Thanksgiving is a quintessentially American holiday. Many Irish American families bring a cultural flair to all holidays year round. Here are some suggestions for bringing a bit of Irish into your home this Thanksgiving.

Family prayer. It's traditional in many families to give thanks for the food offered, specifically at Thanksgiving. Families of various religions and sects can find unity in praying together at Thanksgiving. Shared worship is among the most ancient traditions in Ireland, even pre-dating the arrival of Christianity. Many churches offer Thanksgiving-themed services in the spirit of the holiday.

Warm ethnic foods. Thanksgiving brings with it the cold season. Traditionally, American families celebrate the bounty of the harvest at the Thanksgiving feast. Consider adding some warm ethnic Irish foods to the Thanksgiving feast, such as prawns (a good alternative for those who dislike or do not eat turkey), boxty (a textured potato cake), Irish potato soup and sides of mashed potatoes and colcannon.

Beverages. A good drink can also help celebrants stay warm and get along together better. Consider serving the basics, such as a stout and a lager (perhaps try an Irish stout like Guinness and an American lager such as Yuengling). White wine also goes very well with poultry and there are many delicious and inexpensive California wines available.

Dessert drinks. Having a drink with dessert can encourage and prolong warmth and merriment. There are many wonderful Irish dessert drinks such as Bailey's Irish Cream. Irish coffee, which includes whiskey, is another popular after-dinner drink.

A note on safety: With a full Thanksgiving feast and some alcohol, guests are sure to be sleepy. Always take the proper safety measures, and if hosting a true celebration, offer your guests a place to spend the night if they are unable to drive home.