A beautiful Thanksgiving table is a must. With a little simple planning, both you and your guests can enjoy a remarkable feast.

Greeting | Heat apple cider with cinnamon sticks just prior to guest arriving.  The smell is wonderful and you can offer your guests a festive drink.

Give Thanks | Have guests write one thing that they are thankful for on a piece of paper.  Fold it and place it in a basket.  Read them during your Thanksgiving dessert. (Kids always have the cutest ones!)

Tablecloth and Dishes |  Choose a neutral tablecloth or purchase a piece of fabric from a craft store and cut it, leaving the edges unfinished for a rustic feel.

Napkins, Table Runners and Chargers | Accent your neutral tablecloth with autumn colors and earthy tones such as browns, ambers, and reds. 

Menu | Create a menu on ivory or cream paper to place on each plate.

Placecards and Napkin Rings | This is a great project for the kids.  Click here for lots of kids’ Thanksgiving table craft ideas.  It will keep them busy during the football games.

Centerpiece | Create a beautiful centerpiece with inexpensive materials:
• Faux berry branches in an earthen ware vase
• Glass vases filled with whole fruits and nuts
• Candles and candlesticks in warm colors
• Ceramic pumpkins
• Wooden bowl of gourds and / or Indian corn
• A large wicker cornucopia overflowing with small pumpkins, gourds and vibrant fall flowers
• Hollowed out gourd or pumpkin, sprayed lightly with gold spray paint to give them a sun-kissed glow; fill with flowers

Powder Room | Place a small floral arrangement in the powder room to carry out the theme – it’s all about the details.

Gift | Wrap individual Narcissus or Amaryllis bulbs in fall-colored tissue paper, tie with ribbon, and attach a note (i.e.” am thankful for you.”).  Arrange these in a decorative bowl and hand them to guests as they leave.

Click HERE for the next step in planning your Traditional Thanksgiving!