For our vegetarian Thanksgiving last week, we chose a forest-inspired table with a botanical motif, but since this menu is inspired by California’s unseasonally sunny weather, we’ll stick with a warm Autumnal palette of oranges and reds.
Each guest will have shellfish picks ($11) and crab crackers ($16 for two) for digging into the appetizer, and mini porcelain bowls ($24 for four) for dipping into the horseradish mayo. A cheery Le Creuset baking dish ($25) will serve double duty as a serving dish for the sourdough stuffing — we're all about minimizing cleanup! Fall-themed votives ($15 for three) will be scattered around the table to create a warm, inviting glow, and fun metallic placemats ($72) will liven up each place setting. Click on the items above to shop the rest of the look, and tell us if there’s anything you’d add!
Instead of serving a spirits-based specialty cocktail at my 
When I was trying to come up with a quintessential California dessert that embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving, I couldn't find anything that sounded delicious and exciting. Then I realized my guests would enjoy a dish that has the familiar flavors of the season but is packaged in a new way. I decided on this recipe by one of my favorite up-and-coming local celebrity chefs, Aida Mollenkamp. 
Normally when I plan Thanksgiving dinner, I'm inspired by faraway places and exciting cooking methods. However this year, I'm embracing local ingredients and tried-and-true techniques. It's a meal that highlights my love for San Francisco and the surrounding areas. We'll begin with a messy but decadent appetizer: cracked Dungeness crab with horseradish mayonnaise. 