Thanksgiving on the Road

Celebrating Holidays in Your RV

As the autumn leaves start to fall and the aroma of pumpkin spice fills the air, many of us eagerly anticipate one of the most delicious holidays of the year, Thanksgiving. For those who embrace the open road lifestyle in an RV, celebrating Thanksgiving offers a unique opportunity to blend adventure with tradition. If you're a wanderer at heart, here's how you can host a memorable Thanksgiving dinner in your RV, complete with pre-holiday preparations, creative menu ideas, and RV friendly ways to cultivate a festive atmosphere.

Pre-Holiday Preparations

Living in an RV requires a touch of ingenuity, especially when it comes to hosting a holiday dinner, as the limited space and resources can present unique challenges. However, with some careful planning and creativity, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable Thanksgiving celebration. Here are some pre-holiday tips to make sure you get to enjoy the holiday without unnecessary stress.

• Tip 1: Clean out your fridge and pantry. In the week leading up to Thanksgiving, it is essential to conduct a deep and thorough cleaning of your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry. This process involves removing any expired or unnecessary items and organizing the space to maximize storage. By doing this, you will ensure there is plenty of room for all the holiday food you plan to prepare. Additionally, the cleaning process will give you a clear understanding of what ingredients you already have on hand and what you’ll need to purchase to create your Thanksgiving feast.
• Tip 2: Simplify the meal. Remember, deliciousness doesn’t necessarily come from complexity. Instead of creating an elaborate holiday menu, consider sticking to recipes that require minimal ingredients and focus on an overall menu that features only a handful of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes. This approach will allow you to feel more relaxed on Thanksgiving Day, as you won’t be juggling multiple complex recipes. And, by concentrating on a few key dishes, you can fully focus on bringing out the best flavors in each one.
• Tip 3: Prep as much as possible. Many of our favorite Thanksgiving dishes, such as stuffing or pumpkin pie, can be prepared in advance. Take advantage of this by making these dishes ahead of time, so they are ready to go when the holiday arrives. You can also prep ingredients for the dishes you plan to prepare the day of, such as chopping vegetables or measuring out spices, so that on Thanksgiving itself, you’re doing as little work as possible.
• Tip 4: Upgrade and clean your fans. As you prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving in your RV, remember that cooking and extra guests can quickly make the space feel warm and stuffy. Ensuring good airflow is key to maintaining a comfortable environment. Before the holiday, take the opportunity to not only clean your kitchen fans but also consider upgrading them if needed. Investing in better fans now can make a significant difference in keeping your RV cool and pleasant during holiday festivities.

Delicious Menu Suggestions

While the space inside your RV might be limited, your culinary creativity doesn't have to be! Here are Thanksgiving menu ideas that have been thoughtfully tailored for cooking in an RV, making the most of all available cooking spaces both inside and outside.

• Turkey Breast: Instead of preparing a whole turkey, which can be quite cumbersome and time-consuming, consider roasting a turkey breast. This option is not only quicker to cook but also perfectly sized for smaller ovens. Alternatively, if you are set on having a full bird, you can explore methods that take the turkey cooking outside, such as deep frying or grilling.

If cooking big meals is something you enjoy and plan to do annually, it might be worthwhile to consider investing in upgraded RV cooking appliances. Suburban offers an elite series of Air Fryer Oven/Ranges that feature a gas cooktop and a 120V electric element air fryer oven that allows holiday chefs to utilize several different cooking methods at once.

• Slow Cooker Sides: Many of our beloved Thanksgiving side dishes can be conveniently prepared using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot, which helps free up the oven for other dishes. For example, an Instant Pot can be used to make a delectable stuffing that is both flavorful and moist or a slow cooker can be used to prepare creamy mac’n’cheese. You can even cook turkey breasts in these appliances, giving you the flexibility to prepare several Thanksgiving dishes simultaneously in your RV kitchen.
• Campfire Dishes: Take advantage of a fantastic outdoor cooking option for an RV Thanksgiving, the campfire. Not only does it serve as a great gathering point for the holiday, but campfires also allow you to infuse a taste of the RV life into your Thanksgiving dishes. We love using a Dutch oven over the campfire to prepare stuffing or potatoes to give the dishes a delightful smoky flavor.
• Pumpkin S’mores: Add a camping-inspired twist to the classic pumpkin pie at your RV Thanksgiving celebration with pumpkin s’mores. Instead of the traditional graham cracker, use a pumpkin cookie as the base, topped with a piece of chocolate and a toasted marshmallow for a campfire treat that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat.

Creating a Festive Atmosphere

Despite the limited space available in an RV, it’s easy to infuse the cozy and warm spirit of Thanksgiving into your coach, creating a festive and inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of the holiday.

• Seasonal Decor: When decorating an RV, it’s important to choose items that make a significant visual impact without occupying too much physical space. Consider using window clings with autumn motifs, such as leaves or turkeys, to add a touch of seasonal charm. Garlands draped along shelves or around door frames can bring in the colors of the season while stringing fairy lights around the interior can create a magical, twinkling effect that adds to the festive atmosphere while occupying minimal space. Additionally, placing a few mini pumpkins and gourds on countertops or tables can add a delightful, festive touch.
• Themed Table Settings: Embrace the natural beauty surrounding your campground by incorporating elements from the outdoors into your table settings for a rustic, holiday feel. Collect autumn leaves from around your campsite and use them as decorative accents on your table. You can also use pinecones or acorns as part of your centerpiece to further enhance the natural theme.
• Outdoor Extension: If the weather is favorable, take advantage of the natural beauty surrounding your RV by extending your Thanksgiving celebration outdoors. Roll out the awning and set up an al-fresco dining option that allows guests to enjoy their meal while taking in the serene backdrop of nature. This outdoor setting can provide a refreshing change of scenery and allow everyone to appreciate the crisp autumn air and the beauty of the season. Consider adding outdoor decorations, such as lanterns or a portable fire pit, to create a cozy and inviting outdoor dining space.
• Music as a Decorative Element: Enhance the festive atmosphere by incorporating music as a decorative element. Curate a playlist of Thanksgiving-themed or autumn-inspired tunes to play softly in the background. This musical backdrop can set the mood and complement the visual decorations, creating a harmonious and inviting environment for your Thanksgiving festivities.

Celebrating Thanksgiving in an RV does require a bit of planning, but it also offers a unique opportunity to craft a personalized, intimate holiday. By embracing your surroundings and incorporating some creative touches, you can host a Thanksgiving that's as memorable as the journey itself. Safe travels and happy feasting!