Last Minute Turkey Day Prep from Bella Ink

Thanksgiving is less than a week away and it's OK if you haven't started thinking about a menu and decorations, yet. We hadn't either until we started putting this post together for you.

There's a chill in the air here in Chicago and we're looking for a little warmth, so we've selected a palette of rich browns, yellows, and oranges for the dinner table, starting with the piece that will ground the entire tablescape, the tablecloth. Stripes, like the ones on this Crate & Barrel tablecloth, can make the eyes go a bit gaga, so we would break up the pattern with a cream runner. If you enjoy mixing patterns like we do here at Bella Ink, use a botanical runner that incorporates a few of the colors already found in the tablecloth, but don't be afraid to add a pop of new color, like turquoise.

We love the idea of getting a little crafty, which is why the pictured wheat bundle place card holders are on the top of our must-buy list at Paper Source. These bundles are sold as kits, and you have to DIY. Continue with that DIY spirit by heading into your own backyard (if you're lucky) to pick up a few acorns and/or small pine cones to use in monogrammed hurricanes from Williams Sonoma. A low flower arrangement, like the fall-tone sunflowers from Teleflora, will add life and beauty to the table without getting in the way of the conversation.

If hosting Thanksgiving dinner is an annual tradition, you may want to invest in some seasonal dinnerware. Neutral colors may be used over and over again with different color schemes when you're ready to change things up. These cream and caramel color plates from Pottery Barn should do the trick. If you want to add a pop of color, as discussed earlier, head to a shop like Cost Plus World Market or Home goods for small, inexpensive salad or dessert plates in your desired accent shade... or napkins, tea lights, etc...

As for the meal itself, if you're having a small gathering, consider cooking a turkey breast or a couple of cornish hens (myrecipes.com cornish hens w/barley-mushroom stuffing) rather than a large bird. Many people like a fruity white wine with turkey, and one of our favorites is a Chateau Ste. Michele Riesling. A fun, layered dress, like the Parker from Shopbop pictured above, leaves plenty of room for all the indulging while still looking stylish, especially when paired with the Maison Martin Margiela shoes the model wears.

And of course, don't forget to get the ball rolling with a fabulous fall-theme invitation from Bella Ink Designs! (Pictured PH-12)

So, do you prefer white meat or dark meat? Happy Thanksgiving from Bella Ink Designs!