Thanksgiving is almost here! Hands down it’s my favorite holiday – a time of celebrating with family and friends and counting blessings, large and small.

It’s no news flash that Thanksgiving is also synonymous with food. My mouth is watering already at the thought of a plump roast turkey with all the fixings…. mashed potatoes, sausage stuffing, green beans, creamed onions, cranberry relish, gravy, pumpkin pie, cornbread and the list goes on and on depending on your family’s traditions.

Creating an inviting table-scape for this sumptuous meal can be challenging. Here are a few tips I found from Better Homes and Gardens (https://www.bhg.com/thanksgiving/planning/tips-for-setting-a-beautiful-table) to help you set the perfect holiday table.

Tips for an Inspired Thanksgiving Table

Color reigns supreme. With all the wonderful hues of the harvest season, make sure to layer in a good punch of color at every place setting. Mix it up by picking three of your favorite fall colors and incorporating them differently at each place setting.

Create a glow. Floating tea lights in partially filled stemware is a wonderful alternative to candles on the table. When nestled in with other glasses, the light from the stemware creates the perfect seasonal glow.

Collect fall foliage. Layer an array of red, yellow, and orange leaves around the edge of a charger, or simply place leaves underneath the perimeter of the largest plate at each place setting. This organic look adds just the right touch of the season.

Use gourds. Small gourds of all colors make wonderful vessels for food. After hollowing out the inside, let the gourd dry before inserting a small bowl to fill with a side dish. It’s a festive way to serve soup.

Add some organic flair. Dress up your silverware with a little raffia and a magnolia leaf. Just roll your silverware up in a napkin, bind with raffia, and insert one magnolia leaf into the raffia tie. The glossy, green color of the magnolia will easily coordinate with napkins of any color.

Incorporate fall crops. Tuck a few wheat stalks into candlesticks for an interesting decoration — and to add height to individual place settings.

Shop Local – St. Petersburg Style

Hope you enjoy these tips. And, remember to shop local! For more information on local shopping, visit Market Mafia (www.MarketMafia.com), a resource guide connecting residents and visitors throughout Greater Tampa Bay with local handcraft markets.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!