This year we are going to the coast with friends, which is a first.   It will be more laid back, no relatives, and that will be something new.

When we entertain a larger group like we did two years ago, it takes quite a bit more preparation.  We get the menu/shopping list going and then for me, my favorite part…(I apologize that the pictures aren’t better quality – I used my ipad)

Write out your menu in advance with shopping items.

Decide on a color scheme/theme with linens, china, etc.

I think in advance about a color scheme/theme which in this case was sort of country French.  I didn’t want it to be too formal, but more casual, fun and colorful. I bought a few yards of this black and white checkered tablecloth and picked out my china and flatware. I didn’t have enough china plates for everyone so I rotated every other with a white plate.  It was fine.

Because it was mostly family coming I got out a lot of heirloom plates, glassware and serving pieces.  In this day and age when else do you have a chance to use these nostalgic pieces? Besides, it reminds me of my grandparents and their parents and it’s fun to share with the younger generations.  

 I got out all the serving pieces, cleaned and polished them up. The pattern is Repousset.

Get out those HEIRLOOMS! China, silverware, serving utensils, and campy tchotchkes!

I love glass plates because they add so much color to a table. You can use them as salad plates or for dessert. These are from my great grandparents but I have seen them at many estate sales and antique malls. The china we got at an estate sale for a bargain; it is hand-painted Minton’s from England. The stemware is also from an estate sale with the exception of some of the etched water glasses.

I put the kids on the napkin task – they got rosemary from the backyard, printed the names of all the dinner guests, cut them out, folded the napkins and tied them with simple twine.  

Stock the bar! And have non-alcoholic options.

 I like to get the bar area ready so the guests can help themselves. 

I always have my daughter make a festive punch that is something like a cranberry sparkling water and fresh lime juice. The kids love it and its nice to have a non alcoholic option available.

Have something for guests to snack on – a veggie plate, cheese plate, fruit, etc.

I get the cheese plate out early so there is something to munch on. I also like to have dip with crudites out.

Add color to the table with flowers, leaves, fruit, greenery – forage outside. There are so many colorful options available.

My friend is a florist and she was going to do something fabulous however she arrived late from traffic and was worn out so we just improvised with leaves and cut branches from the yard.   We used some maple tree and fig leaf branches for the vase and we just scattered yellow leaves found from a quick walk around the neighborhood. 

Make sure you have enough wine and water glasses and napkins at the ready.

I went to Fred Meyer last minute where I found plain water glasses for $1 a piece and they were practically out of all of their colored napkins. I was panicking but then found the flour sac towels that I ended up using instead. A very inexpensive solution. 

We served jello salad in honor of my grandmother, which was kind of a riot.

Don’t forget to get out that turkey plate!

Don’t forget to defrost the turkey!

Here’s the spread!

Be sure to take time to enjoy your meal.

We try to make all the pies a day in advance.  My father in law made flan with a fruit and pecan sauce which was a nice gluten free option.

Have dessert plates and serving utensils ready.

The dessert plates are also from my great grandparents.  I really don’t worry about dishes matching.

Have something kitch like a goofy vase and don’t forget to have fun!.

From my family and friends to yours, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!   Thank you for reading along and good luck with it all 🙂