November is upon us! The holidays are coming up! Does that invoke excitement or fear in you? This could go either way.

If it’s fear, you might be looking for a little inspiration and guidance. All the preparation and decision-making the time of year can be overwhelming. You’re gonna need some help. Hey, I’m in this boat, too. And among the Thanksgiving tips you and I may be searching for this holiday season are the perfect table settings.

Picture this: You’ve done the hard part. You’ve chosen the most amazing Thanksgiving menu – complete with all the dishes you love like a smoked turkey, spiral-sliced ham, cornbread stuffing, cranberry sauce, garlic green beans, fresh baked dinner rolls and a dessert to die for like a red velvet cake or a pumpkin pie.

Now you’ve got to showcase all that hard work. You can’t just plop all that beautiful food down on an uninspired table. You need the perfect table setting.

So think – what style excites you?

Do you like an elegant table with shiny china and delicate glassware? Play that up! It’s Thanksgiving! Bring out the family heirlooms and the sentimental pieces for everyone to enjoy.

Or do you prefer a more subtle look with a more farm-fresh theme? Colorful fruits in a bowl and a more casual tableware create a table setting that’s very inviting. It’s YOUR table so dress it how you please!

Or maybe you like a more classic table setting with homey dishes and napkin holders with a harvest theme. A cornucopia in the middle of the table is the ultimate classic finish to this table’s theme.

There’s a lot to be thankful for this year. And however you choose to express yourself this Thanksgiving, your guests will appreciate the time and effort you spent to create the table setting that means the most to you!

Everyone has their own ideas of what makes a great holiday table.

Some cannot veer from the classic turkey, spiral ham and sides combo.

And I understand that. I’m in touch with that.

Sometimes, holiday time is the only time of year you serve those dishes.

But, for some, the holiday table allows you to try something out of the ordinary and special like Chateaubriand or prime rib.

The most important thing is that your holiday table makes YOU happy.

Have you ever served a nice salmon or lobster on your holiday table?

How about lasagna?

Tell me, what are you serving on your holiday table this year?

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

What really makes you happy?

For me, it’s good food, good people and gratefulness.

Here’s my RECIPE for a happy life during the holidays (and all year ‘round):

Add equal parts juicy steak and potatoes

Place happy, smiling people around my table

Sprinkle liberally a good dose of humility and thankfulness

That’s it.

It’s simple, really.

If we all focus on the truly wonderful things we have in this life, there’s no room for the negative.

I did mention steak, though, too, right? Make sure there’s steak.

Hungry people tend to be grumpy.

The taste of a perfectly grilled steak with its hearty, yet tender, flavor makes everything right in my world. The happiness recipe definitely calls for steak.

Enjoy the holidays with this recipe, friends! And be sure to share it!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.