The Well-Dressed Bird and Other Decorating Ideas
Thanksgiving Day brings wonderful aromas that waft throughout our homes. They fill the senses with real-time 
goodies as well as memories of celebrations of years past. It is an instant invitation to recall favorite family members greeting us with open arms and a laden table.
The food, especially the turkey, takes center stage, along with family and friends. Indeed, the table will need little in the way of additional festive creations. Placemats and the tablecloth should not compete with the beautiful array of foods.
The Thanksgiving centerpiece can be simple or elaborate, but it should be low-profile so that guests can converse. Indeed, you do not want to crowd the table. It will be busy enough with serving utensils, extra side dishes, and condiments. Leave plenty of elbow room for your guests, plus some. Another option is to set up a buffet and leave the table free for decorating and displays. Create a table "runner" of fruits, squash, and miniature pumpkins. Intersperse with candles for a glowing effect.
It is nice to set the mood with seasonal decorations that are welcoming, starting at the front door. From there, you can create a bountiful pathway to the table. Thanksgiving lends itself to incorporating food and natural materials as part of the arrangement. Fill baskets of all sizes with gourds, pinecones, twigs, and leaves for a burst of warm color. Let your arrangements mingle with bold material swags in blazing bronzes, and deep reds.
If you have favorite serving dishes that will not be in use, fill them with both shelled and unshelled nuts and place on side tables and countertops. Dried fruits can also add interest. Fill net bags with fresh fruits; they'll make perfect take-home gifts for your guests.
The dessert table can become a blaze of sweet colors. Here, you can incorporate fun and decorative serving plates and serving pieces. Make iced cupcakes and purchase a "tree" for display. Add risers or use seasonally-themed cakestands to add multiple levels of goodies.