With no pressure of presents, Thanksgiving allows you to focus on what's important - family and food.
To bring those two things together, you'll want to plan the perfect tablescape, giving Thanksgiving the attention it deserves. Whether serving eight or 28, all adults or a mix of kids, embrace your table as a focal point for the gathering.
Before you start planning your table decor, "you have to evaluate who your audience is," said Susie Hinds, owner of The Schaefer House in Jefferson City. Depending on the size of your table and the number of guests you have to serve, buffet-style may be your approach. For others, a sit-down dinner served family-style is the better option. You may even have multiple tables to address; just do what works best for your holiday.
Every great table needs just a few things to set the perfect scene. Focus on beautiful dinnerware and the little decorative touches.
Whether you're placing the food on the table or on a buffet, using a few fun serving dishes can really add a lot.
"I like to mix textures," Hinds said. You can use clear or amber glass, pieces with shine and sparkle, or wooden baskets along with your white or other classic serving dishes. "It makes for a more interesting table," she added.
Melissa Simons of Pier 1 Imports agrees: "Mix patterns like a pro by choosing a common theme - like leaves or paisley - and varying the scale of your prints. Use contrasting textures for added intrigue."
If you want to feature your turkey and all its fixings right on the table, you can choose a simple but elegant centerpiece with airy height, like white candles and silver candleholders, making your food the true star of your table.
"Set your table with harvest-themed dinnerware, glassware and placemats to achieve a transformative seasonal look," Simon said.
You may already have several serving dishes that can go from oven to table and still look great. But if you are planning to invest in a few new pieces, go for something fun that will add to your overall look - harvest or otherwise.
If your table will be filled with food and you're looking for a little something more, try small florals or sprigs with ribbon or burlap to the backs of your kitchen chairs. "This saves some room on the table," Hinds said, but still adds a cute decorative touch that may be missing with a smaller centerpiece.
You're probably already planning to use a good set of dishes in colors that will complement your centerpiece choice. To add something extra, purchase a few harvest pieces to mix in. Buy some bowls, glasses or salad plates to add pattern without having to purchase a whole new set of dishes.
"I love mixing dinnerware," Hinds said. "It's fun and festive to mix in pieces with your everyday dinnerware."
When working with a buffet, set your food at different heights with pedestals and cake stands. "There are so many ways to label a buffet with food markers and little plaques," which adds another personal touch, Hinds said.
When it comes to centerpieces, Hinds said, "There is the visibility factor. You need to be able to see across the table."
Centerpieces can have different heights, but should be airy and alternate from tall to short so as not to block anyone's view, which would stifle good conversation. Mix natural and elegant by pairing vases with birch branches, small pumpkins and candles; or put acorns or pinecones in apothecary jars.
"The right centerpiece can set the tone for the entire evening," Simon said. "Pick a beautiful table runner, then layer in hurricanes with brilliant glimmer strings and vases overflowing with fall floral, all finished with the best autumn accessories."
If you don't want to go with the typical Thanksgiving colors, but still want to use pumpkins and acorns, break out the silver, gold or white spray paint.
When accommodating more guests than usual, you may not have enough table linens for all. Instead of scrounging for extra placemats, Hinds suggests taking table runners the length of the table, putting place settings on top. You can then use placemats for those seated on the ends. Table runners can be cloth or burlap, or even a long wooden box or beam. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and use items in new ways.
As you put the finishing touches on your tablescape, think in terms of layers. If you don't use placemats, be sure to use chargers. Layer big plates, little plates, then either the cloth napkin and silverware, or a personalized place card or favor. If you're looking to go really formal with multiple courses, when in doubt, use online resources to help you correctly place each piece of dinnerware where it belongs.
Thanksgiving table tips
Evaluate your number of guests and size of table to decide if you'll dine buffet-style or family-style.
Add interest by mixing textures with your serving dishes, like pairing amber glass and wooden baskets with classic white pieces.
For a food-filled table, tie small decorative items to the backs of chairs to add interest without taking up table space.
When working with a buffet, set your food at different heights with pedestals and cake stands.
Centerpieces of different heights should alternate from tall to short to keep from blocking anyone's view.
Think in terms of layers for table linens and dinnerware.
Kid-friendly table options
Thanksgiving can be an elegant affair, but like many families, you also have a mess of children to accommodate as well.
Even the kids' table can be adorably decorative, without fear of ruining your favorite tablecloth. Use unique options, like a roll of brown craft paper or a big new dropcloth as a makeshift tablecloth. Or you can use chalkboard paper to create a table runner or table cloth, drawing individual little placemats complete with each child's name as a place card.
"You can make something fun and practical," said The Schaefer House owner Susie Hinds.
Let the little ones get creative with chalk, chalk pens or crayons or markers depending on the surface you choose. Encourage them to draw the things they're thankful for to pass the time. Offer the drawing supplies in mason jars or create "pilgrims' hats" by adding a construction paper buckle to paper cups. If you're creating a centerpiece, go more natural with little pumpkins and things that won't break easily.