From the Menu to the Decor: Here's Your Foolproof, Fast-and-Easy Thanksgiving

Whether you have a planned potluck dinner or are in charge of the full feast, a printed menu card adds a nice touch to the table and can be taken home as a memento. This menu is all laid out for you. We've printed our menu cards on thick stock paper (and cut them out to four-by-eight cards) then propped one up against potted plants and a votive candle. Print out the Thanksgiving menu so you can do the same.

There's no need to go fancy for your Thanksgiving feast. Simply use what you have. If you don't have a table runner, measure the length of your table and go to your nearest craft store to cut a piece of burlap to fit. Ask your friends or family to contribute — whether it's votive candles, a vase for flowers, or even some cloth napkins.

Decor details:
Eames Molded Plastic Dowel-Leg Side Chairs

Consult a handy place-setting infographic before setting the table. But here are a few often-forgotten rules: Place the napkin on the left, fold facing toward the plate. On top of the napkin, place the salad fork and dinner forks. Position the glasses above the plate, at the 1 o'clock position. On the righthand side of the plate, place the knife and the spoon. Be sure all the silverware line up evenly.

To add more depth to the table, stack the dinner and dessert plates on top of one another. Have the guests pass the plates to one end of the table, where they can be stacked for dessert.

Decor details:
Heath Ceramics Dinnerware
Crate & Barrel Lucca Flatware
CB2 Marta Barware
CB2 True Stemless Wine Glass

Don't have any seasonal decor for your table? Here's how to avoid a stark table: fill it with minipumpkins or sugar pumpkins (which can be found in the produce section of grocery stores), wine bottles, and even small potted plants that you already own. We also put out the pie so all could ogle at what's to come.

Have you ever sat in the middle of the table only to realize that a giant bouquet is blocking your view from the person across from you? It's annoying, and it prevents open communication. Avoid this pesky problem by creating an "endpiece." Group liqueur bottles, a small pumpkin, and a small Fall bouquet together for a table statement that won't get in the way.

A long pull-apart baguette (also known as pain d'epi) fills the centerpiece space without blocking anyone. Plus, it's easy for all to reach. And what about that butter? We cut out square pieces of parchment paper to serve each person a pat of herbed butter.

Flowers make a table feel full and alive, even if it's a small arrangement, like this petit bouquet from Whole Foods, which cost around $10. However, feel free to put together your own Fall flower arrangement and use a mason jar or glass cup as the vase.

Passing dishes is a lovely tradition if there is room at the table. But if you're like us (and live in a small apartment), find a long countertop to act as a buffet table and let guests serve themselves.

This turkey receives its flavor from an herby compound butter (chopped-up herbs whipped into butter). Plus, the cavity is stuffed with more herbs and lemon wedges to amp up the aromatics in your kitchen.

The recipe: Herb-butter roasted turkey

Don't skip the gravy, baby. This easier-than-instant version is made in the roasting pan itself with the turkey drippings, flour, and some stock. As for the cranberry sauce, caramelized onions make this version a little more savory.

The recipes: Pan gravy and cranberry-onion sauce

The same recipe for the compound butter (that is used for the turkey) can be cut into rounds and served at the table on little pieces of parchment paper. Sprinkle some flaky salt over the top, and garnish with a thyme leaf. It's Michelin-star quality! Serve warm dinner rolls, or use a pan d'epi (pull-apart baguette) as a table centerpiece. Each of the "petals" can be tugged apart to form individual rolls.

The recipe: Herby compound butter

Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple. This classic, creamy recipe receives a flavor update with the addition of a full head of roasted garlic cloves. But if that seems too much to handle, mash in a teaspoon of minced garlic to the hot potatoes.

The recipes: Roasted garlic and creamy mashed potatoes

Green beans and onions go together like . . . need we finish that saying? But rather than make a creamy casserole, simply steam up the veggies, toss them in olive oil, and top them with sweet caramelized onions.

The recipe: Green beans with caramelized onions

Bacon truly does make everything taste better. It's the key ingredient in this cornbread-based dressing. Yep, even this recipe has seven ingredients.

The recipe: Cornbread and bacon dressing

It's time to put the marshmallows away. These sweet potatoes are fried in butter and then sent to the oven to roast to golden perfection. It's Thanksgiving. Paula Deen-ify your life for one day.

The recipe: Twice-cooked sweet potatoes

Hosts and hostesses often make sure everyone is taken care of, but take the time to jump in the buffet line.

No, eating your plate of food in the kitchen doesn't count. Take a seat to enjoy the meal.

Now is about time to open that wine . . .

That was easy, wasn't it? Relax and savor your efforts.

Thanksgiving is not complete without pie! After you've taken a turkey nap, brew some coffee and serve up slices of whipped-cream-topped pumpkin pie (made with graham cracker crust instead of pie crust).

The recipes: Pumpkin pie with graham cracker crust and whipped cream

We all have a lot to be grateful for, so remember to cheers to the occasion.