Use What You Have

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 [1] to fit. Ask your friends or family to contribute — whether it's votive candles [2], a vase for flowers, or even some cloth napkins.

Decor details:
Eames Molded Plastic Dowel-Leg Side Chairs [3]

Remember Your Place-Setting Rules

Consult a handy place-setting infographic [4] 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 Dinner Plates [5] in opaque white
Heath Ceramics Salad Plates [6] in aqua chocolate brown
Crate & Barrel Lucca Flatware [7]
CB2 Marta Barware [8]
CB2 True Stemless Wine Glass [9]

Menu Cards

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 momento. 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 [10] so you can do the same.

Fill the Table

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.

The "Endpiece" Is the New Centerpiece

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 prevents open communication. Avoid this pesky problem by creating an "endpiece." Group liqueur bottles, a small pumpkin, and a small Fall bouquet [11] together for a table statement that won't get in the way.

Create a Bread Centerpiece Space

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.

Keep Within the Theme

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 [12] and use a mason jar or glass cup as the vase.

Serve the Feast Buffet Style

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.

Make a Feast That's as Easy as the Decor

That was easy, wasn't it? We also developed a Thanksgiving menu [13], featuring classic dishes done in seven ingredients or less. You deserve to actually enjoy Thanksgiving.

Remember to Eat

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

And Don't Forget to Sit Down

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

Savor Your Hard Work

Now is about time to open that wine . . .

And Please, Offer a Toast

We all have a lot to be grateful for!