Whether this is your first time hosting Thanksgiving dinner or your 50th, planning is key to a stress free holiday.  Your guest list is complete, you have ordered the turkey, you have arranged for guests to bring different side dishes and dessert.  Now it is time to think of decorating and setting the table for your guests when they arrive.  Why not impress your guests with a table right out of a magazine.

It is easier and less expensive than you might think.  Here is a check list and steps to replicate this Thanksgiving table setting.

What You Will Need

• White or Cream Plates and Bowls
• Wide ribbon or napkins
• Wheat charger or place mat
• Table cloth or runner
• Matching Wine Glasses
• Small Pumpkin with guest initials stenciled or painted on each pumpkin as a place holder.
• Small Pumpkins for decorating the table
• Vase or pitcher filled with natural branches

Steps to Creating Table Setting

• Place the table cloth or runner on the table.
• Position a charger or place mat at each seat.
• Arrange plates and silver on the place mat.
• Place the napkin or wide ribbon on the bowl vertically.
• Place the bowl on top and then put the pumpkin in the bowl.  (Stencil it ahead of time, if you would like personalized place settings.)
• Set the wine glasses to the right above knife and spoon.
• Strategically gourds and pumpkins on your table and set a large pitcher in the center with branches.

Enjoy Thanksgiving in your West Hills apartment.