GATHER ROUND
As we gather around the table to celebrate Thanksgiving, an elegant table setting can make the meal feel even more special. Here’s a quick guide to setting the perfect plate, whether you're aiming for classic, formal or relaxed casual.
1. The Basics of a Proper Place Setting
Dinner Plate: Center each setting with a dinner plate as the base.
Napkin: Place the napkin on top of the dinner plate or to the left.
Cutlery: Position forks to the left of the plate (with the salad fork on the outside and dinner fork closer to the plate) and knives and spoons to the right (knife closest to the plate, blade inward).
Glasses: Set water and wine glasses just above the knife. For a formal setting, place the water glass directly above the knife and the wine glass to the right.
2. Special Touches for Thanksgiving
Bread Plate & Butter Knife: For a more formal setup, add a bread plate above the forks with a small butter knife across it.
Charger Plate: Consider adding a charger under the dinner plate to enhance the overall presentation.
Place Cards: Personalized place cards can add a warm, inviting touch to your table.
3. Dessert Setup
Once the main meal is done, you can clear plates and cutlery and bring out dessert spoons and forks, placing them above or beside the dessert plates.
4. Final Flourishes
Decor: Seasonal decorations like small pumpkins, greenery, and candles can make your table feel festive. Remember to keep centerpieces low to encourage conversation across the table.
With a beautiful table setting, you’ll be setting the stage for a memorable and welcoming Thanksgiving meal. Whether you’re going all-out with formal dining or keeping it simple and cozy, these tips will ensure every guest feels truly welcome. Happy Thanksgiving!
ActiveTime:30mins
TotalTime:45mins
Servings:6
Ingredients:
2mediumbutternut squash(about21/2to3lb.)
1/4cupunsaltedbutter
1Tbsp.oliveoil
1largeyellowonion,thinlysliced
2clovesgarlic,minced
1(32oz.)pkg.low-sodiumchickenbroth
1Tbsp.driedpoultryseasoning
1tsp.salt
1/4tsp.pepper
2cupsheavycream
Toppings: fresh sage leaves, roasted pumpkin seeds, or a drizzle of heavy cream (optional)
Directions:
Preparethesquash:
Peel and dice the butternut squash: Start by chopping off the top and the bottom of the squash, then use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Then slice the squash in half horizontallyandremovetheseeds.Nextdicethesquashintomedium-sizedpieces.
Cookonions:
Melt butter and olive oil together in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook5minutes,oruntilonionistranslucent.
Addsquash:
Add the chopped butternut squash, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Add the garlic and cookforoneminute,untilsoftened,stirringconstantly.
Addbrothandseasonings:
Stir in chicken broth, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring soup up to a simmer, but do notallowtoboil.Simmerfor15minutesoruntilthesquashisfork-tender.
Blendsoup:
Pour half of squash mixture into a blender. Secure lid on blender, and remove center piece to allow steam to escape. Place a clean towel over opening. Process until smooth, about 1 minute.Repeatprocedurewithremainingsquashmixture.
Return soup to Dutch oven. (Or process soup in Dutch oven using an immersion blender.) Stirincream,andcook1-2minutestoreheat,ifneeded.
Servesoup:
Servesoupwithdesiredtoppingsandaloafofcrustybread.
8 : Dow n tow n Green sb oro H ol i d ay O p en H ou se
1 2 : K i d s C raf t @ C h i ck f i l A M ad i son @ 5 p m
1 2 : Tal k i n ’ B al l w i th Ton y B amh art @ Festi v al H al l @ 7 p m
1 3 : M ag i cal Fl i g h t to th e N orth Pol e @ S ton e M ou n tai n @ 6 p m
1 5 : S an ta A t Th e C en ter @ M ad i son - M org an C u l tu ral C en ter
1 5 : A f ter H ou rs S i p & S h op i n S oci al C i rcl e @ 6 p m
1 5 : M ag i cal C i rq u e C h ri stmas @ Th e C l assi c C en ter @ 7 :3 0 p m
1 6 : S h op , S i p & S trol l @ Dow n tow n M ad i son @ 1 0 am
1 6 : S ton e M ou n tai n C h ri stmas @ 2 p m
1 6 : Th e N u tcrack er @ Gas S ou th Di stri ct @ 2 :3 0 p m
2 1 - 2 4 : M i stel toe M ark et @ GA N atl ’ Fai rg rou n d s
2 1 : Ev en i n g w i th Gl ad y n K n i g h t @ Th e C l assi c C en ter @ 8 p m
2 2 : Li g h ts of th e S ou th O p en i n g N i g h t @ 6 p m
2 2 : Lad i es N i g h t at Th e Trai n @ 6 p m
2 3 : H i l l top Farm H ol i d ay M ark et @ 1 0 am
2 3 : M ari ah C arey @ S tate Farm A ren a @ 7 :3 0 p m
2 5 : M ak e & Tak e Fl oral A rran g emen t @ FUM C Green sb oro @ 9 am
2 7 : Ri tz C arl ton Lak e O con ee Tree Li g h ti n g @ 6 p m
2 9 : O l d Fash i on ed C h ri stmas i n Dah l on eg a @ 6 p m
2 9 : M acon Pop s C h ri stmas S p ectacu l ar @ Dow n tow n M acon @ 6 p m
3 0 : C h ri stmas M ark et on th e M on ti cel l o S q u are @ 8 am
3 0 : S mal l B u si n ess S atu rd ay @ Dow n tow n M ad i son @ 1 0 am
