Dawnsboutique: thanksgiving

“Dinner is where the magic happens in the kitchen.” ~ Kris Carr

Hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be quite the feat, but it need not be when you plan ahead, keep it simple and add a little creativity.

One of the easiest ways to get inspired on that special day is to have a stylish table setting that will impress your guests which will leave you feeling accomplished and proud of your efforts.

Start early by planning and organizing the way you want your table to look and feel. Make a list of the things that you will need to shop for e.g. tablecloth, napkins, centerpiece, place cards, candlesticks, dishware, etc., and a list of things that you already have on hand. If you are on a tight budget, create your own unique table setting by mixing and matching different styles and patterns that you can purchase from thrift stores or second-hand shops.

Incorporate fresh fruits and greenery for a more organic look and break out the good silverware. If the climate is warm where you live (weather permitting), you can dine alfresco and enjoy the great outdoors.

Below are some table setting ideas for a stylish celebration:

Source: Good Housekeeping.com

Source: Getty Images

Just remember that Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude, so just relax and have fun creating your table setting and make the most of this special holiday!

“The heart that gives thanks is a happy one, for we cannot feel thankful and unhappy at the same time.” Douglas Wood

In a couple of weeks, Thanksgiving will be upon us. Have you thought about the big day and how you will decorate your dining room table to wow your family and guests? If not, read on to find out how you can set an opulent table effortlessly with a few inspirational photos from Good Housekeeping.

In order to create an opulent table setting first decide what kind of theme you are going for and how many people will be seated at the dinner table. This is to ensure that the theme displayed on your table matches the overall theme of your already decorated home. Everything must flow together including the place settings and centerpieces. If your home is decorated in the popular farmhouse style stick with that theme on the dinner table. For a unique look, you can also incorporate another decor style with the style you've chosen just keep it to a minimum and make sure it blends well.

Bring your own unique touch to your table setting by using printable placeholders, homemade dinner napkins, and napkin holders. To save money on flowers, cut floral branches from your backyard to fill vases, or buy inexpensive artificial/dried flowers that look like the real thing. You can skip flowers altogether if you choose to and instead use what you have on hand like pumpkins, greenery or autumn fruits.

A tablecloth placed on your dinner table will surely provide an air of sophistication and it is also a practical idea. Glassware and silverware should be pristine and placed correctly on the table (refer to Goodhousekeeping for tips on how to set a table the right way).

Lastly, make sure to leave enough room on the table for the food that you prepared and that the centerpieces are not too tall so that they obstruct your guests' view. Below are a few examples to get you started in the right direction: