Thanksgiving Table Tips & Traditions

by Ardith Beveridge, Tastemaker in Residence

Thanksgiving tables are set with beautiful linen, flatware, plates, stemware and that lovely fresh arrangement. When the food comes out, the fresh arrangement is generally taken off. This year, elevate the design. Take four glasses the same height and place them on the table, lip down. Place a napkin or linen runner over the glasses to conceal the glasses. Then place the design up on the new level. Now there is room for every bounty on your holiday table.
 
Want to create traditions in your family for any holiday? Talk to your parents and grandparents — anyone's grandparents — to find traditions to choose from. This is one holiday that originated in the United States, so you don’t need to go to further than that. Look on the Internet about early traditions, modify a bit if you like and celebrate. Write the tradition in a special book and add a new one each year.
 
Earlier this year, another Tastemaker in Residence, Desi Creswell, provided the perfect tip for establishing some family traditions. Kick off Thanksgiving down time — yeah I know — with this project and you might just pick that low hanging fruit from the family tree.