot pasta
- 13. Host a pie night
- 14. Make cranberry sauce from scratch
- 15. Master a signature mashed potato
- 16. Bake with brown butter
- 17. Set the table early
- 18. Try a new autumn cocktail
- 19. Stock the freezer
- 20. Roast a chicken with citrus and herbs
- 21. Make a gratitude board in the kitchen
- 22. DIY your Thanksgiving centerpiece
- 23. Try a cozy breakfast bake
- 24. Cook something from your heritage
- 25. Set up a hot chocolate bar
- 26. Bake a loaf of sourdough
- 27. Make a leftovers menu
- 28. Try a slow-cooker dessert
- 29. Bake cookies for a neighbor
- 30. Reflect and journal your favorite November meals
- Download Our Printable Checklist
- Ready to Cook Up Some November Magic?
I don't know about you, but November is one of my favorite months in the kitchen. The scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and roasting vegetables fills the air, comfort food makes its glorious return, and the slow build to the holidays creates the perfect backdrop for cozy cooking. It's also my birthday month, which makes it extra special-a personal excuse to celebrate with good food and loved ones! Whether you're a meticulous planner, a hostess at heart, or simply someone who can't resist a well-baked pie, I've got you covered.
Here are 30 delicious things to do in November-bite-sized ideas to spark creativity, bring warmth to your table, and add a touch of celebration to your days. Don't forget to grab the free November bucket list printable to follow along and make each day of the month a little more delicious and joyful.
1. Bake your first pie of the season
Nothing says November like the scent of a homemade pie cooling on the windowsill. Whether it's a classic apple pie, spiced pumpkin, or decadent pecan, pick your favorite and make it your signature dish this fall.
2. Host a soup swap
Invite friends over with a pot of their best homemade soup and exchange jars. It's cozy, delicious, and perfect for stocking your freezer with comforting meals.
3. Roast a tray of root vegetables
November is peak season for earthy, sweet vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and squash. Roast them with herbs, olive oil, and a pinch of salt for a simple side or meal centerpiece.
4. Make a holiday recipe binder
Print or clip your favorite holiday recipes and create a go-to binder. It's organized, charming, and ensures you have all your seasonal favorites in one place.
5. Add a Personal Touch with a Thanksgiving Menu Card
Hosting a cozy gathering? A thoughtfully written menu instantly elevates the table and doubles as a keepsake. Download our free printable Thanksgiving menu cards to make it easy and elegant!
6. Try a new stuffing recipe
Experiment with classic bread, cornbread, mushroom-leek, or wild rice stuffing. November is the perfect time to perfect your recipe before the big day.
7. Make cinnamon rolls on a lazy Sunday
Spend a morning making slow-rise cinnamon rolls from scratch. Your whole home will smell like a bakery, and breakfast will feel like a celebration.
8. Build a fall-themed grazing board
Assemble spiced nuts, dried fruits, apple slices, cheeses, and charcuterie. Pair with mulled wine or hot cider for instant autumn ambiance.
9. Simmer a pot of mulled wine
Combine red wine, orange peel, cinnamon sticks, and cloves for a warming, spiced beverage that's perfect for sipping while cozying up with a blanket and a good book.
10. Send out Thanksgiving invites
Whether it's Friendsgiving or a family feast, sending festive invites-digital or handwritten-adds a thoughtful touch and sets the tone for the gathering.
11. Make a batch of compound butter
Combine butter with herbs, citrus zest, or garlic for a flavorful spread. Perfect for bread, roasted veggies, or finishing meats with a decadent touch.
12. Try a one-pot pasta
Busy weeknights call for comfort made easy. Toss everything in one pot-our one-pan chorizo pasta is perfect for cozy, fuss-free dinners.
13. Host a pie night
Bake a few pies, savory and sweet, and invite friends to bring wine or sides. A fun, low-pressure evening full of flavor.
14. Make cranberry sauce from scratch
Elevate your Thanksgiving spread with cranberry sauce made from fresh berries, orange zest, and a touch of cinnamon. Once you try it, you won't go back to canned.
15. Master a signature mashed potato
Creamy, garlicky, cheesy, or herbed-practice your ultimate mashed potato recipe now to be the star of your Thanksgiving table.
16. Bake with brown butter
Use brown butter in cookies, cakes, or pancakes for a rich, nutty flavor that instantly elevates classic recipes.
17. Set the table early
Lay linens, polish glassware, and prep your table ahead of time. Small steps like this reduce stress. Grab our free Thanksgiving Checklist and Hosting Guide for even more tips!
18. Try a new autumn cocktail
Seasonal drinks like maple old fashioneds, apple cider mimosas, or pear and rosemary spritzes are perfect for sipping in the crisp November air.
19. Stock the freezer
Double up soups, stews, and cookie dough. Your future self will thank you on busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
20. Roast a chicken with citrus and herbs
A classic, comforting dish that's versatile for family dinners. Try our Lemon and Herb Butter Roast Chicken Recipe for a foolproof crowd-pleaser.
21. Make a gratitude board in the kitchen
Use post-its, chalk, or kraft paper for family or guests to share what they're thankful for throughout the month. A simple way to boost holiday spirit.
22. DIY your Thanksgiving centerpiece
Create a centerpiece with pumpkins, candles, and eucalyptus. Elegant, easy, and perfect for setting a festive mood without fuss.
23. Try a cozy breakfast bake
Think pumpkin French toast casserole or baked oats with cranberries and pecans. Warm, seasonal, and perfect for mornings with family.
24. Cook something from your heritage
Honor your roots-or explore someone else's-by preparing a dish that tells a story. Sharing heritage food adds meaning to your holiday table.
25. Set up a hot chocolate bar
Serve marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, whipped cream, and peppermint spoons. Fun for kids, adults, and a cozy post-dinner treat.
26. Bake a loaf of sourdough
Freshly baked sourdough fills the kitchen with warmth and aroma. Try Classic Sourdough, Cherry Compote Sourdough, or Cheese and Jalapeño Sourdough for a homemade bread adventure.
27. Make a leftovers menu
Plan creative ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers-turkey sandwiches, mashed potato waffles, or stuffing-stuffed mushrooms. Waste nothing, enjoy everything.
28. Try a slow-cooker dessert
Apple crisp, pear butter, or spiced pudding-let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the cozy season.
29. Bake cookies for a neighbor
Spread joy with a batch of warm cookies. Our Chocolate Chip Cookies are a crowd favorite and make a simple, sweet gesture this holiday season.
30. Reflect and journal your favorite November meals
Capture what worked, what you loved, and what recipes you want to revisit next year. A wonderful way to track your seasonal favorites.
Download Our Printable Checklist
Make November even easier and more delicious with our free printable bucket list! This handy checklist features all 30 tasty ideas, from pies and cozy soups to seasonal desserts and festive gatherings, so you can keep track of your culinary adventures and plan your month with ease. Print it, pin it, or save it to your device and start checking off your favorite November food moments today.
Ready to Cook Up Some November Magic?
If you try any of these ideas, I'd love to hear all about it-tag me on Instagram, share your photos on social media, or drop a comment below to let me know which recipes or activities you loved most. November is all about savoring the cozy, comforting flavors of fall, celebrating with friends and family, and creating little moments of joy in the kitchen. Whether it's baking your first pie of the season, hosting a soup swap, or experimenting with a new fall cocktail, every dish is an opportunity to make memories. Let's make this month full of warmth, creativity, and delicious moments-one bite, one gathering, and one recipe at a time.
















