Thanksgiving with Your Work Family: A Recipe for Togetherness

Thanksgiving isn’t always about turkey and stuffing. Sometimes, it’s about empanadas, rice balls, gourmet chicken parmigiana heroes, banana cream pie, and the stories that come with them. One year, we stumbled on an idea that transformed our office into a melting pot of culinary magic—a holiday potluck.

The idea was simple but a little awkward at first: ask everyone to bring a dish. Not just any dish, but something they loved to make or eat, a piece of their culture or their kitchen. It was a gamble—people get nervous about cooking for their coworkers—but the payoff? Absolutely priceless.

What started small—a few brave souls with crockpots and cookie tins—snowballed into what became our Annual Potluck. At first, we leaned on the idea of the old folktale Stone Soup to spark participation. The concept was simple: once people saw others bringing something to the table, they were motivated to join in too. And as more people participated, the event grew into something extraordinary—a feast that could rival the finest buffet in variety and heart.

We sampled the world that day. Empanadas with perfectly flaky crusts, gooey rice balls, smoky chili, creamy mac-and-cheese casseroles that disappeared too fast. There were noodles that tasted like comfort, sweets that made you pause for a moment, and dishes so unique we couldn’t pronounce their names. I still remember one team member’s world-famous banana cream pie—seriously, unforgettable—and another’s gourmet chicken parmigiana heroes that had everyone lining up for seconds.

One year, we had over 45 dishes spread across aluminum trays with sternos to keep everything warm. The sight alone could’ve made a food blogger cry. And the stories—oh, the stories. That lasagna wasn’t just lasagna; it was someone’s grandmother’s recipe, perfected over decades. The Indian sweets? They were made with love by a mom who insisted on sending extras “just in case.” Even the chili I brought that year came with my tale of trial and error (and maybe a little help from Google).

What started as a one-off became an annual tradition. Each year, we added a little more magic. Eventually, we paired the feast with a slideshow, featuring photos of the team in action—submitted by the team themselves. It was a way to reflect on the moments that made us proud, laugh, and appreciate one another. And it didn’t stop there. Other staff from different teams began to trickle in, lured by the smells and smiles, and we welcomed them to join in. They’d walk away with plates full of treats for themselves and their coworkers, spreading the spirit even further.

Over time, this potluck sparked something bigger. Other teams started hosting their own events, creating new traditions to celebrate and connect. It became a ripple effect of inclusivity and community, all sparked by one shared meal.

Here’s what I learned: No one can make everything, but everyone can make something. And food? Food has this beautiful way of breaking down walls. It’s not just about eating; it’s about sharing, connecting, and caring.

This is the stuff that builds awesome culture—the kind where people don’t just work together but grow together. The kind where a simple potluck becomes a story you’ll tell years later, with a smile and maybe even a craving for banana cream pie.

So, as you gather with family or friends this Thanksgiving, think about the power of a “work family Thanksgiving.” Maybe it’s not on the holiday itself, but sometime in between. Maybe it’s not about turkey or pie but empanadas, noodles, and chicken parm heroes. And maybe—just maybe—it’s the most meaningful Thanksgiving you’ll ever have.

The moral of the story? Togetherness tastes better when everyone brings a dish to the table. 🥂