When I was a little girl, setting the table was my job. I took great pride in creating something really beautiful and would often spend hours working on getting it just right.

Sitting to eat at pretty table is still one of my favorite things, though my technique has improved a bit. For Thanksgiving this year, I kept it simple.

I found a sparkly runner from Target, which was the perfect complement to gilded votives I’ve collected over the last few years.

For the flowers, I used white roses and baby’s breath in bud vases – inexpensive and classic. If you don’t have small vases, juice glasses would work well too. I used some of the greenery from a store bought bouquet to add a little color, but on Thanksgiving, I may mix in a sprig of leftover thyme or sage.

I used some green cloth napkins I already had on hand. A few years ago, I hosted Thanksgiving for my in-laws. There were a lot of people coming over, so I stocked up on solid napkins in shades of green and blue thinking they’d be really versatile.

I liked the idea that I could mix and match them for future events. It has been one of my smartest purchases to date. Seriously, they work for small or big occasions and are perfect in any season. Find a range of colors you love in complementary shades, and you’ll be set for life.

So, what do you have planned for your Thanksgiving dinner?