Decorating Advice and Paint Colors

When I think of Thanksgiving I think of: food, fighting, awkward conversations, pumpkin pie, washing dishes, loud football games, & even manage to throw gratitude & celebration in there. The one thing I don’t think of is the word relaxing. Most of us have lists a mile long of relative’s spouses names, conversation topics to avoid, shopping lists, timed schedules, dishes to buy etc. The average person’s list for Thanksgiving is a mile long. So find your list & cross at least one thing off. (I suggest that it not be ‘dinner’, there will probably be a revolt). This is a holiday, so let’s make it a little easier. So maybe Thanksgiving can’t be relaxing, but maybe it can be relaxing-er. Maybe relaxing-er can even a word…maybe not.

I’m not a big fan of centerpieces on thanksgiving tables. Mostly because that is where the food goes, & if someone has been awake cooking since 5 in the morning, it better be all about the food. So I prefer to bring the decorating element in with napkin rings. They don’t take up much space, they are sparkly, & they add an air of elegance that says “I’m together enough to use napkin rings, yes they are completely unnecessary but I’m just that with it”. Here are some ideas for some easy to use napkin rings that even kids can help with.

1. Tie raffia around the napkin for a harvest look.
2. Cut a few inches of wire ribbon. Then glue the ends together so it forms a ring. This is a sleek modern look.
3. Take a faux sunflower & bend the stem into a circle. Cut off the excess with wire cutters. Then wrap the stem in floral tape for a finished look.

Here is another Martha Stewart thing I can handle: a preplanned Thanksgiving menu. It has everything you will need to buy & even a timed schedule. Plus, the menu shows some creativity without being so different as to warrant protests. (Roast Turkey with Herb Butter and Rich Gravy, Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing, Wild Rice, Walnut, and Cranberry Dressing, Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apple, Potato and Squash Mash, Cranberry Chutney & Sweet Potato Pie with Pecan Topping). If I’m going to spend all that time/money on cooking it better taste really good, & this menu looks fantastic. Plus I’ve never done anything that Martha-y before. Who would’ve thought I would be able to handle a Martha Stewart Thanksgiving?