November has arrived and it's time to start preparing for the holiday season!  Thanksgiving is November 27, 2008!      

Will you be cooking the turkey this year?  If you're entertaining the crew for Thanksgiving,...   

WOW your guests with a Thanksgiving spread to remember! 

Start by bringing an autumn feel to your front entry using Fall foliage, pumpkins, gords & dried corn in a vignette just outside the door. An autumn wreath always adds color to the front entry. Place pots or baskets full of Fall seasonal flowers by the front porch to add color and warmth to your entry.  You want for your guests to feel welcome, from the moment they arrive!  

Leave your guests ranting and raving about your festive table with decorations to remember.

When setting your Thanksgiving table, use unique place card holders to add to the festive decorations.  These pear and acorn holders are just perfect.   

Personalizing your guests place card settings with a quick note, reminds them of just how special they are and why you are thankful for them.... This will make them feel warm and fuzzy from the minute they sit down to your Thanksgiving feast!

EXAMPLES:

Chelsea,                                                                                               I am thankful for  the laughter you always bring to my life! 

Timothy,                                                                                               I am thankful for the friendship we have, you are so special to me!

Nancy,                                                                                       Thanksgiving just wouldn't be the same without you! 

These small notes on the back of the place cards will let your guests know they are welcomed.

Whether you are setting the table to serve your guests or having a buffet style Thanksgiving spread, be sure not to overcrowd your tables.  Keep your decorations to a minimum, remember less is more. Your guests will need the extra elbow room on the table and if you are serving different courses throughout the dinner, you will need the extra table space to place the different dishes down!

Try to coordinate your serving dishes as well, so that when they make it to the table they blend in with your Holiday decor!

If your serving cranberry this year, a big No No...DON'T serve it straight from the can!      

Get creative with your cranberries and find a decorative bowl or  dish to serve it in.  Make a cranberry mold. Presentation is everything when your trying to impress the guests!   

        Don't forget a toast to family & friends!

Impress your guests with decadent desserts...it's not just about the pumpkin pie anymore!  How about serving this delicious cranberry eggnog tart or glazed Bartlett pears. You'll find some of thease great recipes at this link below.

www.yumsugar.com/756962

As always when entertaining guests, it is good to leave them with a gift to take home...a special memento from your gathering that will be a reminder of the great time they had every time that they see it.  Remember to keep your gift in the theme of your Holiday decor.  These cute fall boxes could be filled with your favorite candy or a small gift for your guests. Or how about these cute leaf shaped hand soaps. If you have a large crowd, a cookie cutter is an inexpensive item and makes a great gift too!

No matter how large or small, gift giving is always good for the soul !

Remember to keep continuity throughout your Thanksgiving Holiday decor and plan ahead of time!      If you are well prepared, you will be able to relax and enjoy your special gathering with family and friends!

 Happy Thanksgiving!