How to Identify Personality Types by Their Thanksgiving Dish
This post brings a fun, yet introspective twist to your Thanksgiving table. It identifies Myers-Briggs® personality types by the dishes people bring to the feast. It’s a playful way to engage with one another, asking, “Is this your favorite dish or is it inspired by family? Do you love it? Or do you feel obligated to make it?” Spice alert: conversation may get juicy.
As I repeatedly say, your personality type influences everything—even the food you make and eat. Whether you’re a culinary genius, a person who never follows a recipe or a recipe follower, your dish says a lot about you.
In this post, we explore all 16 personality types revealing what your Thanksgiving dish says about you.
Get ready to laugh and learn something new about yourself and others.
Now, let’s get cooking! 🍽️
(Too corny? 🤣)
A Fun Way To Identify Personality Types by a Thanksgiving Dish
Your personality type is a unique blend of fun, complexity, and distinct characteristics. Embrace it all—it’s like a bowl full of individuality, a heaping plate of inspiration, and a side dish of triggers that show up whether you’re in the kitchen, on the road, or on a spiritual journey. Keep reading to see if I’ve pinpointed the Thanksgiving dish that makes you think, YES, that’s so me!
And don’t forget to leave a comment below with your personality type and the dish you typically bring to a Thanksgiving feast. I’d love to hear from you and maybe even add your contribution to the post!
Thanksgiving Dishes for Sensory Perceptive Personality Types (SP Types)
Fun Dishes Everyone Will Enjoy
Spirited Types (ESTP) are bold and theatrical, the kind of guests who thrive on excitement and attention. Don’t be surprised if they show up with something like grilled Huli Huli chicken (they might even substitute using turkey, just to make it their own!) served with drumsticks and wings. After the meal, be ready for some impromptu entertainment—Hawaiian-inspired songs, anyone?
Spirited Types (ESTP): Bold and theatrical, they ignite aliveness, reminding everyone that enthusiasm is soul ignition.
Active Types (ISTP) are often a bit on the quiet side, but they’re always up for hands-on action. They might be tinkering with a broken tool, or using an electric knife to carve the turkey with precision. Impulsive and practical, don’t be surprised if they fill their plates multiple times (because they can!). Though they might arrive late due to getting caught up in a new hobby or project, they’ll likely bring a store-bought dessert, keeping things low-key but reliable.
Active Types (ISTP): Quiet yet hands-on, they transform doing into meditation—mastery as prayer.
Playful Types (ESFP) are the life of the party. You’ll find them flitting around, entertaining everyone with their infectious sense of humor or musical talents. They might opt for a small plate so they can focus on spreading joy, but they’ll definitely bring a sophisticated charcuterie board to keep things classy. No one will leave without having had a good time with this delightful, social type!
Playful Types (ESFP): The life of the party, spreading healing joy through celebration.
Abstract Types (ISFP) are all about creating memories. They might show up with their pet in tow and a picnic basket full of treats to get everyone outside to enjoy the fire and roast ooey-gooey s’mores. For ISFPs, Thanksgiving isn’t just about the meal—it’s about sharing an experience, making memories, and enjoying simple pleasures.
Abstract Types (ISFP): Creators of memories, their artistry mirrors Spirit’s beauty born from stillness.
I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual. – American naturalist, poet, and philosopher. – Henry David Thoreau, is said to be a Seeking type (INFP).
Thanksgiving Dishes for Sensory Judging Personality Types (SJ Types)
A Dish Of Thoughtfulness
Dutiful Types (ESTJ) are the quintessential Thanksgiving hosts. They’ll prepare a traditional, no-nonsense feast, making sure every dish is perfectly executed; turkey with the stuffings. They might even supervise the turkey preparation, paying careful attention to the details—perhaps using a time-honored family recipe passed down for generations. When it comes to second helpings, they’ll enjoy a refill if it fits with the plan, but for ESTJs, Thanksgiving is all about routine and tradition.
Dutiful Types (ESTJ): Leaders upholding ritual, balancing structure with spiritual flexibility.
Grounded Types (ISTJ) are the rock-solid foundation of any Thanksgiving dinner. With their meticulous attention to detail, they ensure that every element of the meal is perfectly prepared and served. From the turkey to the mashed potatoes, everything will be in its place. They may enjoy a Pilgrim-style feast, savoring each bite with care. But be sure to arrive on time—ISTJs value punctuality and are sticklers for schedules!
Grounded Types (ISTJ): Foundations of presence and punctuality, teaching reliability as love.
Attentive Types (ESFJ) take extra care to make sure everyone at the table is enjoying themselves. They will go the extra mile to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere and ensure their guests are well taken care of. If something goes awry, their upbeat, reassuring energy will keep things on track. You might find them juggling multiple plates as they make sure everyone is happy and comfortable—whether it’s a second helping or a little extra gravy for someone. Expect a a bountiful traditional Thanksgiving.
Attentive Types (ESFJ): The warm, welcoming heart whose love holds space for everyone.
Kindly Types (ISFJ) are the heart of Thanksgiving. Known for their caring ways, they’ll host a traditional meal with love and attention, often going the extra mile to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions. Their selflessness shines through as they support family members and make sure everyone feels at home. However, ISFJs are often so focused on helping others that they may forget to eat themselves. Their warmth and dedication to others make them the unsung heroes of the day.
Kindly Types (ISFJ): Unsung heroes of care, embodying grace through selfless service.
We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.– The 35th President of the U.S., John F. Kennedy, was said to be a Spirited type (ESTP).
Thanksgiving Dishes for Intuitive-Feeling Personality Types (NF Types)
At Thanksgiving, intuitive feeling (NF) types bring a special kind of inspiration to the table. Motivated by their quest for self-improvement and meaning, they transform the holiday into an opportunity for reflection, connection, and personal growth. Whether it’s a new prayer or a gratitude circle, they’ll encourage everyone to pause and give thanks. Their heartfelt approach to the season infuses the entire celebration with warmth, intention, and a sense of purpose.
Spiritual Insight: Your quest for meaning is sacred hunger. You invite others to remember unity—this is Divine communion. Your spiritual practice is to express, feel deeply, and hold space for all souls at the table. You connect heaven and hearth.
An Unexpected Dish Made With Love
Harmonious Types (ENFJ) are natural hosts, making sure everyone at the table feels welcomed and valued. You’ll likely find them in the kitchen, introducing their guests—family, friends, business associates, and neighbors—to their favorite recipes. Their confidence and enthusiasm are contagious, and they’ll happily refill their plates (and yours) as they sample their culinary creations; think made with love organic cranberry sauce. For ENFJs, Thanksgiving is about both nourishing the body and the soul.
Harmonious Types (ENFJ): Natural hosts who nourish body and soul, reflecting the Divine through contagious love.
Insightful Types (INFJ) are often deep thinkers and perfectionists. They bring a unique blend of creativity and care to the Thanksgiving table, ensuring every dish reflects their thoughtful nature. You might find them preparing something elegant and innovative, like brie cranberry turkey stuffed pastries, combining rich flavors with a personal touch. INFJs bring out the best in others, always seeing the potential in every guest and every dish.
Insightful Types (INFJ): Thoughtful creators, blending creativity and care, channeling Divine perfection.
Expressive Types (ENFP) love to infuse new ideas into old traditions. Expect them to bring a fresh, exciting twist to the meal—like pork sausage apple stuffing in pancetta cups. They’re always up for experimenting with new flavors and concepts, and their plates will likely be filled with small samples of everything. If they’re hosting, get ready for a new tradition to emerge every year as they keep things lively and ever-changing.
Expressive Types (ENFP): Experimenters of sacred play, birthing new traditions with joy.
Seeking Types (INFP) are the perfect people to bring peace and harmony to a Thanksgiving celebration. If they attend, you can count on them to be flexible and adaptable, even if the kitchen is a bit chaotic. Their priority is pleasing the people they care about, and they may surprise you with a creative dish like turkey sliders with a stuffing biscuit. Whether they’re contributing a dish or just adding a calm, reassuring presence, INFPs make Thanksgiving feel like a warm, inclusive celebration.
Seeking Types (INFP): Gentle peacemakers whose calm invites harmony and inclusion.
What if, today, we were grateful for everything?”– TV series named after the famed Charlie Brown character, said to be a Kindly type (ISFJ).
Thanksgiving Dishes for Intuitive Thinking Personality Types (NT Types)
If Thanksgiving takes a turn for the chaotic, grab an intuitive thinking (NT) types—they’re your go-to problem-solvers. Focused, inventive, and analytical, they thrive on finding solutions, no matter how tricky the holiday challenges may be. NT types love understanding how things work and will be ready with a creative answer to almost any kitchen conundrum. Independent by nature, they’ll take charge of the Thanksgiving meal without missing a beat, often adding a unique, boho-inspired flair to the spread. If you’re in their kitchen, step aside—NTs will want to whip up aThanksgiving feast on their own terms.
Spiritual Insight: Your intellect is Divine fire illuminating the hidden. True wisdom flows when mind meets heart, when knowing becomes being. Your soul’s journey is to integrate logic and intuition as one sacred voice.
A Well-Thought-Out Dish
Assured Types (ENTJ) are the masterminds of the Thanksgiving feast. With their characteristic confidence and strong leadership, they’ve already planned the entire meal and are ready to rally everyone around the table—family, friends, and even business associates! ENTJs love being in charge, so don’t be surprised if they take control of carving the turkey and hijack the champagne toast (raspberry ginger Bellini, anyone?). They’ll keep coming back for seconds (or thirds), ensuring everything runs smoothly and according to their vision.
Assured Types (ENTJ): Leaders born of sovereign soul energy, guiding with vision and humility.
Inventive Types (INTJ) are the quiet, strategic thinkers of the bunch. While others may fret over whether the turkey is cooking perfectly, INTJs will have a backup plan—likely a pre-cooked spare turkey stashed in the fridge just in case. Known for sticking to their routines or diets, they may only take one serving, but when it comes to Thanksgiving trivia, they’ll be the ones you want on your team. With their encyclopedic knowledge, they’re sure to have the answers to every question!
Inventive Types (INTJ): Quiet architects of possibility, blending routine with intuitive breakthroughs.
Curious Types (ENTP) bring an air of excitement and exploration to the table. Always up for a challenge, they’re likely to experiment with inventive menu ideas, like a vegan Thanksgiving feast or a trendy Thanksgiving bowl. Energetic and enthusiastic, ENTPs will get everyone talking about—and trying—new twists on traditional dishes. Their lively, adventurous spirit makes them the ones to watch for an unexpected culinary surprise.
Curious Types (ENTP): Bringing bold innovation and laughter, challenging collective thought for growth.
Ingenious Types (INTP) are quiet, thoughtful, and often deep in their own world of ideas. However, when a topic excites them, they can transform into lively and animated conversationalists. In the kitchen, they prefer to keep things simple and efficient, opting for minimalist, yet memorable dishes like a bohemian squash salad. They’ll keep their plates streamlined, likely sticking to one or two servings, but their culinary creations will be as intriguing and thoughtful as their personalities.
Ingenious Types (INTP): Deep contemplators whose quiet mind holds vast cosmic wisdom.
Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. – American motivational writer, William Arthur Ward.
Remember Your Thanksgiving Why
Thanksgiving is remembrance—a return to wholeness. Each personality type’s dish is no accident—it’s a sacred expression of your soul’s unique design. By honoring both your personality and spirit, your feast becomes transformational—a table set for healing and true connection.
Journal Prompt: What Thanksgiving ritual feels sacred to you? What might Spirit invite you to release or renew this season?
How to Identify Personality Types by a Thanksgiving Dish?
I believe personality typing is not just about stereotypical labels. It’s about discovering and exploring your higher conscious self, the Self that is a spark of Divine; all their IS. When you understand this about yourself it enables you to consciously create your life; in creative and imaginative ways. I hope this post helps you see your personality, in a more meaningful and holistic way! Know your personality is the expression of your higher conscious soul self. a
So, did I accurately identify your personality type through your Thanksgiving dish? Does it sound like you at the dinner table?
A Gentle Next Step On Your Path
Here is gentle, soul‑honoring way to step forward as it always begins with awakening.
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If you’re standing at a midlife crossroads and craving clarity about who you really are and what’s next, a personalized clarity session is a beautiful place to start. Together, we’ll explore your soul-inspired personality type and begin to untangle the old stories from your True Self. It all begins with a simple phone call. Click here for more
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My hope is always to encourage fresh ways of seeing yourself and to plant seeds of truth. Through Spiritual Personality Typing℠, we can remember who we really are—and in doing so, lift the vibration of the planet together.
If this message stirred something in you, share it with a friend, sister, or coworker who may need the reminder. You never know who’s waiting for this nudge. For more inspiration, you can also find me on Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Travel as Soul Discovery
During my own life tsunami, I birthed a new way of seeing travel. Instead of bucket lists, I began seeking journeys led by the soul—experiences that expand, not escape. My book, Unpack Your Personality: Let Your Inner Guide Be Your Travel Guide, is part memoir, part guide, part reimagined personality framework through the lens of spirit. Each page is meant to help you discover a new destination: yourself.
If you’re curious about your unique Travel Personality Type, I’d love to explore it with you in a one-on-one session.
Dive Deeper
If this message resonates, you may enjoy my conversation on the Mindset Mastery with host Dr. Alisa Whyte: Discovering Your True Self With Spiritual Personality Typing and Travel. 👉 Listen here
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Read: Ten Different Ways To Inspire Happy Travels This Thanksgiving
Read: How To Unlock Stressful Travel Triggers This Thanksgiving
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A Time for New Beginnings
Are you ready to stand among the rare 15% who truly know themselves? This isn’t about becoming someone new—it’s about returning to the essence of who you’ve always been. In our one-on-one sessions, we’ll gently uncover the patterns that no longer serve you, honor your origin story and the joys that light you up. Will illuminate the map a path back to your original self, the self that feels like home. If your soul is stirring, I invite you to schedule a clarity call. In this sacred space, we’ll explore several pathways to self-understanding: identifying the patterns of your true self or we can reveal your unique travel style as a tool for awakening, or illuminate the business gifts only you are here to share.
About Spiritual Personality Typing℠
My goal is to shift perspectives around MBTI® personality typing—to break free from stereotypes and oversimplifications. Remember, your personality type is sacred. Your persona is just a mask.
It’s my intention that you begin to see your archetype as a sacred tool—an expression of your true self.
Of course, good things in life come to those who do the work. Take responsibility and make personality typing, infused with spiritual understanding, a daily practice. You’ll soon realize that your rational self and your soul self rely on each other to ignite a soulful, meaningful life. When you fully embrace this concept, a profound awakening occurs. It moves you closer to your truth, liberating you from a purposeless existence.
You’ll be ready for any occasion, situation, or event—whether it’s travel, relationships, career, passion, or purpose. Ahh, the freedom to live a meaningful life—isn’t that what we all desire?
Who Is Nina Zapala?

I created Spiritual Personality Typing℠ during what I call my “midlife tsunami,” a season of upheaval that stripped away illusions and brought me to truth. A liberating lesson taught me; old-school typology only tells half the story. This realization lead to a new personality paradigm one that bridges the personality and soul. This isn’t another new activation it’s alignment—a committed way of living true to your self.
Today I guide women just like you to ignite the relationship between soul and personality the totality of your true self-expression—free from fear or compromise. Think of it as a coming into wholeness–gracious, yet audacious; releasing the patriarchy, invisibility, and anti-aging tropes. A return to simple and soulful living. Vibrant. Free. Liberated.
Here’s what I’ve come to know: Every wrinkle is a story. Every scar, a sacred map. When we deny our true self, the soul withers. When we embrace her, we bloom into timelessness.
Photo Credit: Mat Brown: Pexels
P.S.: The names provided align with a spiritual paradigm I’ve developed using; spiritual typology and the soul’s role in personality typing.“
Blog Updated: 11/4/2024



