Thanksgiving Holiday Guide

Thanksgiving is a time for expressing gratitude and appreciation - it's also a time to enjoy the company of friends and family. And, digging into delicious home-cooked food is most definitely an added bonus!

We've compiled some of our "must eats" of the holiday, a few fun seasonal crafts to do with the kids, as well as some cool ideas about how to dress up your Thanksgiving table this year.

Dig In!

Let's face it - one of the best parts about this holiday is stuffing ourselves with yummy recipes we most likely only indulge in a few times a year. We've compiled a list of links to traditional favorites we cannot live without, as well as some recipes with a new spin.

• • Gobble Gobble: We love a traditional turkey as much as you do, but why not try this turkey with herbes de provence and citrus - a medley of herbs and citrus flavors which works deliciously well together.
• • Pass the Green Beans Please: We Thanksgiving cooks always have a hard time deciding on which menu items to include and which to pass on - but it's always near impossible to part with the tried-and-true green bean casserole. It's an absolute must!
• • Give Me Gravy with My Mashed Potatoes: Turkey and Mashed Potatoes - a match made in heaven! This year, why not try changing things up a bit with this garlic infused mashed potato recipe? And don't forget the gravy!
• • I'm Stuffed:: No feast is complete without the dressing, whether you decide to stuff your turkey with it or serve it as a side dish. The traditional stuffing is always a safe bet, but this panettone stuffing is a yummy twist on the old standby.
• • Save Room for Dessert:: Time to get to this author's absolute favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal - dessert! You cannot go wrong with a classic pumpkin pie, but what's as American as apple pie? Or, try this caramel apple pie for a unique spin on the dessert.

Setting the Tone

You've been designated the official hostess (or host) of this year's Thanksgiving festivities. You've made your grocery and to-do lists, but what other around-the-house duties are left? In addition to cleaning the house and taking care of yard work, why not take a break from those duties to decorate your home for the festivities and set a welcoming, cozy tone for the gathering?

• • Festive Flowers: Integrating a lovely, festive Fall centerpiece while setting your table will most definitely add a touch of ambience to the table. Try a traditional cornucopia style flower centerpiece, or a Thanksgiving centerpiece with candles which does double duty.
• • Unique Place Settings: Add a unique touch to your table this year with these out-of-the ordinary cornhusk place cards and napkin rings.
• • Adding Fun to the Kids' Table: Add a bit of fun to the children's table with these adorable - and fun - place cards and centerpiece ideas.
• • Welcoming Your Guests: Set the tone for your family feast at the front door with a gorgeous Autumn wreath.
• • Don't Forget the Rest of the House: Your guests won't be sitting at the dining room table the entire day, so don't forget about adding festive touches to the rest of your home. Add candles and seasonal Thanksgiving flowers throughout your home - in the guest rooms, bathroom, living room and kitchen - for a truly festive theme.

Get Crafty

Get the kids into the Thanksgiving spirit with these fun craft projects to keep them busy while you cook!

• • Wild Turkey: Send the kids outside to play and gather items such as sticks and leaves to make a festive wild turkey.
• • An Oldie but Goodie: Remember making the handprint turkey? If not, then here are some instructions.
• • Pop-Up Turkey: For the older kids, here is a really cool pop-up turkey.
• • Pilgrim Bonnet: Dress up your little princess as a pilgrim with a cute bonnet she can assemble and make herself.

We wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!