Whether making intra-continental travel plans or hosting a big dinner for 17, it can feel like the appetizer to a very busy and stressful entrée of holiday season bustle ahead, but it doesn’t have to be. Listen, it’s no secret the easiest way to keep stress at bay for Thanksgiving dinner is to make reservations. Who’s judging?

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The second is to order a dinner for take-out (Whole Foods is taking orders until the 26th via Amazon) and plate it up on your better China, then add a nice bottle of Pinot Noir like this one. There’s nothing wrong with adding a sprig of sage and orange slices to the turkey platter even if you didn’t slave away in the kitchen since Wednesday night. Seriously. Take a load off.

If you’re anything like me and love to entertain, with the kitchen as your personal sport court, you want to make it the best possible dinner. To eliminate the stress, my third best idea is to set the table the night before (or earlier) and bribe your kids not to touch anything. Of course, plan out your menu in advance and ask your guests to bring certain items. Here are my top tips to keep it simple, but festive and beautiful:

In terms of décor for this lovely table, I keep the Halloween Munchkin and Baby Boo decorative pumpkins for each place setting (here are some faux pumpkins that will work in a pinch). Just stack ‘em up: placemat, charger, plate, napkin, pumpkin.

You can also put down a table runner or gathered fabric, arranging some foraged pinecones or faux acorns, bright leaves, pumpkins, artichokes, or gourds on top. Don’t forget several small bud vases with warm-colored mum cuttings or dahlias or some fall themed faux stems, paired with a few amber tea light holders and tea light candles andor graceful candlesticks (don’t forget the tapers) around the table.

Dressing the table up with simple and natural décor ahead of your guests’ arrival is one simple thing to get out of the way. Then you’re free to hit up that early morning local turkey trot and get those endorphins humming for the day!

And of course, it you’re a guest, fresh florals like this bright fall arrangement are always appreciated by the host. We hope you have an amazing Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends!

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Written by Emilie Kyle
Edited by Sadie Harper