A beautiful Thanksgiving table becomes a gathering place

Thanksgiving finds our homes dressed in full finery: candles lit, silver polished, favorite fall centerpiece pulled from the cupboard and linens pressed to crisp perfection. It gives us the rare moment to focus on the blessings we've received in the past year, and to welcome family and friends for the sheer pleasure of their company.

So, setting a beautiful Thanksgiving table is a must. Try incorporating your own personal touches amid the traditional accoutrements. If setting a table is a mystery to you, you'll want to find out the proper ways to set a table, whether formal. rustic or al fresco. Suzanne von Drachenfels is an expert resource regarding dining, the table, entertaining, food service and tableware. Her book, "The Art of the Table: A Complete Guide to Table Settings, Table Manners, and Tableware" is a must read. From her experience as a tabletop consultant at Fitz & Floyd, you'll find out how and when to use various flatware, what glassware holds which beverage, where does the roll plate go, how to select the correct tablecloth size and much more.

Here are some table settings to make your Thanksgiving gathering a beautiful and memorable one.

Embellish a simple china pattern with mini-pumpkin placecards/party favors. Adorned with sheafs of wheat, gold ribbon and autumn leaves, this tabletop takes center stage. Bring out your finest polished silver to add a touch of glam.

A chocolate brown tablecloth contrasts beautifully with crisp white table runners place widthwise on the table.  White pillar candles perched on acorns set in crystal vases add warmth, while allowing guests to see one another across the table. The brown straw and wire pumpkins make festive placard holders.

This felt tablescape that spells out "Giving Thanks" can be crafted days or weeks in advance to suit your schedule. Visit a fabric or craft supply store to buy wool felt, keeping in mind the length of your table and the number of guests. Wrap the candles and napkins with their lettered bands, and then arrange "falling leaves" along the table's length. Include a blank placecard at each setting and have each of your guests write down what they are most thankful for. Share these sentiments during the dessert course.

For a traditional centerpiece, fill a cornucopia (right) with colorful squash and gourds, artichokes, sheaves of wheat and ears of Indian corn. This metal-crafted one with red glass beads looks elegant placed on a polished silver tray.

Layering can add eye appeal. On top of a folded sage-colored napkin, set a patterned charger and a neutral-hued ceramic dinner plate. A twig of colored berries and hand-etched placard translates to a warm welcome. Persimmons add vivid color to the center of the table.

Unexpected details, such as leaves looped over chair backs or place cards tucked into dried artichokes, add individual style. Use a multi-tiered arrangement of seasonal fruits such as figs, grapes, pomegranates, pears and persimmons to add fall color to the tabletop. And don't forget to embellish that beautiful mantle.

Fresh white and orange flowers accessorized with green and red berries, and green and deep red leaves set in a low bowl complement tall gold- and caramel-colored tapers in sterling candle holders.

Beaded fruit adds a bit of sparkle while mini white pumpkins repeat the white in the china and provide a clean contrast to the muted autumn colors in the table runner. Small cedar trees are wrapped in green paper to disguise plastic containers.

Transform words that express heartfelt sentiments into decorative motifs for your table. Handwritten script has an inherently elegant appearance that makes it ideal for borders. And applied in golden brown or sepia to linens and goblets, it assumes a warm effect. Happy Thanksgiving!