@Gourmetmom I consider all her recipes “never fail.” One year, made the turkey roulade and it was fabulous.
@sabaray Willie Birds are good, but not worth the price. You can find heirloom, all natural birds in your area that will be less expensive and as good. But I must issue a disclaimer here: I am not really a fan of turkey and only make it at Thanksgiving and only when we have guests who expect it.
My family doesn’t want turkey for the main dish this year (it’s never been the kids’ favorite anyway), and one of my kids has gone vegan so I’m looking for a non-turkey but still meat main dish, and a vegan main dish. The rest of the meal is fine as is.
I found a recipe for vegan thanksgiving wraps from Minimalist Baker that I might try.
https://minimalistbaker.com/vegan-thanksgiving-wraps/
Not sure about a meat main dish yet. Still looking at recipes. I don’t want to do ham. I’ve never made a standing rib roast. It sounds good but maybe a little much for our family.
Green bean casserole—I never had it until I was an adult. I like it, but don’t usually make it. One of my kids really likes green beans sauteed with fresh garlic and salt and pepper and he’s already requested “good green beans” for his first Thanksgiving trip home after leaving for college in August, so of course I’ll be making those!
We went turkey-less last year after family confided that turkey was not their favorite. Problem is that they like all the turkey-related sides - dressing, cranberry relish, etc. So last year we went with a bone-in pork rib roast and it was great. Goes just fine with all the usual sides. Pretty easy to cook too. We’ll do the same this year. Standing rib roast is reserved for Christmas 
I’m making something new this year. A green salad with mixed baby lettuces, arugula, Italian Flat Leaf Parsley, Feta Cheese Crumbles, thinly sliced Asian Pear with a Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing.
I’ve never had green bean casserole with cheese in it! Mushroom soup and the crunchy onions but no cheese!
Consider a crown roast of pork. It’s a show-y presentation, easy to roast and goes well with traditional Thanksgiving day sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, etc. I don’t do it for Thanksgiving as I don’t host but will do it other times of the year and much prefer it to turkey.
I am stealing that @Gourmetmom ! 
I have a good recipe for drunken sweet potatoes if anyone would like it.
Most requested recipe from my kids to my mil (my mom also) is the pumpkin roulade. She makes it every year and it is delicious. Mil claims it’s really easy to make but she is also a pie baker.
I’m getting excited. Made my grocery list this morning and cleaned out the fridge and freezer to make room for everything. Same old traditional menu but I think I will add a sauteed cabbage dish. There will only be eight of us, and about one whole dessert for each person!
We’re cooking and bringing the whole dinner on a 2 - 3 hour car ride to the grandparents. Has anyone ever par-baked buttermilk dinner rolls? Any tips?
Happy Thanksgiving planning everyone!
For those who make green bean casserole, do you use fresh beans or frozen?
My relatives who make green bean casserole use frozen or (ugh!) canned. I think the objective is to make the casserole not crunchy
I didn’t read every page, can someone please share vegan dishes for thanksgiving? I have 2 vegans coming for thanksgiving this year. TIA
And @Nrdsb4 thanks for bumping this up!
@Nhatrang, I noticed that Whole Foods offers several vegan options for side dishes and desserts.
Also, if you go on Youtube, you can often find vegan versions of many traditional dishes.
Thanks @Nrdsb4 I have never been to Whole Foods, i will check it out. Do they have ready made food also? That does sound a lot easier than me trying to make them.
@Nhatrang, yes, they will prepare in advance.
Whole Foods offers the following vegan dishes:
Fresh green beans with roasted shallots
Fresh roasted fingerlings with garlic and parsley
Braised collard greens with tomatoes
Vegan spicy cornbread stuffing
Vegan black eyed pea fritters
Fresh cranberry sauce
Vegan pumpkin pie
Vegan cherry pie