Putting the “thanks” in Thanksgiving
Freshly ironed tablecloth or place mats. Check
Your best china. Check
Sparkling glassware. Check
Silverware polished. Check
You have the basic table top for a holiday dinner party. But how do you kick it up a level, you ask? Here’s how to turn the ordinary to extraordinary while still being easy, inexpensive, and beautiful.
To begin, choose a theme as well as a color scheme. Stick to one main color with 2 or 3 complementary accent colors. Use a freshly ironed tablecloth or set of place mats. Place settings should be evenly spaced, and flatware should be balanced. Traditionally, glasses are to the right of the setting, and bread and salad plates to the left. Place silverware in the order of its use, from the outside in, first course to main course. Forks are to the left of the plates. Spoons and knives to the right. Your napkins should be cloth, and placed on the left near the forks, or use the napkin as a decorative touch with a snazzy napkin ring resting on the plate. Always include a centerpiece, or a row of candles in the center of the table. If it’s a large table, consider using two, to balance each end of the table.
At each place setting, place a small wrapped gift. Nothing fancy. Maybe some after dinner mints, homemade cookies or candy or a small Christmas ornament from the dollar store. This will make your guests feel spoiled. Use pretty gift tags, and these can serve as your place cards as well.
Most importantly, remember not to stress over elaborate preparations for your table settings. Opt for a simple, classic, and elegant design. The holidays is all about making great memories and spending time with the ones you love. That’s a sure way to put the “Thanks” in Thanksgiving.
Contributed by Christine Bongiorno-Grabau, Home Furnishing Consultant at HomeWorld Furniture Honolulu.
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