Happy Thanksgiving Eve + Tips!

I LOVE Thanksgiving. It might be my favorite holiday - and for someone that just adores Christmas, that says a lot. But I love what Thanksgiving stands for. There is no pressure for gifts it's just a time to gather around a table with family and friends to be thankful. How fabulous is that? I say a little thank you every day on my own time, but it's nice to have a day to really get those thank you's out in the open, ya know? Anywho, I've had a few people ask me for a little table inspiration so I thought I would share my Thanksgiving table "rules"(p.s. Mom, I stole these from you)...

1. Keep it simple. The food is king on this pretty holiday. You don't need a floral arrangement the size of Uncle John's head to impress your guests.

via Design Sponge

2. Serve courses. You didn't cook for 12 hours for it to be devoured in 12 minutes. Start with a soup course (butternut squash soup anyone?) or something equally as fabulous. My family likes to see how long we can sit at the dinner table - we usually don't get up until it's time for bed because the conversation is always so fabulous (ok, or just funny)...

Alla Zepeda via Style Me Pretty

3. Delegate. You don't have to do it all. Let people help, they want to. Let them take care of the appetizers or the pies or clean up even. This year my job was to bring champagne and cheese - and boy I was excited to do so!

via Style Me Pretty

4. Use different levels. I ALWAYS use different levels when presenting food. It allows people to really see what they are in for! And makes for a more interesting display. You can do this with cake stands, books, or really any random thing you have around the house.

via Style Me Pretty

5. Don't Crowd the Table. Use an island, another table or a bar for those big food items - let people serve their portion. This will also allow you to use those different levels without blocking people's view of each other. Keep bread, condiments, wine, wine, and more wine on the table.

Lonny via Sacramento Street

6. Use Place cards. Not only will it pretty up your table, it avoids confusion when your guests are at their hungriest. Plus it allows you to have fun with your tablescape!

via Style Me Pretty

7. Make a toast. Our family toasts to everything, but we always start Thanksgiving with a prayer (like any good Catholic) and a toast where everyone goes around the room to state what they are thankful for. It's fun, and our sappy family loves it (there are always tears)...

via Style Me Pretty

8. Dress up! The fancier you feel, the more special the day will feel.

via Style Me Pretty (PS I need this dress Santa)

9. Be a Happy Host or Hostess. If you are relaxed and having a good time, your guests will follow suit. Those dishes can wait. That extra glass of wine? It has your name written ALL over it.

via Mrs. Lilien

10. Indulge. Have that extra glass or wine or piece of pie. It won't kill you :)

via Tartlette

What are your Thanksgiving Tips?

P.S. I am SUPER thankful for all of you. xoxo.