Happy Thanksgiving foodie friends.
Given it’s Saturday, you probably have your dinner planned by now. We typically host family at our house but my 90-year-old grandfather invited us to his house this year. His plan is to cook a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
I know, right? Amazing! How could I say no to that? Plus, he makes the best gravy — just like Grandma use to make.
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more.” – Oprah Winfrey
Here’s the thing. You put a lot of planning, time and effort into your Thanksgiving dinner year after year. What about your table décor? It’s a part of hosting a dinner that should never be ignored.
A dressed table sets the entire tone and mood for a delicious gathering. I’m a firm believer that it doesn’t matter whether it’s you and your partner, just you, or a dinner table filled with family and friends – the table should always be set. You spend so much time prepping for your Thanksgiving dinner between making sure you have enough food, a variety of tasty recipes, dessert and beverages. A beautifully set table is like the icing on the cake. Just think about how it offers a relaxing, cozy and super inviting atmosphere.
“Nothing worth having was ever achieved without effort.” – Thomas Roosevelt
Setting a table doesn’t have to cost much money, nor does it have to be a lot of work - if you don’t want it to be. All you have to do is walk out your front or back door and into the garden. Think about it, this time of year presents a bunch of beautiful goodies. There’s everything from colourful fall leaves, twigs, aged wood, dogberries, unripen blackberries and raspberries (too darn cold to ripen), pinecones and much more.
What to keep in mind? Bugs. I hate bugs, especially earwigs. Ugh! I just got creeped out and cringed at the very thought of them. Thankfully, there’s a solution — soapy water. You can either use a bucket on the patio, or fill up the kitchen sink and dip your natural finds in the soapy mixture to get those pesky bugs out. Before I dip them in the soapy water I would give it all a good shake first.
Once you think it’s been in the soapy water long enough. Place it on paper towel, or a regular old house towel to drain the excess water. Let that sit for a bit to dry.
“Design is a constant challenge to balance comfort with luxe, the practical with the desirable.” – Donna Karen
How to put it all together on the table? Well, that really comes down to your personal preference. I like to keep it simple. I typically start with something in the middle for a focal point. I often incorporate what I have in the house with my natural outdoor finds, like plants. I prefer to have items that are different heights so you can stagger them. Also, if pairing items side by side, please for the love of god do it in three’s or odd numbers. Why? OK, I don’t have an amazing reason as to why – only to say it looks better than even numbers.
Try it, you’ll see.
If you’re having trouble with the placement, don’t stress yourself out about it. My home girl, Martha (Stewart), is always there to help. Google her name or table decorations and you’ll end up with all sorts of amazing sample layouts.
Cooking a big Thanksgiving dinner can sometimes be stressful as we put way too much pressure on ourselves thinking everything has to be absolutely perfect. It doesn’t. You can ask others for help. I like setting the table the day before so I only have to concentrate on the food the day of. It’s about organization and pre-production.
It’s the little touches that have a huge effect. It doesn’t have to be formal. Have fun and be creative. Most of all – make sure you take it all in and enjoy the day and dinner.
“The fondest memories are made when gathered around the table.” – Unknown
Wishing you all the happiest Thanksgiving.
Erin Sulley is a self-confessed foodie who lives in Mount Pearl. Email [email protected]Twitter: @ErinSulley Instagram: @erinsulley.
RELATED:
