Thanksgiving Treats

Are you hosting the big day this year? Asked to bring some wine to your grandma's house for the feast? Fear not. Here are a few good suggestions that will have people thanking you for bringing such great additions to the table.

If you are the host, make the table spectacular. It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive, but this is a special holiday so make it count. Make everyone feel welcome at your table- including the children. This is a day for sharing and giving thanks- asking the kids to elaborate on what the day means to them could become a wonderful tradition, and create some sweet, memorable stories in the meantime. Use handwritten place cards, and something natural on the table such as pumpkins, gourds, persimmons, or pomegranates. They all make great centerpieces and add an earthy, organic element to your table. If you are a guest make sure you convey your appreciation by never showing up empty handed! Bring a jar of roasted nuts with a handmade label, some seasonal flowers, or a beautiful candle by Diptyque. A kind gesture such as a creative hostess gift may secure your place at the table again next year and it just simply shows you appreciate the hours of effort your host spent preparing and cooking.

Hands down, my favorite dish at the Thanksgiving table is the stuffing. My husband Lee (who cooks every dish, every year, by himself, by choice) makes a variation on Ina Garten's sausage stuffing. So delish! Lee suggests substituting cornbread for the white bread, and make sure to use sweet Italian sausage with fennel. Makes all the difference in the world.

And last but not least, WINE! This is a perfect day to celebrate domestic wine, so uncork a few of the Napa Valley's finest selections from Orin Swift. These small production offerings are an ideal addition to any Thanksgiving meal- they are bold enough to stand up to rich sauces and your Grandma's oddball side dishes, yet subtle enough to enjoy all on their own. Forget the Riesling and Gamay this year, choose Orin's Sauvignon Blanc "Veladora" for your white and his Zinfandel based "The Prisoner" for your red. Beautiful wines, beautiful labels- your friends and family will be thrilled with your creative choices.

Enjoy and celebrate!