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Setting Up Your Thanksgiving Dinner Table

Thanksgiving -- it's an ages old holiday that first began when the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a legendary feast. Every November, Thanksgiving brings friends and family together in the spirit of love and celebration. This holiday season, try our tips for setting up a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner table.

First, you'll need a tablecloth. Some people prefer delicate and sophisticated lace in shades of ivory or white. This is certainly an acceptable way to go, but if you don't want something this formal there are other options. For a fun and festive look, try a patterned tablecloth with a Thanksgiving theme. Or, go for a solid one in an autumn-inspired shade like russet or pumpkin.

You will then need some placemats. There are many choices available that will coordinate with whatever tablecloth you've chosen. Now it's time to lay out your plates. In the middle of each plate, place a cloth napkin adorned with a decorative napkin ring. Next, it's time to place the utensils. The largest dinner fork should be to the left, and the smaller salad fork to the right. On the right also goes a steak knife if necessary, with the serrated edge facing the plate. Dessert and soup spoons should be placed to the right of the knife. Water and wine glasses go about two inches above the knife.

If all this seems a bit complicated to you, you can always do what some restaurants do and wrap the utensils in a cloth napkin. Place cards are always a classy addition to any Thanksgiving table. When seating, always put youngsters beside their parents and seat couples together. If you're having a large dinner party with people who don't know each other, be creative with your seating. Seat people next to other people who might share some common interests.

Thanksgiving dinner parties can invoke anxiety in even the most experienced hostess. Try not to stress over small details. After all, your guests are coming to celebrate the holiday and enjoy time together. It's unlikely that they'll go home and lament over the fact that the fork was in the wrong place!

Now that you've set a beautiful and inviting table, all that's left to do is enjoy your feast!