This Thanksgiving, Honor Georgia's Southern Traditions

Thanksgiving in the South is a unique and special time. Whether you're celebrating with family or with friends, highlight classic Georgia food, decor and entertainment to create your own unforgettable Georgia Thanksgiving.

Decor

In the South, Thanksgiving decor combines the typical fall foliage effect with juristic, quintessentially Southern touches. Put a Georgia spin on your holiday by incorporating the following elements into your decor:

• Fall foliage - From the tawny, rusty tones of oak leaves to the rich reds of maples and the yellows of hickory leaves, Georgia puts up some elegant fall foliage. Gather during fall walks, then display on Thanksgiving.
• Magnolia wreath - The evergreen magnolia tree makes an unusual and elegant holiday wreath. Purchase one or make your own using tips from Southern Living.
• Gathered nuts - What would a Georgia Thanksgiving be without pecans? Decorate the table with whole pecans or offer whole nuts as part of your appetizer spread.

Food

Southern holiday classics are a must for this holiday. Comfort food favorites that ooze Georgia tradition include these sides from Southern Living. Pair them with your go-to Thanksgiving turkey recipe to create a hearty meal.

• Buttermilk biscuits or cornbread - Serve one or both of these classic Southern breads with your meal. Create a simple honey butter for guests to slather on top.
• Sweet potato casserole - Topped with gooey marshmallows or a pecan-brown sugar mixture, you can't go wrong.
• Cornbread dressing - Dressing, the Southern term for stuffing, is a must on any Thanksgiving table. Making yours out of cornbread lends instant Southern flair.
• Shrimp and grits dressing - If you're already serving cornbread with the meal, this shrimp and grits dressing is another take on a Lowcountry classic.
• Ambrosia salad - For a new twist on the classic dish, combine shredded coconut, citrus and baby greens.
• Mac and cheese - While not a traditional Thanksgiving food, this is Southern comfort all the way.
• Southern greens - Braised with red wine vinegar or balsamic, braised Southern greens contains some iron-rich veggies for your Thanksgiving meal. Choose from collard greens, Swiss chard or kale.

Don't forget dessert! Pecan pie is a classic, and you can add chocolate or bourbon for an update to the original. Guests may also enjoy a rich pumpkin pie cheesecake or bread pudding.

Entertainment

For a Georgia Thanksgiving, what is more Turkey-tastic than watching the game? The NFL traditionally airs three games each Thanksgiving, with the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys as the perennial home teams alongside a rotating third matchup. Take in one of these games on TV, or tune into Georgia college football, which regularly features rivalry games and bowl-season tune-ups over the holiday weekend. Local high schools may have Thanksgiving weekend homecoming football events, bringing additional viewing opportunities. Of course, you can always have a backyard pickup game. If your guests are not into football, you might play board games, have a bonfire or go for a post-meal walk.