Create your own Thanksgiving theme

November 03, 2009 Written by: Dave Ullmann

A lot of work goes into your Thanksgiving dinner, so dress your table up to match the occasion. Party decorations don't have to be traditional to make the meal memorable.

Don't feel obligated to create the traditional cornucopia centerpiece. A candelabra or a colored bowl filled with fruit and nuts could be the perfect complement to your meal and create a similar sense of abundance.

You could also opt to abandon a centerpiece completely to create a sleek table. Just line up a few sets of candle sticks down the center of the table for an understated look.

Many people decorate their Thanksgiving table with autumnal colors like red, orange or brown, but you should feel free to chose whatever color scheme you'd like. Purple will produce a sense of richness, while a simple combination of blue and white will create an elegant and formal feel. Lighthearted colors like yellow and gold will give off a warm, happy vibe.

A minimalist table could be chic and unexpected. Chose a solid color, or stick with basic white china and linens. Scatter tea lights around and use uplighting to give your dining room a soft look.