Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Thanksgiving Tabletop Tips by stylemaker Diana Martin


According to gift expert and style maker, Diana Martin the Thanksgiving table this year should be all about embellishments, details and the personal touch. The table is more than just a table. It reflects who we are and how we live. It’s the place we break bread, convene with family and friends, celebrate a holiday, toast life’s most important, as well as most private moments. The table is filled with memories of the past and those to be written in the future. It’s a blank canvas inviting your personal expression and creativity.

Diana Martin’s Tips for a memorable Thanksgiving table:
Votives create intimacy
~ people look best in candlelight. Small votives along the table or scattered will enhance the evening’s warmth, mood and conversation
Add your personal favorites to the table ~ an antique silver cup is ideal to hold flowers or a special paperweight for decoration; small is ok!
Create a table as unique as the moment ~ mix and match traditional place settings with art glass, hammered metal, ceramics. Use different surfaces such as a mirror placemat with linen placemats and cloisonne napkin rings.
Comfort is extremely important, even in the grandest of occasions. Create a sense of real luxury and ease by expressing your personal style with your table setting. Items that appear to be imposing, artificial or impersonal are taboo.
Scent is just as important as the visual. Fresh garden flowers, herbs, branches are just as aromatically enticing as the apple pie or roast turkey in the oven.
Quality wine glasses are a must. Riedel offers a wide variety of precisely engineered glasses for all kinds of wines and spirits in a range of prices.
Think about the tone of the evening and your guest list when creating your table setting
Be organized! When you go to someone’s house and they’re not ready for dinner, it’s stressful. Have the table set and platters out. Think about where the guest will sit. When you are organized, you are more at ease and so will the guests.
When in doubt, less is more! Simple is chic. Remember, it only takes one fabulous thing to make your guests feel great. Make one special drink or cook the juiciest roast turkey.


About the pumpkins pictured:
According to Diana Martin of Diana Martin Gifts, “These are one of my most favorite gifts during the Thanksgiving season,. Pumpkins are symbolic of appreciation, thoughtfulness and abundance. That is why they are traditionally given during Thanksgiving, although pumpkins can be given throughout the year.

These pumpkins are all individually hand-blown by an artist. The stems are metallic in silver and the glass is brilliant, warm and inviting. The craftsmanship is flawless. We have commissioned this artist for several projects. The small range in $300 and the large about $900.”

Enter a World of Comfortable Luxury and Artful Living -- http://www.dianamartingifts.com/