Thanksgiving is next week, giving little time to even utter the words “Thank you”.  Whether you are hosting the Thursday meal, or going as a guest to another table, you will want to give proper thanks for those who surround you.  Here are some ways to convey your love in how you dress your table, yourself, and offer hostess gifts.

Dressing your table

Just as dressing with your wardrobe signifies respect, reverence, or excitement for a person or event, so it goes with how you dress your table for your guests.  This does not mean it has to be fancy to convey respect, reverence or excitement, but it should be special, well planned, and creative.  A thanksgiving celebration at the ranch with a tartan plaid throw as a table cloth would set a special picnic feel, and lends itself to all sorts of shelf laden accessories to add to the personality of the hostess through her table.  Or, take a plate of your fall china to the florist to create the perfect centerpiece for your table, along with family heirloom serving pieces to serve the meal.  The fruits of your garden serve as wonderful party favors your guests cannot buy themselves!  A small posey of flowers at each  place setting would be a lovely remembrance of the special day in your home.   See more holiday tablescapes on my Pinterest board.

Tartan throw as tablecloth
from Pinterest

Autumn tablescape
Texas publication

Autumn lunch place setting
Texas publication

Dressing yourself

How you present yourself sets the tone of how you feel about the occasion, about those with whom you will dine, and the respect you afford to each.  If the meal has been announced to be casual, dress casually, but with some flair.  Even at the ranch one can take a western scarf to tie around your neck, pony tail, or waist to elevate your reverence for the occasion.  For a more traditional affair, add something more special than you would to the office, a charity luncheon, or  church.  Your hostess, has gone to a tremendous amount of effort in preparing her table, her house, your meal, and will clean it all up once you leave.  Give her the respect due to her by spending some extra time in choosing an outfit, finishing your hair, preparing your nails, etc.  Think of your hostess as the Queen!  Prepare yourself, your clothes, makeup, and jewelry as if you were, indeed, having lunch at Buckingham Palace.  If you are the hostess, dress for the occasion you set forth.  Give yourself the time necessary so that you enjoy the day along with your guests.  See more Kate looks.

cute jacket with jeans makes for a “dressed up” feel at the casual Thanksgiving table.
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The extra bling adds to the casual ranch jeans, and you can take it off before the afternoon hunt.
mariakillam.com

Tailored blouse and skirt, probably has on her signature nude pumps!
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To church or an elegant celebration, this is a perfect nod of thanks to your hostess.
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Love the hat! The dress and heels certainly show your reverence.
tothemotherhood.com

Hostess gift, don’t walk through the door without one!

As we have established, your hostess has knocked herself out for you!  Bring her something to enhance her holiday experience, and do not bring anything to add to, or worse, conflict with her plan for this day.  Check out dianegottsman.com for more hostess gift etiquette.  Respect for your hostess’ time is shown in your punctuality.  Do not be late!  Only the Queen can rationalize that “she is never late, everyone else is simply early”!  (quote from the Princess Diaries)

A gift that had to be ordered ahead of time is most thoughtful.
themonogrammerchant.com

thingsremembered.com

For the culinary queen! Rosemary “trees” are easily found this time of year. Dress it up, and go.
Pinterest

Your hostess may need this after you leave!
dumpaday.com

Remember, you and all those around you are royalty in the kingdom of God.  Give Him thanks first, then your hostess.

Psalm 100:4-5 “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise to his name.  For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”