re: Thanksgiving Sides

Personally, I like the usuals because I don't eat/make them any other time of year.

I made Donald Link's Green Bean Casserole last year and it was a big hit.

John Besh's Mirliton and Shrimp Dressing is fantastic. Made it last week and making it again tomorrow. If you're not from New Orleans area, this will probably be considered "different" to your guests as well.

I'm a sucker for a good cornbread dressing, but someone else usually makes that so I don't have a recipe I can vouch for.

You could always use fall produce to make something a little different than the norm -- like a brussels sprout and cranberry slaw.

Or (I made this the other day) Sweet Potato and Andouille bisque.