A beautifully set table makes any meal a special occasion –– and what dinner could be more important than Thanksgiving? Pull out all the stops and set a table that’s dressed to impress.

Setting an impressive table for guests is easier than you may think. Start with the dinner plate, top it with a folded napkin and the salad plate. The knife and spoon go to the right of the plate, the fork on the left. Above the plate, wine and water glasses go on the right, a bread plate on the left with the dessert fork and spoon directly above the plate.

Layering plates in different finishes, colors or textures is an easy trick for setting an elegant table. Start with a charger, followed by a dinner plate, topped by a folded cloth napkin and small bread or dessert plate. Finish each place setting with a small trinket your guests can take home as a favor

Pair high and low elements — like  brass candlesticks  vintage china — to create a table setting that is beautiful, balanced and not-too-fussy.

When a centerpiece is dramatic, keep the rest of the table subdued .
Rely on natural elements (and handy-dandy hot glue) to put the finishing touch on your fall table.

 

 

 

Rustic, natural elements continue to be a popular choice for setting your table setting apart from the pack. Shop online for birch bark sheets to use as a charger and cut birch rounds to top plates — or scavenge your own backyard to see what freebies Mother Nature is offering up

Bring an organic touch to your Thanksgiving table by creating a beautiful runner made out of twigs