When getting your Thanksgiving menu together there’s a lot to think about. If you’re the host like me, there may be a lot of pressure on you this year. Maybe you need to search your house to find Grandma Bertha’s Thanksgiving recipes that have been passed down in your family for generations. Old Uncle Earl will expect the chutney he’s eaten for 50 years to be on the table. And you cannot disappoint.

That’s stress.

So be sure to plan ahead. Sometimes with family, there are so many expectations and so little time.

In my family, we CANNOT change up the smoked turkey or spiral-sliced ham. If those aren’t on the table, we might as well call off Thanksgiving. “That’s it! Everybody go home!” I can hear my father mumbling/yelling.

And we don’t want that.

But one area that’s fun to play around with are the side dishes. Some are tried and true and you don’t want to mess with those. They might include mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, creamed corn or family-style macaroni and cheese.

But some, you can add a fun twist to or just completely walk on the wild side. For instance, green beans in a mushroom cream sauce is a bit out of the ordinary. Or delicious creamed spinach.

But how about trying sweet potatoes in a butter rum glaze? Or lobster loaded potatoes? Yes! Seafood!

It’s okay! I think the pilgrims had seafood. They had to, right?

Most of all, ENJOY this Thanksgiving and set the tone for everybody else. If they see you relaxed, they will be, too.

Happy cooking!

November is upon us! The holidays are coming up! Does that invoke excitement or fear in you? This could go either way.

If it’s fear, you might be looking for a little inspiration and guidance. All the preparation and decision-making the time of year can be overwhelming. You’re gonna need some help. Hey, I’m in this boat, too. And among the Thanksgiving tips you and I may be searching for this holiday season are the perfect table settings.

Picture this: You’ve done the hard part. You’ve chosen the most amazing Thanksgiving menu – complete with all the dishes you love like a smoked turkey, spiral-sliced ham, cornbread stuffing, cranberry sauce, garlic green beans, fresh baked dinner rolls and a dessert to die for like a red velvet cake or a pumpkin pie.

Now you’ve got to showcase all that hard work. You can’t just plop all that beautiful food down on an uninspired table. You need the perfect table setting.

So think – what style excites you?

Do you like an elegant table with shiny china and delicate glassware? Play that up! It’s Thanksgiving! Bring out the family heirlooms and the sentimental pieces for everyone to enjoy.

Or do you prefer a more subtle look with a more farm-fresh theme? Colorful fruits in a bowl and a more casual tableware create a table setting that’s very inviting. It’s YOUR table so dress it how you please!

Or maybe you like a more classic table setting with homey dishes and napkin holders with a harvest theme. A cornucopia in the middle of the table is the ultimate classic finish to this table’s theme.

There’s a lot to be thankful for this year. And however you choose to express yourself this Thanksgiving, your guests will appreciate the time and effort you spent to create the table setting that means the most to you!

When you get down into the details of Thanksgiving planning, it’s nice to have a style or theme to create your Thanksgiving menu and your table decorations around.

It always makes for an even more special holiday when every detail has been well thought out. It shows so much love and care has gone into the planning of this very special meal.

There are so many themes to choose from and the preparation can get overwhelming. So when choosing, just go with your own personal style. What speaks to you?

For instance, you can choose a Southern style with a country feel – natural wood table settings and simple, down-home décor. You won’t find your great grandmother’s fancy china and glassware on this table. Plain white plates or a single color is all you need. The food will do most of the talking.

Thanksgiving recipes for a Southern theme might include cornbread pudding, country gravy, deep-fried turkey and Mom’s apple cobbler. Like a holiday on the farm. Delicious!

Then there’s the traditional style. Now, that’s where the fancy china and glassware can make its appearance. A classic turkey and dressing, cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes with brown gravy are on the menu here.

Or, you can go minimalist. Think a modern aesthetic. Sleek lines and simplicity. Elegant. The food can stay in the classic zone, but serve it up in simple dishes. No doilies here. Those belong on a traditional table.

Have some fun playing around with different styles. This is YOUR holiday so make it memorable and pleasing to the eye as well as the palate! And there are so many styles to choose from, there’s bound to be one that excites you.

Tell me, do you like to stick to traditions on Thanksgiving or are you open to mixing up your style with something different this year?