Thanksgiving Gatherings Worth the Stress: New Insights from Stressless®
As the holiday season approaches, countless families prepare to gather around the Thanksgiving table, a cherished tradition laden with both joy and stress. Recent research conducted by Stressless®, a renowned Norwegian furniture brand, has unveiled intriguing insights about Americans' attitudes toward Thanksgiving gatherings and the significance of comfort during these occasions.
According to the survey, a remarkable
82% of Americans expressed that the stress associated with planning Thanksgiving dinner is all worth it, thanks to the opportunity to connect with loved ones. However, there’s an interesting contradiction; while these gatherings are cherished, respondents rated the comfort of their dining chairs a mere
3.7 out of 10. Clearly, the desire for a comfortable dining experience is there, but many are left wanting more.
Beverly Kastel, the North American marketing director for Stressless®, emphasizes this dichotomy in comfort perception. "Thanksgiving Dining won't make your turkey taste better, but it will certainly enhance the overall experience by ensuring that you and your guests are as comfortable as possible," Kastel notes. The solution? The
Stressless Bay Low Back reclining dining chair, specifically designed for extended comfort during meals.
A Step Up in Comfort
The Stressless Bay Low Back is the latest addition to the brand’s celebrated reclining dining collection, designed with a rounded shape and understated Scandinavian style. This chair isn't just stylish; its unique features ensure it adapts to your body’s movements, allowing for easy position changes without sacrificing comfort. This is particularly important for those long Thanksgiving meals, where the average dining time is
two hours and 24 minutes, followed by lingering discussions that often extend well beyond the meal itself.
In fact,
93% of respondents reported that they enjoy spending additional time at the table post-feast, engaging in conversations that range from reminiscing (40% of respondents) to discussing the latest TV shows and movies. Notably,
62% of Gen Zers expressed a desire for even longer Thanksgiving celebrations, underscoring the increasing importance of comfort and connection during this holiday.
The focus on seating comfort is not just a luxury; it's a necessity. The survey highlighted that
76% of participants believe the comfort of their seating is vital, with another
46% prioritizing ergonomic benefits. The pivotal role that a good chair plays in a pleasant dining experience cannot be overstated, and Stressless® chairs are crafted precisely to address this need.
The Stressless Difference
The Stressless Bay Low Back chair addresses these comfort concerns through its innovative design, which automatically adjusts the seat and back to provide perfect support while reducing leg pressure and fatigue. Available in a variety of colors and materials, it’s designed to fit seamlessly into any dining setting, offering both versatility and style.
Now is an ideal time for consumers to invest in their comfort as Stressless is currently promoting a limited-time offer of
$200 off each dining chair until October 26. Interested shoppers can explore the range of
Stressless Dining products online or visit a local dealer to experience the comfort firsthand.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and connection, and as research shows, the comfort of seating plays a critical role in facilitating these experiences. With brands like Stressless® pioneering ergonomic designs, Americans can enjoy their Thanksgiving gatherings more comfortably than ever. For more information or questions about Stressless Dining products, visit
stressless.com/products/dining. Through thoughtful design and commitment to comfort, Stressless® is ensuring that this Thanksgiving, people can focus on what truly matters: being together.
Survey Methodology: The survey was administered to
2,000 U.S. adults who celebrate Thanksgiving. Conducted online by an independent research firm for Stressless between
Sept. 9 and Sept. 16, 2026.
About Stressless: Created by Ekornes, the largest furniture manufacturer in Norway, Stressless produces high-quality, innovative furniture distributed in
43 countries. Since launching its first recliner in
1971, Stressless has sold over
10 million seats worldwide. With daily production exceeding
1,300 seats, the brand is committed to delivering comfort and quality to customers across the globe.