The Hobbit Homemaker's Guide To November
What To Read/Watch/Eat/Enjoy in this Month of Gratitude
As the golden leaves drift down and a chill settles in the air, there’s a special kind of magic to be found in embracing a Hobbit-inspired November.
Hobbits know how to savor the warmth of a cozy fire, a hearty meal, and the joy of gathering with loved ones. This season, let’s step into their world—one of simplicity, comfort, and gratitude for the little things.
From rustic feasts to moments spent outdoors, here are a few suggestions to bring the spirit of the Shire into your home this Thanksgiving, creating a celebration rich with fellowship and mindful abundance!
There are endless ways to fill your home with the coziness, good food, and shared stories that Hobbits cherish. Whether it’s a table spread with hearty dishes, a quiet evening lost in a story, or a film that transports you to simpler times—these selections will help capture that heartfelt, homey feel.
Here are some perfect books, movies, comforting recipes and things to do to make this Thanksgiving a true Hobbit-inspired celebration."
Movies and Books for Hobbit Homemaking in November
Movies:
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) – Full of Hobbiton’s cozy charm and themes of friendship, courage, and the comforts of home.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) – Quirky, autumnal vibes, and a whimsical take on family, friendship, and feasting.
Anne of Green Gables (1985) – A story that highlights simplicity, gratitude, and heartfelt connections—perfect for Thanksgiving.
A Little Princess" (1995) – This film is beautifully atmospheric, focusing on themes of resilience, imagination, and kindness.
Heidi (2015) – A heartwarming adaptation of the classic tale set in the Swiss Alps, perfect for a simple, nature-focused Thanksgiving vibe.
Little Women (2019) – A stunning, cozy adaptation that emphasizes family, home life, and the changing seasons.
The Secret Garden (2020) – A recent adaptation with a magical, nature-rich setting that aligns with gratitude for simple beauties.
Books:
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien – Revisit Bilbo’s journey, particularly the parts in Hobbiton that exude warmth, simplicity, and gratitude.
The Lifegiving Table by Sally Clarkson – A beautiful book on cultivating gratitude, hospitality, and intentional mealtimes, which aligns with Hobbit homemaking ideals.
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame – For its cozy, pastoral scenes and themes of friendship and simple joys.
At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon – The start of a series set in a small town, focusing on community, simplicity, and warmth.
Mrs. Miniver by Jan Struther – A gentle, nostalgic collection of stories from wartime Britain, highlighting simple pleasures and homemaking.
An Everlasting Meal by Tamar Adler – A wonderful book about cooking with gratitude, resourcefulness, and savoring simple foods.
Under the Greenwood Tree by Thomas Hardy – This classic is filled with the charm of rural life, nature, and simple gatherings.
TV Shows & Miniseries
Lark Rise to Candleford – This charming British series brings to life a small rural village in Victorian England, full of cozy community moments and simple values.
All Creatures Great and Small (2020) – This recent adaptation of the James Herriot series is set in the English countryside and celebrates friendship, compassion, and nature’s beauty.
Cranford (2007) – Set in a quaint 19th-century English village, it’s full of endearing characters and cozy moments, ideal for a quiet evening.
Poldark – While more dramatic, it captures stunning countryside scenes and brings the spirit of resilience and community that Hobbits would appreciate.
Ways To Live Like A Hobbit This Month
Embracing Hobbit Gratitude:
Discuss with your family (or even a friend over coffee) the simplicity and abundance mindset of Hobbits. I so admire their love for simple pleasures, food, friends, and family. I highly recommend the first chapter of The Fellowship of the Ring to understand this even more! Make your own list of ways you can connect to community like a hobbit this season.
Hobbits appreciate the small things—a good meal, a warm fire, laughter, and nature—a perfect model for a Thanksgiving mindset. Journal some of the small things you are grateful for in life and pause in that moment. Mentally savor your list and take some time to express your thankfulness to the Lord!
Each family member could write down things they’re grateful for throughout November, reading them aloud during Thanksgiving dinner, creating a heartfelt, humble Hobbit moment. You could exchange personal notes of appreciation with each other as well!
Set a Cozy Hobbit Table for Thanksgiving:
You can create a Hobbit-inspired Thanksgiving tablescape with natural elements: earthy linens, small wildflowers, candles, and rustic serving ware. Thrifting these can be so easy, I have used secondhand curtain sheers to zhush around my table pieces. You can easily and affordably decorate with found or foraged items like pinecones, acorns, and sprigs of rosemary or sage. Make it extra cozy with some lit candles. But the perfect addition will be the amazing food!
The Art of Simple Feasting:
Hobbits have a love of good food and treasure the tradition of feasting… not in grand excess, but in fullness and abundance from what the earth provides. “Feasts” do not have to be fancy. A friendsgiving where every individual or family brings a dish is a fantastic community effort towards feasting. Share life updates over some tasty potatoes and savor each dish, go slow and allow for meaningful conversations to blossom around the table.
Nature Walk & Foraging: Take a Hobbit-style stroll in nature, collecting leaves, pinecones, or branches to bring nature’s bounty indoors, for that hobbity thanksgiving tablescape! This also offers a moment to reflect on the beauty around us and pause. Breathe in deep and ground yourself… Maybe take your shoes off like a real hobbit!
Hobbit Movie Marathon or Reading Night: Celebrate with a cozy evening by watching The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, or read favorite passages from The Hobbit by the fire.
Firelight Storytelling: Gather around a fire… if you don’t have a fireplace try a firepit outside or even sit around in a room of candlelight! Share family stories, memories, or tales of gratitude. Evenings spent storytelling would make for a deeply meaningful and Hobbit-like Thanksgiving tradition.
Hobbit-Inspired Thanksgiving Foods to Share
Here are a few ideas for your feasting endeavors! Just remember, the possibilities are endless. Don’t just count on Thanksgiving, feast together as you reunite with friends, and consider feasting with your family or even alone to quiet your heart a bit this month. You deserve to eat nourishing food, even if it isn’t a special occasion.
Roast Root Vegetables with Fresh Herbs: Carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and turnips with rosemary and thyme—Hobbit-honored flavors, perfect as a Thanksgiving side. Here is a suggestion for a recipe, but make it your own! I enjoy making a balsamic glaze for root veggies.
Mushroom & Barley Soup: A warm, hearty soup, reminiscent of a Hobbit meal, ideal for serving as a first course or for a cozy evening in.
Seeded Brown Bread with Honey Butter: A dense, hearty bread with seeds or nuts, served with honey butter to capture that Hobbit comfort and simplicity.
Pumpkin & Apple Hand Pies: Miniature hand pies make for an adorable Hobbit-like dessert, filled with autumn flavors. We have made a simplified version of this with refrigerated pie crust and canned filling- it can be as easy as you need.
Spiced Apple Cider or Mead: For a drink, offer warm spiced cider or a non-alcoholic "mead" that guests can sip by the fire. You can buy a spice mix or consider making your own to add!
As you gather this Thanksgiving, may you find yourself savoring simple pleasures, from warm hearths and hearty meals, to joyful conversations that linger into the night.
Just as the hobbits knew, the true treasures in life are found in the company of loved ones and in the beauty of everyday blessings. I hope that together we can embrace the art of slowing down, cultivating gratitude, and creating cozy memories that fill our hearts and homes this holiday season.
Here’s to a Hobbit-inspired Thanksgiving, where we remember that joy grows in the smallest, most tender moments. May your table be filled with laughter, unity, and second helpings.🍂✨
What a beautiful article, thank you for so many wonderful ideas Alyssa! I just love this time of year. I feel like an animal beginning to burrow down and really embrace the cozy things.