Well, its about time......we get to dump the diets, pick good foods at the grocery store and eat a nice meat and potatoes meal.......Thankgoodness for Thanksgiving.

The smells from the kitchen the day before.....the butter running

down the muffins...Moms' homemade Mac N Cheese, thick bright white mashed potatoes, Ham, sauteedgreen beans, cranberries, dressing/stuffing..and finally, placing the glazed bronze turkey on the most beautiful table sparkling with other fresh warm delights.

.......ok,,,ok.....that is a lot of wishful thinking because we all know what happens on Thanksgiving....the guys are in front of the TV with their TV trays and the ladies are at the table barely able to stay awake due to all the cooking the night before.......alright ....that is a bit of an exaggeration too... But somewhere inbetween is the truth...everyone has to admit there is some sort of drama preparing for Thanksgiving....but in the end the feast makes it all worth it.

So lets be serious, we all would like to have the beautiful presentation before the Thanksgiving main event is devoured..... so here are some ideas to have your home ready for the meal of the YEAR!!!!!

1. Usually we do not use black dishes. The color black has a tendency to look

absolutely phenomenal alone. The thought is once the food is placed on the dishes it does not look appetizing.

2. It is great to have a georgous display for the center piece...just don't make it so big it blocks conversation throughout the table.

3.Keep eating dish color on the edges of the set...the charger underneath is where you want to add texture to the table. The charger does not interfere with the look of the food...it is to enhance the colors of the food and the colors on the edge of the dishes.

4.To add even more color, tie on ribbons or decorative backs to the chairs. This is another way to add sophistication to the table without affecting the look of the food.

5. Glasses should be spotless and just shine. The lights bouncing off of spotted

wine glasses and water goblets can make anyone loose their appetite. Folks won't say it...but it will make them wonder if other dinnerware is actually not clean.

6. Do not have the same table cloth as napkins....do some contrasting.....it will make a major inpact on the setting of the table....matchy, matchy fabric is boring; give your table a litte pick me up.....look at it like this.....Thanksgiving is only once a year.

Think visual as your setting your table....if it looks nice together than just adding some white lights would be the icing on the cake. After you have completed your project...stand back and admire your handywork....and give yourself a pat on the back....after cooking you deserve the kudos.... If your hubby or significant other does the place setting for you; give them a great big hug.....because they just took your meal to the next level.

At Interior Gaines we enjoy the Holidays immensly....if you don't have time to

do some of the details, we can be of assistance. Just give us a call at (805)795 7244 and we can make your home look like you have nothing but time on your hands.....Happy Thanksgiving from Janene and Mags.