Classic Thanksgiving

In my opinion, the dining table is just as important as the food that sits on top of it. I enjoy putting together a beautiful, autumnal setting. Start early with the tablecloth and build up from there. Choose a solid color because it can be used for future parties and is easily decorated with a variety of accessories. Add colorful, printed placemats and napkins tied with plaid ribbon. Don't forget mood lighting in the form of rows and rows of candles.

Arrange fallen leaves and glittered pumpkins to make a festive but affordable centerpiece. Set the table with your best china and good stemware. Place a beautiful bouquet on a nearby banquet or coffee table. Be sure to light a fire in the fireplace so that the house is cozy and inviting.

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Thanksgiving is a celebration that lasts half the day, so stock up on a variety of drinks for the different times. Start with a festive, champagne cocktail. Mix Prosecco with pear nectar and season with crushed black peppercorns. Let guests pour their own and have lots of bubbly on hand. Depending on your tastebuds, you could serve sparkling wine during the entire meal. Start with a light Cava and pair the turkey with a sparkling Shiraz.

For a more traditional take, reserve the bubbly for the appetizers and serve a Beaujolais Nouveau or Pinot Grigio with dinner. Think about offering multiple wines with dinner. A Chardonnay nicely pairs with the flavors of squash, while a Sauvignon Blanc complements gravy and stuffing.

Don't forget lots of water and sparkling apple cider for the kids. To take a look at the Prosecco pear cocktail, read more

One dish that's easily overlooked at Thanksgiving is the appetizers. Some people find them unnecessary, but with all the fragrant aromas coming from the kitchen, it's important to offer guests something to snack on while the turkey cooks. Keep it easy, don't experiment with new, difficult recipes. Fill bowls with nuts, olives, and dried fruits. Set out an assortment of crackers and flatbreads. Serve these with a nut crusted baked brie. The brie can be prepared in advanced and quickly baked while the guests arrive. Sound scrumptious? Get the recipe when you read more

After you have finished your Thanksgiving meal, clean the kitchen and take a nice, leisurely walk. By the time you return home you will feel refreshed and ready for a piece of pie and a glass of champagne. Pumpkin pie is the obvious choice for a decadent dessert. Jazz yours up with an amaretto whipped cream. Serve a second dessert option in the form of a chocolate pecan pie. Slice up any leftover pie and give to guests as they leave. For the recipes to these divinely delicious desserts, please read more

Besides mashed and sweet potato sides, no Thanksgiving meal is complete without the quintessential cranberry sauce. My fragrant recipe is flavored with fresh squeezed orange juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon sticks. The whole house will smell warm and delicious while this sauce bubbles away on the stove.

You could serve a crisp salad or creamed spinach, but sautéed green beans are the definitive Thanksgiving vegetable. Tossed with garlic, onion, and bread crumbs, these green beans are a crisp, melt in your mouth side dish. Get the recipes to both when you, read more

Once you have decided on a turkey recipe, it's time to think about the sides. Potatoes are the classic companion to the stuffed bird, so serve both mashed white potatoes and baked sweet potatoes. You could flavor the mashed potatoes with a variety of options, but if serving with gravy, keep them simple and make a roasted garlic version. For a delicious sweet potato casserole, mix the cooked flesh with sugar, butter, and bourbon topped with a pecan butter crumble. To look at these recipes, read more

I don't know about you, but I am very excited about Thanksgiving! This week I'm pulling out all the stops to help you create the perfect traditional Thanksgiving. When planning a large scale meal always start by finding a recipe for the main dish. In this case it is the turkey. While you could go crazy with brines, glazes, and rubs, keep the turkey simple and season it with a generous herb butter spread. A classic bread, bacon, and leek stuffing is delicious cooked inside or alongside the bird. Take a peek at these recipes and stay tuned for the rest of the meal — just read more

Last week I put together a party plan for those of you who are hosting your first Thanksgiving. Well, what about the rest of us seasoned pros who are excitedly awaiting the biggest dinner of the year? This week I'm giving you special attention by creating a wonderful plan for a traditional Thanksgiving! 100 percent classic and 100 percent homemade, down to every little detail starting with the invitations.

I wanted the invites to be crafty and warm, with a fun and festive turkey. To see how I made them, read more