ET LØFTE EVENTS

GIVING THANKS FOR A NOT-SO-ORDINARY THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION

© Melissa Nowakowski 2009

For many, the celebration of Thanksgiving conjures up images of turkeys, pumpkins, pies and rust-coloured leaves. And this image, of course, is derived from tradition and history.

But for those of us who strive to break from tradition and create something that their guests will remember long after the long weekend has ended, stepping away from a steadfast tradition with a concrete history like Thanksgiving is something that is not easily done.

And so, like every planner who loves all things unique, we lovingly keep most tradition and "tweak" the rest.

Here are some small-yet-impactful details that can transform a typical Thanksgiving
get-together into a memorable one:

Naturesque detail: Gather leaves and write your guests names on each one with black permanent marker. Use these as placecards.


Run With It: Find orange, brown and Burgundy wallpaper in any type of print (the bolder the print the better) and run it down the center length of the table, creating a fashionable and eye-catching (not to mention affordable!) table runner.



Jack-o-Lantern of all trades: Carve miniature orange pumpkins so that they are hollow inside, line the inside with clear plastic wrap or coloured tissue and use the pumpkins as bowls for condiments such as butter packets, sugar cubes, etc. Want to go the extra mile? After thoroughly washing the inside of the pumpkin, place a small container inside and use the pumpkin as a bowl for gravy, soup or whatever your heart fancies.

Photo courtesy of bhg.com

Use larger pumpkins as planters for arrangements of calla lillies, roses, leucadendron, pincushion protea, day lilies, fugi mums, alstromeria and hypercium berries.

Photo courtesy of bhg.com

Bird's Eye View: Collect a few antique birdcages in various sizes, styles and colours and adorn them with beautiful fall foliage such as leaves, hypercium berries, roses, etc. Set them along the center length of the table among miniature pumpkins and corn cobs painted in various bold colours.


Alternatively, paint just one antique birdcage in a bold colour and prop the front door open. Have beautiful fall flowers, leaves, berries candles and painted miniature pumpkins spilling out from inside of the birdcage onto the table.



Show thanks now and forever: Show what you're truly thankful for...family and friends. Display photographs of family and friends (edited in sepia tone for an antique look ) in vintage frames among sets of candles ranging in size. A beautiful tribute to whom we are thankful to have in our lives, this montage will serve as a conversation piece whether you use it as a centerpiece or mantle decor.


Child's Play: Create a fun children's table for your wee guests. Place brown butcher paper on the table to act as a tablecloth AND a drawing board and place a decorative cup of crayons in the center of the table. Place a 'goodie' bag at each place setting that's chock full of colouring books, puzzles and individual games.

Photo courtesy of CountryLiving.com

Eat this: While turkey is a traditional staple of Thanksgiving, there are many other options that are just as hearty and mouth-watering. It doesn't have to have wings to have a place at the table. Lamb, Roast, Veal or heck, even a lobster and prawn feast...whatever meal will bring your family and friends together works. Still want to give 'em the bird? Why not switch the turkey for duck for a nice change of pace?

Change up your sides and include non-traditional favourites like risotto or herbed rice or opt for modifications on the traditional such as spiced yams or sweet and sour mash.

Instead of dessert, offer up a gorgeous array of cheeses and fruit to delight the palate.



Bottom's Up: Serve up this incredible Pumpkin Margarita created by Crema Restaurante in New York City:

• 2 ounces Partida Reposado Tequila
• 1 ounce of fresh lime or lemon juice
• Splash of pumpkin puree
• Lime wedge
• Sesame seeds (You'll already have these if you are using the French bean recipe above.)

Rim the cocktail glass with lime juice and sesame seeds. Mix the ingredients well in a shaker with ice and strain into the glass. Garnish with the lime wedge on the side of the glass.

It's all Fun and Games: Before Tryptophan has a chance to set in after the meal, send your guests out to the backyard for a good old fashion Scavenger Hunt in the fall leaves.


However you wish to give 'Thanks' this holiday season -- whether it's a home affair with the family's best linen and china, a stylish soiree set up in a chic barn or casual conversation over grub at the neighbourhood pub -- we here at Et Lofte Events wishes everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

And just what is this Planner thankful for?

Having a creative mind and being blessed with loving family and friends who continuously encourage her to use it.