What does Thanksgiving mean to you? For many of us, it’s the perfect occasion to celebrate the fall harvest season, bringing an ideal opportunity to express gratitude for everything we’re blessed with, from health to valued relationships. We want to help you create an unforgettable holiday celebration for family and friends. Our “Stress-Free” tips will assist you to organize and design a special day for loved ones-without leaving you too tired to enjoy your holiday. From Autumn home decor trends to delicious food, plus time and money-saving ideas to inspire you and hopefully help you and your loved ones enjoy this beautiful season. It’s our way of saying thank you from Stress Free Corporate Housing.
Let’s get this Celebration Started! Welcome guests at your front door.
Immediate impact is achieved with a striking seasonal wreath to liven up your entrance. Don’t stop there; add some seasonal plants and pumpkins to decorate the stairs or walkway for extra Fall flair. Create a Harvest themed bounty of beauty to welcome your loved ones. Below are some images to guide and inspire you. Haystacks can be found in craft stores, as can decorative scarecrows, also available in large chain stores during the holiday season. The whimsical scarecrow will amuse the children, and it’s a project in which they can participate. Tip: Ready-made wreaths can be beautiful and are a time saver. Just google Holiday wreaths, there are so many lovely ones to select from at varied prices.
From the pumpkin farm to the front door, get the kids involved.
Repurpose
Glass apothecary jars and vases are a great yet inexpensive way to add holiday style to your home. Purchase artificial Autumn leaves, a few pine combs, acorns, and small pumpkins, which are available in a bag of potpourri. I have even seen pumpkins, gourds, pinecones, Indian corn, and fresh potted plants at the supermarket. Here you see a white pumpkin inside the apothecary jar and some nuts. You can even use some dry orange slices or potpourri. A season-appropriate five-minute time investment for you to create either decorating option. Tip: When December arrives, you can fill an apothecary with Christmas balls and ornamental stars in different sizes and add pine sprigs between the decorations. Keep the pine cones and nuts from your Thanksgiving arrangements in the existing container. Consider adding a small strand of white battery-operated lights inside for ambiance. Tip: It took me about five minutes to make the floral arrangement you see below. Create a list of what you need, then consider a visit to a large craft store where you can get everything you want in one location to save time, or there is always the order online option.
If you already own a ceramic pumpkin the base can make a wonderful dining table vase. If not, they are easily found in home goods stores in a variety of colors. Of course, there is always a fresh option to consider. Fresh flowers can be inserted into wet florist foam. Select your favorite flowers.
Transform what you already own in an inventive new way. Your existing decorations can be given a new purpose and styled into contemporary holiday-themed decor without spending much money. Create a vignette displaying Autumn themed items on a mantle or table. Fill small wicker baskets and clear apothecary jars with faux Fall colored leaves and pinecones. Use walnuts and other assorted nuts still in their shells to fill a glass container. Do you have white or orange lights? Make sure your lights are non-flammable. String lights tucked into a glass vase creates a dramatic lighting effect. They can also be used in the center of the table, as pictured. My coworker Marea says, “It’s all about the vibe.” Meaning you don’t need crystal and china worth thousands of dollars to create a beautiful Thanksgiving table or welcoming home. This simple table centerpiece below with pumpkins, gourds, apples, and Fall leaves denotes Thanksgiving, and it takes about five minutes to create after gathering what you need for your centerpiece.
Tip: Homemade Roasted Butternut Squash Soup-a time saver to make the day before Thanksgiving. Do you have enough small soup bowls on hand? If not, you can use large mugs.
Starts with a vegetable roux see image below
A popular savory Butternut squash soup recipe can be found at All Recipes: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/234985/savory-roasted-butternut-squash-soup/
Bacon and half and half drizzle topping as pictured is optional
Roasting the squash first makes a difference in flavor.
Thanksgiving Table Centerpieces Provide a WOW factor.
Tip: Experiment with layering plates in different colors from large to small salad plates.
Not everyone’s location includes a seasonal change from Summer to Fall. Many folks live in warm climates, such as Florida. This sunflower table setting is ideal for a patio area table. Use any color bottom plate that would coordinate with your tablecloth and napkins. In this centerpiece, instead of the blue plate, you could substitute green. As pictured above, I frequently combine crystal salad plates to serve a formal dinner. Don’t forget the fresh sunflowers readily available in food stores. Tip: No extra vase at hand; use a large white or clear glass pitcher to hold the fresh sunflowers.
A classic Williams and Sonoma table for those with traditional taste.
You can use a runner alone as pictured here, or you can put one on top of a tablecloth. Consider setting your table the day before. Give yourself time to experiment with the table setting and eliminate a task from the “to-do” list on Thanksgiving day. Put out placemats or chargers, and layer dishes in different sizes. Don’t forget the name labels if several guests are invited. Place glasses above the plate and to the right. Tip: Set glasses upside down on the table to keep them dust-free before your meal, turning them just before guests arrive. Check to see how many serving bowls will fit without detracting from your tablescape.
Label Your Dishes
Remember to be considerate by labeling your dishes ingredients to let guests know what you’re serving. A smart way to warn people with food allergies!
(Image from Ballard Designs) Tip: If you don’t have a serving buffet, create one with a folding table. A pretty holiday appropriate tablecloth over any extra table can be used to accommodate dishes that won’t fit on the dining table. It should be in close proximity, ideally adjacent to the dining table.
Although the food looks delicious, the example below appears cluttered. Unless you plan to serve buffet style, there can be too much of a good thing in one spot. Tip: you may want to incorporate a spiral ham presented on a cutting board in another close location. If space is limited make a separate dessert station for after the meal which gives family and guests a chance to digest, and share time together.
Delish but overwhelming to the eye; too much on one table.
Enjoy the table setting pictures and consider using components you like from each to create a tablescape that will suit your needs this Thanksgiving. Tip: In the first two images below you will see that mixing china and dishware is not only permissible, it’s pretty! Most love the large chargers under the china. They add extra sparkle and shine. Do you like winter white? If so, contemplate keeping your theme monochromatic. Feel free to mix in shades of taupe and beige with white. Add a splash of color with a bronze charger as below.
Monochromatic themes are not boring when done correctly. Some prefer soft elegance versus vibrant colors, it’s a personal choice. The use of birch candles here is a definite plus and would look even prettier adjacent to white fresh flowers bordered by the small white pumpkins. We will be sharing many centerpiece options to encourage your creativity.
Green apples are the crowning glory in this arrangement. Add in variegated leaves, and a touch of orange and plum petals and the result is a magnificent centerpiece that exemplifies a bountiful Harvest time.
Five minute DIY centerpieces to make your day easier but no less special.
Sometimes, less is more. This arrangement should take you five minutes to create and the appeal as a centerpiece for your Harvest table is elegant and impactful. Who doesn’t love Hydrangeas with a few colorful leaves intermingled.
Thanksgiving Table Centerpieces that are Easy to Create yet Eye Catching and Represent Autumn and Thanksgiving.
Time saver Tip: Keep it simple! The mums and daisies below brighten up the table. Select assorted flowers in colors that match or complement your table settings. Add in sunflowers for that perfect touch of Autumn. Pictured below, the greenery is eucalyptus. Inquire if your guests have allergies to specific flowers prior to making your selection for indoor use.
There are no steadfast rules, other than to be creative. Tip: tie a small fresh flower or berries to the stem of the glassware with ribbon.
Time saver Tip: Create a cheese display and wine paring. Select an area that’s large enough to encourage mingling and conversation. The goal is to keep guests out of the kitchen and make them comfortable.
This will require minimal planning to eliminate the stress of rushing to prepare, so start at the very least a week ahead, make a list, and plan to gather nonperishable and some perishable items; such as dry salami that stay fresh for more than a few days, crackers, etc. Remember to include holiday appetizers, seasonings, and ingredient’s for side dishes, juices non-alcoholic beverages, wine, and/or cocktails. Tip: Some guests may prefer non-alcoholic beverages, soda, or sparkling water, and it is always a special touch to slice some fresh fruit. Tip: Slice garnishes the night before. There are no steadfast rules dictating that you must stick with lemon and limes. Below are some excellent garnish examples from raspberries, and oranges to cucumber slices, and grapefruit. In addition to flavoring the beverage, these garnishes turn ordinary into extraordinary! Plus aren’t they beautiful to look at? Thoughtful special touches are not only delightful but appreciated, and sure to make the holiday memorable for everyone.
Tip: Remember to add to your shopping list: garnishes, for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Definitely prep a day before and set aside cucumber slices, raspberries, blueberries, lemon and lime slices.
Desserts for the children and adults. The images below are beautiful to look at and even better to eat.
Cowberry pie, translation from Latin the word “cowberry” means “a grapevine.” Also know as Lingonberry. This berry is wonderful to combine with apples. A recipe for the combination can be found at: https://eatsmarter.com/recipes/apple-tart-with-lingonberries
Floral Arrangements that will Deliver Compliments Galore.
Instead of a flower arrangement in a vase, you can opt for a pumpkin filled with seasonal flowers, surrounded by fresh produce like bosc pears, and small gourds. To craft the pumpkin centerpiece to the depth of the vase, scoop out the insides from an ivory or orange pumpkin and set a vase into the pumpkin to hold the flowers you select. If you are using a small pumpkin and need extra height on the table set the arrangement on top of a log slice cutting board, or a stack of dishes. Choose a size that is appropriate to your table and the available space.
Traditional style floral- the height keeps it above the food and it requires less table space. A great shape for a long rectangular table.
Tip: Create an area for self-serve coffee and drinks. Decide upon a designated area for cheese and wine. If the temperature is not too cold, the patio is a perfect location. This will keep guests from standing in the kitchen (where everyone seems to naturally convene) and provide a comfortable area for conversation.
Thanksgiving Day Menu-Make-ahead Recommendations
This will require some advance planning to eliminate the stress of rushing to prepare, so start at the very least a week ahead to gather nonperishable items. Don’t forget to include holiday appetizers, side dishes, juices non-alcoholic beverages, wine and/or cocktails. Tip: Add in a few make-ahead side dishes, you will be doing yourself a favor by reducing your workload and hopefully you won’t be too tired to enjoy the special day.
Taste the Love
Make the stuffing a day ahead of time, as well as the mashed potatoes and gravy, which can keep in a slow cooker the day of. Add a bit of butter and milk to warm them. According to the experts at ALL Recipes: “Pies like pumpkin and pecan need to fully cool to set so they don’t just become sloppy when sliced. Even an apple pie, which is delicious warm, is better off fully cooled and then rewarmed. Fully cooling allows the juices in the pie to thicken allowing you to cut tall, impressive slices rather than jumbled piles of warm apples. If you really must have your pie warm, make your pie the day before, then let it cool, uncovered. A few minutes before you want to serve it on Thanksgiving, put it back in a warm oven for 20 minutes or so. The juices will stay thickened, but the pie will be warm, giving you the best of both worlds.” A favorite splurge for me is topping the warm slice of apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream sprinkled with cinnamon.
Tip: Write a Thanksgiving dinner checklist. It should be your timeline to success with all your Thanksgiving preparations.
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