Thanksgiving is nearly here. You’ve got the turkey in the refrigerator to thaw. You’ve chosen your recipes and purchased your ingredients. You’ve pureed the pumpkin for the pumpkin pie. Have you considered the table where your friends and loved ones will gather around? Creating an appropriate atmosphere for your feast, while by no means necessary, is a gesture that will beckon the feasters and keep them around the table, laughing and telling family stories long after the turkey has been consumed.  Here is a list of ideas to take that extra step and dress your Thanksgiving table. Just a warning, I tend toward more natural looking decorations.  Things that come from nature, one way or another.  I realize that not everyone is the same.

• Giving Thanks from Country Living – I love these candles!  The idea is to use wood felt as a candle sleeve and then add letters to spell a message.  I love this simple, but very effective centerpiece.

• Festive Foliage from Martha Stewart – Allow these simple handcut placemats to act as beautiful trivets for the hot dishes around your table.

• Words of Thanks by Country Living – A beautiful idea for a custom tablecloth that your guests will surely enjoy.  Indian corn makes a striking centerpiece when placed in a hurricane jar standing up.

• Mini Pumpkin Centerpiece by Martha Stewart – Hollow out a few mini pumpkins to use as taper candle holders.  Arrange in a cluster for a bolder presentation.

• Photo Centerpiece by Country Living – Keep your loved ones close, even if they are far away.  Make a centerpiece of treasured photos to remind you of why you are thankful.

• Harvest Centerpiece from Martha Stewart – Though I’m a Mainer now, I’ll always have a sentimental spot for my Kansas roots and anything with wheat.  Thanksgiving is a reminder to be thankful for a harvest enough to eat through the winter.  This centerpiece is a celebration of the harvest.

Do you have plans for a festive table?  What materials are you using to give your Thanksgiving feast a proper setting?