How-To: Set a Gorgeous Thanksgiving Table

CasaSugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 06:15:54 -0800

This Thanksgiving, take some advice from designer Marc Blackwell to set a gorgeous and personalized holiday table. Blackwell, who designed a table for Beringer Winery at San Francisco's annual benefit for Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, also designs very cool tableware, which you should check out after you read his tips.

Here are Marc's five tips:

Make a centerpiece from what's in your garden and refrigerator. For instance, arrange oranges among eucalyptus branches or set asparagus or artichokes in glass containers.
Mix family heirlooms and keepsakes with new things for a modern combination.

For the rest of the tips, read more.

Try mixing service styles as well. For example, have amuse-bouches waiting at the table when guests are seated, then serve the next course family style and the next plated.
Leave the wine and water on the table so guests can feel free to serve themselves.
Always have a light source on your table. Votives with individual aluminum holders are an inexpensive alternative to fancy candlesticks, and they can be arranged or scattered.

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