A Harvest Home Thanksgiving

As the fall leaves turn, our thoughts turn, too, to the upcoming holidays and the most “American” feast of all – Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving is all about showing appreciation – for the food the land gives us and for the people we share it with. Subtlety and richness are the keys to this bountiful table. A simple tribute to the fruits of the harvest, it draws its colors straight from nature. Start with a tablecloth in shades of browns and golds, or use pinking shears to create a no-hem table covering from an inexpensive fabric remnant. Repeat the rustic theme with textured, earth-toned pottery, smoky glass plates and cream-colored ceramic pumpkins clustered in a homey centerpiece.

For a twist on the traditional pumpkin pie, try Sweet Potato Cake with Coconut Frosting, garnished with dried wheat stalks around the base. Pour each guest a vibrant cocktail and raise your glasses in gratitude for a memorable meal.

How to Make the Leaf Place cards
All the trimmings stir up wonderful memories of Thanksgivings past and thoughts of Thanksgivings yet to be enjoyed. Leafy place cards, paired with pumpkin-topped recipe boxes and turkey and Pilgrim figurines give the table a sense of abundance.

1. Gather fall leaves or buy faux ones at your local craft store.
2. Allocate two shades of leaves for each guest, making sure one shade is darker than the other.
3. Write the guest’s name on one of the leaves with a contrasting felt tip pen. Gold looks rich on brown leaves, while brown accents lighter leaves.
4. Punch a hole in the wider part of the top of each leaf.
5. Use natural-looking twine or raffia ribbon to tie the leaf place cards to the table setting.