The holidays are a time for gathering, sharing food, and celebrating together. But if you’ve never hosted a vegan guest before, you might feel a little nervous. What do you cook? How do you make them feel comfortable? Don’t worry — with a little planning and kindness, it’s easier than you think.
Here are 10 simple tips to make your holiday table welcoming for everyone, including your vegan guests.
Know What Vegan Means
A vegan avoids all animal products — not just meat, but also dairy, eggs, honey, and even hidden ingredients like gelatin or carmine (a red coloring made from beetles). People choose veganism for different reasons: compassion for animals, health, or the planet. Whatever the reason, being clear on what’s included will help you plan your menu.
Decide How Vegan the Meal Will Be
You have a few choices:
- Add one or two vegan dishes just for your guest.
- Make several sides vegan so everyone can share.
- Go fully plant-based for the whole meal.
Most vegans will be happy with any thoughtful effort. Even swapping butter for dairy-free butter in mashed potatoes or serving a hearty salad goes a long way.
Chat With Your Guest Beforehand
A quick conversation can clear up a lot. Ask if they have any allergies (like nuts) or preferences, and whether they’d like to bring a dish to share. Many vegans love to contribute something that everyone can enjoy.
Save the Big Questions for Later
Mealtime might not be the best moment to dive into debates about veganism or meat eating. Keep the focus on enjoying food and company. If you’re curious, ask questions later in a genuine and friendly way.
Veganize Easy Dishes
So many holiday classics can be made vegan with simple swaps:
- Use plant-based butter and milk in mashed potatoes.
- Make gravy with vegetable stock.
- Try egg replacers in cornbread.
- Cook stuffing outside the turkey.
Your non-vegan guests probably won’t even notice the difference.
Offer an Alternative to Turkey
It can feel tricky to replace the big holiday turkey, but it’s actually a fun chance to get creative in the kitchen. Instead of serving a bird, you can try a plant-based centerpiece that looks just as festive and tastes amazing.
We’ve put together some ideas to make this easy: check out our guide to 4 Show-Stopping Turkey Alternatives for the Holidays for dishes that will wow your guests. Or, if you’d prefer something ready-made, explore The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Thanksgiving & Christmas Roasts for the best store-bought and homemade options.
Swapping the turkey shows kindness to animals and gives everyone a chance to try something new — and delicious!
Think About Placement of the Turkey
If you are serving turkey, you don’t need to carve it at the table. But if that’s a tradition you’d like to keep, simply seat your vegan guest further from the turkey so they can enjoy the meal without discomfort.
Ask for Help
Many vegans are experienced cooks and will happily help with dishes or offer suggestions. Don’t be shy about inviting them into the kitchen!
Discreetly Point Out Vegan Dishes
At the start of the meal, let your guest know which dishes are vegan so they feel confident filling their plate. If you’re proud of veganizing a dish, feel free to announce it to everyone!
Try What They Bring
If your guest brings a dish, make sure you taste it. You might be surprised at how delicious vegan cooking can be!
Final Thoughts
Hosting a vegan guest during the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful. With kindness, curiosity, and a few simple swaps, you can create a festive table that everyone enjoys. Remember, it’s not about perfection — it’s about making people feel welcome.
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Let’s Discuss!
Which of these tips would you try first? Do you have your own tricks for making holiday meals vegan-friendly? Share your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!
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