30 Delicious Things to Do in November


Ready for 30 Delicious Things to Do in November? From comforting dishes to seasonal treats, make this month your tastiest yet!


Published: December 20, 2025 · Modified: December 20, 2025 by Jennifer Ryan

30 Delicious Things to Do in November

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.

Pumpkin Pie slice on a plate with cream topping and a fork

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.

Roasted potatoes and asparagus in a baking dish, perfect for Christmas side dishes.

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!

Printable Thanksgiving hosting checklist with menu sections and preparation timeline.

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.

A dish of homemade bread stuffing with herbs and diced onions.

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.

Freshly baked cinnamon rolls drizzled with icing in a baking dish.

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.

A collage of four pasta dishes featuring shrimp, creamy sauce, pesto, and spaghetti with bacon.

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.

Golden brown chicken and mushroom pie with decorative leaf cutouts on top, placed on a red striped cloth.

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.

Homemade cranberry sauce in a serving bowl

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.

A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes garnished with fresh parsley.

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.

A collage of four festive Thanksgiving cocktails with garnishes and decorations.

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.

A roast chicken garnished with lemon slices and herbs, served with crispy roasted potatoes.

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.

A stack of French toast topped with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, dusted with powdered sugar.

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.

A glass of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, accompanied by chocolate chip cookies.

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.

Sliced sourdough bread with sundried tomatoes on a wooden board, accompanied by cherry tomatoes.

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.

A collage of four Thanksgiving leftover dishes including noodles, a croissant sandwich, a pie, and a baked casserole.

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.

A collage of four delicious crockpot desserts, including a layered cake, cheesecake, and a creamy dessert bowl.

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.

A checklist of 30 delicious activities to enjoy in November, featuring seasonal recipes and holiday preparations.

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.