Thanksgiving is of course coming up and I think this is going to be a particularly hard year to avoid one of the main topics that is always recommended to avoid: POLITICS. This was a pretty different election this year and people definitely have some strong opinions about it one way or the other. I’m pretty sure every household in America could talk about this year’s election and the future of Donald Trump’s presidency the whole entire Thanksgiving weekend if they really wanted to!

I’m thinking right now about the group that is going to be together for my Thanksgiving and there are definitely some differing political opinions in the group. And that is probably the case for many of you. Nobody wants to be dragged through the mud for who they did or didn’t vote for so if you are like me and hoping that conversation doesn’t take place the whole weekend—let’s talk about some ideas for different conversation starters so your Thanksgiving doesn’t turn into this:

I was reading an article from seriouseats.com and there were tons and tons of great comments and suggestions from the readers so I wanted to share some of my favorites with you guys.

But first, I wanted to note that a lot of different people in the comments section were talking about sometimes conversation is forced too heavily by the host and some people just tend to be listeners and are completely fine with that. I, myself, can tend to be like that—especially if I am in a group of people I don’t know very well. So the point is—read these suggestions and ideas and if something sounds like it would be great for your group—go for it, but know that it is not necessary. And as one reader put it—“In any case, stop worrying about it...if you guest are coming, that means they like (or love) you and either way appreciate you inviting them to your home...let them worry about making it fun!”

Bingo Getting To Know You Game

• The first idea if you really have a group that could really use some mingling and getting to know each other is to try a bingo-y kind of game that shouldn't take you too much effort. You just create bingo card with random facts that might match up with people (generic things, like "never been to Disneyland" or "middle child"). Then, whoever gets their sheet filled in first gets a little prize. Its sure to keep the crowd moving around and talking to people they don't know, and it might spill over into dinner table conversation.

Twist on “Thankful For” Circle

• A classic (and great) idea is for your guests to share one thing they are grateful for in a circle around the table before your big meal. A good twist on this to have them write their one thing on a piece of paper when they arrive and then you put them in a basket and pass it around the table and people read each other’s instead of their own. One reader commented, “The fun part about putting the "thanful fors" in a basket and reading someone else’s is that you can tell everyone is trying to figure out who wrote what. Well, for the most part that is. Some are pretty easy.”

Thanksgiving Related Topics

Since Thanksgiving is the main reason you’re all together, it is naturally an easy topic of conversation. Here are a few Thanksgiving related topics or questions you could ask to break the ice with someone.

• How about asking memories of Thanksgiving as a kid? Farthest anyone has gone for Thanksgiving? Goofy Thanksgiving stories?

• “So, where was everyone last Thanksgiving?....it can get funny if after everyone contributes you pose a question like ‘What's the best/worst TG memory you have?’ (either related to how good or bad the food was ,the host, the ambiance. the travel, etc.)”

Random, Easy Conversation

And lastly I wanted to share a list of really good questions that are great for easy conversation. These are great just to keep in mind if you are stuck in a conversation you don’t want to be in and you need to change the topic or you could do something like print these out and cut them into strips, place them in bowls throughout the tables and people can pick from these to start some interesting conversation with their neighbors if they feel like it.

-Where is your ideal vacation spot?
- If you could only live one place, would you prefer to be next to mountains or ocean? Why?
- What is the tallest mountain you've climbed? What's your favorite mountain?
- If you were stuck on a desert island and you had only three things with you, what would they be?

-How did you meet your spouse/date?
-How do you know the host/hostess?
-What's the farthest you've ever traveled?
-If you could have a super power, what would it be and why?
-What talent do you wish you were born with?
-What was your first job?
-What movie have you seen recently and really enjoyed? Disliked?
-What's your favorite tv show? What's your favorite tv show of all time?
-What cd is in your cd player? Or- What's the last tune you downloaded?
-What's the best Halloween costume you've ever worn?
-What's your favorite season?
-Do you like thunder storms?
-Have you ever bought something from an infomercial?
-What was your favorite toy as a kid?
-What do you do for fun?
-Do you have a hobby?

-What would you like for your last meal?
-What was the favorite food you mom/dad made when you were growing up?
-Is anyone planning a vacation? Where to?

-What is or will be your favorite age?