The scene is set, your family has been invited, the kids are getting excited and possibly upset, but you still haven’t figured out how to set a wonderful table for Thanksgiving.
You want a table that is different from last year, it needs that wow factor.
You have already prepared the menu for Thanksgiving dinner. Your turkey is in the oven and the cornbread dip is almost ready to bake.
However, you can’t put it off any longer, it’s finally time to set the table for dinner. To help you with this important task, here are some tips for setting up a wonderful family Thanksgiving table.
Our first piece of advice is to keep it simple. Why stress over the holidays? Well this is a silly statement – he will always do that in any given year. But don’t try to overload your table with your best glassware, china, or fancy cloth napkins. If children are involved, this can only end in tears.
This is a happy time of the year and you should avoid getting upset, so why not:
Buy sturdy disposable dinner plates;
Plastic cutlery
paper cups and napkins
You will find that supermarkets offer disposable party supplies at very affordable prices.
This gives you two benefits: you’ll be able to buy good dinnerware fairly cheaply, and you’ll save a lot of washing up, giving you more time to spend with your family instead of being tied to the kitchen.
Spice up your centerpieces in a fun and novel way, your kids can really help here, in fact, why not have a contest for them to submit one or more homemade centerpieces?
Instead of the usual fancy floral centerpieces, get creative and use things like bagels to create a mountain. Or build a faux platter, using cake stands and cleverly stacking your garnishes in the center of your table.
Alternatively, why not try going back in time and coming up with an old-fashioned theme for your Thanksgiving celebrations?
You can try placing mismatched tablecloths or table runners on your table along with using oil lamps as centerpieces.
Try setting the table with a combination of different tableware items. Place small wooden cubes on the table to store cutlery and napkins. In fact, use anything that doesn’t go together to create an old-fashioned feel to your Thanksgiving dinner.
If you’re worried that your new table arrangement won’t work, have a rehearsal the week before so you can judge the best placement of items, etc.
Finally, the true minimalist approach: don’t set the table at all! – The easiest or laziest approach is perhaps not to put any dinnerware on the table. Try a buffet-style approach where you place all the dishes on your counter or serving cart, with the plates and silverware at the top. The idea is that everyone serves themselves and sits wherever they want. This is very good for creating an informal atmosphere without pressure.
But the best advice we can give you is to remind you that this is a family reunion.
Take time to relax and enjoy the food and the company of your family. Our approach to setting up a wonderful Thanksgiving table by taking the simple route should ensure you have a fun time, which is what it’s all about.
