Drinks, Desserts, and Divine Dining Decor

Make it a Happy Thanksgiving with recipes and table settings sure to delight

Are you ready to take your holiday hosting to the next level? Good. This month I'm sharing some of my tried and true tips to make hosting (or helping with) your family's Thanksgiving dinner more blissful than stressful. From drinks and dessert to a gorgeous table setting, you'll be the talk of your social and family circles.

Sparkling Cider Sangria

INGREDIENTS

• 1 bottle dry white wine, such as Vinho Verde or Pinot Grigio
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• Juice of 2 limes
• 10 strawberries, thickly sliced (optional)
• Orange and lime slices
• 1 1/2 cups sparkling sweet cider
• Ice

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large glass pitcher, combine the first 5 ingredients and set aside to macerate for 15 minutes.

Just before serving, add the sparkling cider and ice. Stir well and serve at once.

Recipe courtesy of Food & Wine

Pumpkin Dump Cake

INGREDIENTS

• 1 can (29 oz) pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 3 whole eggs
• 1 cup white sugar
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 (18.25 ounce) Betty Crocker™ SuperMoist™ yellow cake mix
• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• 3/4 cup butter, melted

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon until well blended.

Spread pumpkin mixture in prepared baking dish. Mixture will be very wet.

Sprinkle cake mix evenly on top of the batter. If adding pecans, sprinkle them over the cake mix.

Pour melted butter over the top of the cake mix. Bake 50 minutes.

Cool. Top with whipped cream or ice cream.
Recipe courtesy of Tablespoon.com

The table setting is nearly as important as the menu. (Even Mac'n Cheese seems fancy when you put it on fine china, not that I'm suggesting you forego the traditional Thanksgiving fare for something much easier... ;)

I love this particular setting because of its vintage elegance. The mixed styles create an eclectic feel and will remind your guests of yesteryear, bringing warm familiarity and happy memories along with it.

To you and yours, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

DESIGN TREND

Hosts set the mood

If you are calm and relaxed despite the bustle of the holiday season, your guests and family will be too. Remember, you are the tastemaker of your own home.

DESIGN TIP OF THE MONTH

How to decorate

Invest in high-quality seasonal decor that you can use year after year. Avoid plastic or thin, cheap glass pieces. Ceramic, crystal, metal, and wood decor will stand the test of time.