Thanksgiving Setting – Tips to make it Beautiful!

Whether you are feasting alone or feeding the entire clan this Thanksgiving make it a memorable day, do it in style! Our crease-resistant Monica or our crisply pressed Hemstitched tabletop linens are a beautiful prelude to a finely roasted turkey dinner.

Use your best everything…

Sure, it’s work, but let the young and old feel they are worth the very best: best dining ware, best silverware, and best tablecloth. Follow these Thanksgiving tabletop setting tips to enhance your time together. Almost everything will come out in the wash, except red wine. 

Consider these white wines to pair with Thanksgiving dinner:

• Chardonnay
• Dry Riesling
• Zinfandel
• Champagne…make it truly a festive celebration

Delegate, delegate, delegate…

We are a huge family and everyone, young or old, pitches in. I send out a spread sheet with the usual Thanksgiving menu and what needs to be done, before Thanksgiving Day, during the meal and clean-up. This is the one time I get to be the commander-in-chief. The younger ones like making place cards, putting the silverware out and then counting the silverware before the garbage goes out. Each family brings their contribution in either an oven proof platter or plate ready to go on the table. It’s a big job so and the more people helping the easier it is, and everyone is happy.  No one likes a snappish and overly tired hostess.

Prepare the week before…

• Iron the tablecloth and napkins.
• Check, clean and count your silverware and dishes to make sure you have enough.
• If you are baking pies or bread, these all freeze well if wrapped securely.
• If you like making your own cranberry sauce, prepare it and freeze it in advance.

The week of Thanksgiving….

• Check your recipes and make a list of everything you need, including spices.
• Start making ice and remember to buy lemons and limes.

A day or two ahead and the night before…

• Look for the ice bucket and platters you will be using.
• Set the table Wednesday night.
• Make hot apple cider

Recipe for Hot Apple Cider

Combine apple juice, water, honey, and spices; bring to a boil; simmer 30 minutes. Let stand overnight, strain.  Add citrus to spiced apple drink, reheat but don’t boil.  Makes about one gallon.

As a friend has said, “people who cook are just too lazy to order in.”

 Don’t just make it happen, do it beautifully.