Make your fall meals fun and meaningful with 48 Thanksgiving conversation starters. Learn what conversation starters are, how to use them, and spark engaging discussions around the table.
There’s something special about gathering with family and friends for Thanksgiving. But let’s be honest—sometimes conversations can get a little awkward, especially when people don’t see each other often. That’s where these fun conversation starters come in handy.
If you’ve ever sat around the dinner table wondering what to say next, you’re not alone. The trick is to keep the questions light and fun.
You want to spark good memories, share laughs, and maybe even learn something new about the people around you. Below is a list of 48 conversation starters that are perfect for Thanksgiving. Keep reading for a link to get your own conversation cards.
Some of these questions will make people think, while others will get everyone laughing. A few might even lead to some surprising stories. You can use these questions during the meal, while waiting for dessert, or even while everyone is relaxing after dinner.
What Are Conversation Starters
Conversation starters are questions or prompts designed to spark interesting discussions. They help break the ice, keep conversations flowing, and give people an easy way to connect.
Whether you’re sitting around a Thanksgiving table, gathering with friends, or a quiet family dinner at home, conversation starters can make everyone feel more comfortable. Instead of struggling to find the right thing to say, these prompts give you something fun to talk.
Using conversation starter cards is simple. Print or write the prompts on small pieces of paper or index cards. See the link below for the conversation starter cards.
You can place the cards in a bowl for guests to draw at random or scatter them on the table for easy access. You could also set them out before dinner and invite people to pick a card and ask someone else the question.
Another fun way to use them is to pass the cards around in a circle, with each person answering one before passing to the next.
These cards work best when everyone gets involved. Encourage people to ask follow-up questions or share their own stories in response.
The goal is not just to answer the questions but to create moments of laughter, storytelling, and connection. You might be surprised by the fun facts and memories that come out.
Thanksgiving Conversation Starters
1. What’s your favorite Thanksgiving food and why?
2. If you could invite one historical figure to Thanksgiving dinner, who would it be?
3. What’s a family tradition you look forward to every Thanksgiving?
4. Do you prefer pumpkin pie or pecan pie?
5. What’s one thing you’re especially thankful for this year?
6. If you could create a new Thanksgiving dish, what would it be?
7. What’s your most memorable Thanksgiving moment?
8. How do you feel about cranberry sauce: fresh or canned?
9. Would you rather cook the whole meal or clean up after it?
10. What’s the strangest food you’ve had at a Thanksgiving meal?
11. Which Thanksgiving dish would you eliminate if you had to?
12. Who in the family tells the best stories?
13. If you could only eat one Thanksgiving dish for a week, what would it be?
14. What Thanksgiving tradition would you like to start?
15. What’s the most creative way you’ve used leftovers?
16. How do you feel about Black Friday shopping?
17. What is your go-to way to spend the day after Thanksgiving?
18. What are your thoughts on watching football on Thanksgiving?
19. What was your favorite Thanksgiving memory from childhood?
20. Who’s the best cook in the family?
21. What do you think turkeys dream about?
22. Do you prefer a big Thanksgiving gathering or a small, intimate one?
23. What’s the best movie or show to watch on Thanksgiving?
24. What’s something you learned this year that you’re grateful for?
25. What is your favorite Thanksgiving parade float or balloon?
26. If Thanksgiving had a mascot (besides turkeys), what would it be?
27. What’s the most adventurous dish you’ve ever tried at a Thanksgiving meal?
28. Which holiday—Thanksgiving or Christmas—has the best food?
29. What’s a family recipe that’s been passed down to you?
30. If you could live in a movie, which one would it be?
31. What’s one way you give back during the holiday season?
32. What smells remind you of Thanksgiving?
33. Do you prefer early Thanksgiving dinner or a late one?
34. If you had to give a Thanksgiving toast right now, what would you say?
35. What’s your favorite type of pie, and how much whipped cream is too much?
36. What’s a Thanksgiving-related pun or joke you know?
37. If you could invent a new holiday right after Thanksgiving, what would it be?
38. How do you handle talking politics at the Thanksgiving table?
39. Do you ever have a “Friendsgiving”? How does it compare to family Thanksgiving?
40. What’s your favorite way to stay active on Thanksgiving?
41. Which Thanksgiving dish are you most confident making?
42. If you were responsible for planning the Thanksgiving Day parade, what would be your main float?
43. Do you prefer traveling or staying home for Thanksgiving?
44. What’s your funniest Thanksgiving memory?
45. How do you feel about putting up Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving?
46. What are three small things you’re grateful for right now?
47. If you were in charge of the Thanksgiving meal, what would you serve?
48. How would you describe Thanksgiving to someone who’s never experienced it?
Thanksgiving is all about connection. Whether you’re sitting with family, friends, or a mix of both, these conversation starters can bring everyone closer.
So, grab a few from the list and try them out this year. You never know—you might discover something new about the people you care about. And who knows? You might even start a new tradition of your own.
Printable Thanksgiving Conversation Cards
Click on the link below to get the Thanksgiving Conversation Starter Cards.
Thanksgiving Conversation Starters
I hope you enjoy these Thanksgiving conversation ideas.
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