Set a beautiful table this Thanksgiving...

Photo credit: Tria Giovan/Country Living

Photo credit: Better Homes and Gardens

Thanksgiving is all about the food, I know: turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie...

But all that delicious food deserves to be served in a beautiful way. With so many other things to attend to in the kitchen on the actual day, setting the table is one of those tasks you can knock out the day before. It also allows you time to really make it pretty. Pull out those special dishes, use a new or vintage tablecloth, or set the table with lovely taper candles. If you usually set a monochrome table, think about mixing in some lovely fall color. Consider linen napkins instead of paper, goblets instead of tumblers to instantly add elegance. And don't forget a centerpiece (see previous post for some ideas).

A beautiful table doesn't have to cost anything other than effort. And on a day made for giving thanks, offering a little beauty for all the senses seems an appropriate way to show your loved ones how much you care.

Photo credit: Tria Giovan/Country Living