If you avoid the traditional Thanksgiving dishes because you feel it take too much work but your family request a roasted turkey, you will be pleased to know that Gourmet found a no-fuss way to cook a golden-brown skin turkey with moist, tender white and dark meat. Simply seasoned the turkey with salt and pepper, then roasted in a 450ºF oven. In their own word, the Gourmet expert said: no need for butter under the skin, no basting, no foil tent, just blasted. With the high-heat cooking method, it takes between 1 3/4 to 2 1/2 hours for a 14- to 16-pound bird. This may be enough incentive for roasting a turkey this holiday, if only making a good gravy was that simple.

Generally speaking, an unstuffed turkey baked quicker than a stuffed turkey. Note that the time difference will be smaller with the high-heat method. Get all the details on Gourmet. One last thing, if you ever wish to invite me for a Thanksgiving dinner or a traditional Christmas dinner, do not try to impress me with the stuffing, I do not eat it. But I will pour more gravy and try your cranberry sauce.

+ photo: Gourmet

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My goal was to create a Thanksgiving mood board that will not include gourds, pumpkins or a roasted turkey. I wanted a theme that mixed the old with the new. When I saw this adorable farmyard animal trays by Simrin, I found my starting point. Life after the harvest at the farm influenced my theme.

Think about the elements of a modern rustic home. You can introduce the old through your home accessories in the room, not simply the tableware. Show off items made with reclaimed wood and finds from the flea market. Plus, it should not be too hard to find the right tableware since many reedited old style tableware are available in stores this season.

Do not be afraid to make it your own. For example, you can coordinate modern white tableware with vintage French country flatware and a contemporary fall foliage tablecloth. For the colors, take clues from the harvest season, the fall foliage, and life at the farm. Go for orange and natural linen table linens.

Click here if you need the step by step instructions to fold your napkins into a diagonal pocket.

SOURCING:
+ Rattan Handled Pitcher $49 USD at Wisteria
+ Feed Sack with blue Table Runner $399 USD at Wisteria
+ side wood table by Roost
+ Black Laguiole flatware at Williams-Sonoma on the Web 20-piece $289, in store $79 per 5-piece setting
+ Farmyard Medium Rectangular Pig Tray by Simrin $76 USD
+ photo by Jodi Pudge for Style at Home
+ Etienne Rust Table Runner $46.95 USD
+ Lustre Rust Napkin $4.95 USD
+ Kava Saucer $12 USD
+ Wood-handle horn flatware $15 CAD per three-piece set At Design Group

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I have a love affair with orange. Since it is not everyone’s favorite color, I enjoy the fact that I can pitch more orange tablescapes during autumn.  The tabletop developed for a mid-class cozy café shows that you can create an impact by keeping things simple.

The casual elegance of tabletop is something that you can duplicate for your Thanskgiving dinner party. Finding a beige dinnerware is easy. Look no further than the IKEA 365+ or the Dinera line for beige modern dinnerware. Even the Cream Studio dinnerware that is currently in sale at Pottery Barn would fit the design.

You should not regret investing in a pure linen tablecloth since you will get many years of usage out of it. If you are on a budget, fashion your tablecloth with burlap. Lastly, I like the old-fashioned salt and pepper set. You could try to find something similar at flea markets or vintage stores.

+ via Design Work Life and Behance
+ project in Russia from Transformer Studio

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The easier road for stress-free entertaining is to equip yourself with versatile tableware. Casual chic tabletop is what most people are aiming for these days. After all, you celebrate amongst close friends and family. As I shopped at IKEA yesterday, I took pictures of tableware that delivers that spirit. I spotted affordable tableware that you will be able to use over and over.

The first thing that caught my eyes was this tabletop set for a fondue meal. Blue is popular at IKEA this season. I would serve water in turquoise patterned SNÄLL narrow tall glasses for a change. And you do not have to invest in RIEDEL wine glasses with the SKIR glasses. It definitely not the same quality but you get the look.

Then, I pay attention to the Dinera collection. Guys will love the blue-grey and the brown colors. I like the fact that plates come in many formats. You could mix colors or mix all solids with the ones with a white interior. I am partial to tableware with a white interior because typically food looks more appetizing against a white backdrop.

For entertaining, I keep a stack of tiny bowls for individual serving or to serve sauces. Believe me, they can transform a table. I bought a pack of small POKAL glasses for serving affogato. The POKAL  glasses are suitable for hot and cold liquids. You could get two sets: one to drink espresso and the other ones to serve your dessert. Keep in mind that the grey Dinera espresso cups and saucers (second picture) will look better, if you are willing to spend more.

If you are curious, I bought the small and the tall POKAL glasses, the big VÄNLIG glasses plus a few Christmas decorations and napkins.

SOURCING:
+ SNÄLL glasses $6.99 CAD for 6
+ SKIR glasses $6.99 CAD for 2
+ DINERA 18-piece dinnerware set $29.99 CAD
+ CHARMÖR small bowls $3.99 CAD for 2
+ POKAL glasses $4.99 CAD for 4
+ photo of affogato via Food Network Canada

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Here are two super affordable ideas to show creativity on your Thanksgiving tabletop without breaking the bank. At Bistro Chez Roger in Montreal, they use a 12-inch bread pan to serve bread. A clothespin becomes a casual napkin ring. So after the party, you are not stuck with 20 napkins rings that you will never use again.

Plus, using everyday housewares will leave you more money to make sure everyone has the same glasses, plates and flatware.

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Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving today. I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! If you are looking for very last-minute ideas for spruce up your table, go in your backyard or hurry to the market and use what Mother Nature provides this season.

You can check my glamorous tabletop suggestions on HGTV.ca or get inspired by a sample of their TV hosts. If you are still looking for ideas for your side dishes, check out 10 ways you can serve potatoes.

+ photo: Thanksgiving Tips from HGTV

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I composed this menu for people who are tired of eating roasted turkey at Thanksgiving. Instead, I favor dishes that I associate with a family dinner. This is simple menu suitable for autumn without going to the obvious pumpkins and root vegetable recipes.

+ The meal starts with a Rustic Mushroom and Cream Cheese Tart that you could serve in the living room with a nice red wine. It is the right time to catch up on what happening with everyone. Via Ginger Rose.

+ Once you move to the dining table, serve a Potato and Leek Soup with a warm rustic bread. You can try to bake a no-knead bread. Via Food Network.

+ The movie Julie and Julia certainly revived the Boeuf Bourguignon. I could not be happier since a boeuf bourguignon is an practical main dish to serve a large crowd. Via She Eat Bears.

+ Try the Green Bean Salad with Roasted Almonds and Shallot Dressing as a side dish. Via Our Chocolate Shavings.

+ For dessert, make the Toffee Apple Upside Down Cake that I saw on Inn Cuisine

More Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

If this menu does not inspire you, check out my previous Thanksgiving menu suggestions.

• Menu and inspirations for a Thanksgiving dinner party
• 2007 Thanksgiving Menu
• Thanksgiving Menu and Tabletop Ideas
• Side Dish Recipes for Thanksgiving
• Back to Basics Thanksgiving Menu

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When it comes to tableware, I prefer to get items that I will be able to reuse more than once a year. Halloween and Thanksgiving have a lot in common since they are both in autumn. It is even closer to the truth in Canada since we celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October at the peak of autumn leaves.

Dinnerware for entertaining

The most important element for entertaining is to get a versatile yet elegant dinnerware set. Organic shapes connect us to the traditional meaning of Thanksgiving Day, which was a time to say thanks for the harvest.

I enjoy the warmth of creamy neutral dinnerware. It feels cozier than pure white. The Classic Century Dinnerware collection is a reproduction of an original 1952 design by Eva Zeisel. Everyone who bought the set still love it but beware that it could chip more easily than typical earthenware set. If you live or entertain often with young children, this dinnerware set is not for you.

The Classic Cream Century dinnerware looks stunning against the Black Glass Pitcher at Design Within Reach. The Black Glass Collection also includes a short tumbler, a tall tumbler, and a sake cup .

Serving ware

The Pumpkin tureen does not scream Halloween. Being white and its updated treatment means that you can use it anytime during the autumnal season. The wood pumpkin trivet adds a trendy touch to family style food service.

SOURCING:
+ Classic Century Tableware Collection $62.95 – $267.95 USD at Crate & Barrel
+ Black Glass Pitcher $85 USD (on sale at $72.25 until Oct.13, 2009) at DWR
+ Acacia Pumpkin Trivet $9.95 USD at Crate & Barrel
+ Pumpkin Tureen $29.95 USD at Crate & Barrel

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These ready-to-print pdf templates by etsy seller Little Brown Pen provide you with a set of place cards and tags in three color combinations. You will find more ideas for Christmas and the New Year.

SOURCING:
+ Printable Thanksgiving Place Cards and Gift Tags as PDF Templates – $4 USD

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+ For appetizers, serve with light goat cheese on pepper wafers this tasty Sweet Butternut Squash and Coconut Jam. The Kitchn lists more appetizer recipes.

+ Real Simple suggests 13 recipes if you wish to host a potluck Thanksgiving. Check out Center’d on Thanksgiving featuring Real Simple.

+ Center’d is a planning and organizing tools. From basic activities like figuring out what to do this weekend to more complex plans like organizing a school event that requires volunteers. So it would be perfect for managing a potluck event.

+ Do not waste time and opt for proven recipes. These two were rated 5 stars: the Cranberry and Orange Relish and the Gingersnap-Pear Cheesecake

+ Sabina demystifies the turkey label. She prepared a glossary of the most common classifications. Via Barefoot in the Orchard

+ Check out the New Times All-American wine selections for your Thanksgiving dinner

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+ A Butternut Squash-Tangerine Soup with pistachio gremolata appealed to my senses. The tangerine juice adds a brightness of flavor to the butternut soup. The pistachio gremolata garnish looks and must taste amazing. Thanks to Cathy of Noble Pig for preparing this appetizing butternut soup.

+ I cannot recall when I last ate Duchess potatoes. This classic dish can regain its lost glory when served in individual ramekins. I usually sprinkle the paprika. The light brushing technique is something to try. Via The Well Seasoned Cook.

+ Sweeten your cranberry sauce this holiday by adding blackberries and allspices. Check out the Cranberry Blackberry Sauce recipe by Baking Bites

+ If you are looking for ideas to elevate the pumpkin pie, try the Dulce de Leche Pumpkin-Toffee Pie by The Recipe Girl. Her recipe is basically a pumpkin pie with a layer of dulce de leche. If you like, mix her idea with your favorite pumpkin pie filling. She suggests adding whipped cream and a sprinkle of toffee bits when you plate the pie.

CREDITS:
+ 4 images showcased on Tastespotting – rights reserved

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+ An adorable sewing project is those cute birds on the branch. Transform these birds into a modern mobile to hang over your buffet table on Thanksgiving; put the mobile instead of a centerpiece. Or use them as ornaments for your Christmas tree. Photo by Anna Evenius. Via inredningsbloggen

+ Zoe shows us how she decorates the adorable cake she made to celebrate her first year of blogging. I wish for a birthday cake like that at my next anniversary. Via Zoebakes

+ The glass urns are exquisite. See them at SOFA Chicago; it ends tonight. The exhibit presents work from 100 international galleries and dealers from 16 countries. Via Apartment Therapy Chicago

+ The wonderful Christmas decorations and toys of handmade for kids shop Mahar Drygoods. Shown here are Yule the Elf, Joy the Elf, and Polar Bear Softie & Evergreen Tree Set designed by Tim Haugen of Fantastic Toys. I would use these toys to decorate my house for Christmas. A find by Holly Becker of decor8 for Simple Stated

+ Looking for a method to be on time this Christmas, get Simplify Your Holidays: A Christmas Planner to Use Year after Year. Via The Lylah Blog

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