Thanksgiving in Southern Arizona isn’t just about turkey and stuffing—it’s about golden sunlight filtering through mesquite trees, terracotta and pink tones painted across the mountains at sunset and weather that is usually spectacular enough to spend at least part of the festivities outdoors. This year, why not impress your out-of-town guests by embracing the spirit of the Sonoran Desert and giving your Thanksgiving, Christmas or other holidays celebrations a distinctly regional flair?

Set the Scene: Desert-Inspired Décor

Think outside the box and create a warm ambiance using natural desert elements mixed with traditional Thanksgiving items. One of the cutest things I have seen lately are mini pumpkins used as succulent planters—you can find them locally, on Etsy or create your own.  Take a walk outside and do a little collecting—you can use prickly pear pads (de-spined, of course!), ocotillo branches, dried cholla wood, or agave leaves as your table centerpiece base. Add votive candles tucked into mini clay pots or arrange river stones around the centerpiece for a subtle, earthy texture. Swap out the standard autumn colors for a Sonoran palette—soft sage greens, dusty rose, ochre, and clay reds. Add accents of turquoise or copper for contrast. Linen napkins tied with cotton string and a sprig of rosemary or dried chiltepin peppers make for elegant, simple touches. Make your guests feel extra special by writing their names on smooth desert stones with a metallic pen in lieu of a paper place card. 

Flavors of the Southwest: Thanksgiving with a Twist

Let the unique flavors of the Sonoran Desert make an appearance on your table this year as a side dish or beverage. You don’t have to replace your entire menu—but weaving in a few local ingredients can turn a traditional feast into a memorable culinary experience.

Mesquite-Smoked Turkey

If you have a smoker, mesquite wood adds a rich, sweet flavor perfect for poultry. For indoor cooks, try a mesquite spice rub paired with citrus zest for an oven-roasted bird.

Prickly Pear Glazed Carrots

Slice fresh full-size or baby carrots and roast them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for about 20-25 minutes at 425°. About 10 minutes before they're done, drizzle with a homemade prickly pear syrup (or store-bought if you're in a pinch) for a sweet-tart finish and stunning pink glaze. 

Green Chile Cornbread Stuffing

Toss roasted Hatch green chiles into your favorite cornbread stuffing recipe for just the right amount of heat and flavor. Add queso fresco for a creamy kick.

Tepary Bean Salad

A nod to traditional Indigenous foods, tepary beans are nutty and protein-rich. Toss with diced red onion, tomato, cilantro, lime juice, and avocado for a refreshing side dish.

Prickly Pear + Citrus Spritzer

Mix sparkling water or Prosecco with prickly pear juice and fresh-squeezed orange or grapefruit juice for a vibrant holiday cocktail. Garnish with mint and a sugar-rimmed glass. Here are a few more Arizona inspired cocktail (or mocktail) ideas. 

A Moment of Thanks, Sonoran Style

Before dinner begins, consider offering a moment to reflect—perhaps share what everyone loves most about living in or visiting this beautiful region. Mine would be the open skies, the ever-changing light on the Catalinas and spotting a bobcat, javelina or other wildlife (it never gets old!).  Take it a step further and encourage guests to jot down their gratitude on handmade cards shaped like Saguaros or suns and tuck them into a decorative jar to revisit next year. But at the end of the day, Thanksgiving in the desert isn't about over-the-top displays or perfectly browned turkeys—it’s about warmth, gratitude, and a deep connection to others. So enjoy and give thanks!

From our home to yours, Jay and I wish you a beautiful Thanksgiving!