Sharing the Joys of Thanksgiving

Even a lousy cook has no excuse to show up for the annual Thanksgiving feast empty-handed. But while it's nice to be known as the guest who reliably brings fabulous candied yams each year, it's less thrilling to be known as the guest who regularly brings yet another bottle of wine or box of chocolates. This year, surprise your hostess and the hungry crowd with something a bit less run-of-the-mill. Who knows - maybe you'll even upstage Aunt Ida's cranberry sauce.

Fruit Basket Makeover
Bypass the pre-packaged fruit baskets designed for harried shoppers, and assemble a creation of your own. Craft stores have much nicer baskets for a fraction of what your local market will charge. Better yet, skip the basket and fill a pretty earthenware bowl or casserole dish that will be a pleasant keepsake for your host. Avoid the routine bananas and apples, and focus instead on produce that looks great or is not as easy to come by during the holiday season. Pomegranates are always striking, and few fruits can compete with the heft and grandeur of a pineapple. Combine grapes of various sizes and colors, or mix-and-match pears in their various shades. Berries and cherries are great additions to any fruit basket since they are out of season at Thanksgiving, and add a bit of luxury, especially if you are keeping the container small. For a ready-made dessert pairing, choose an interesting wedge of cheese and an assortment of fruits that will complement it.

For Toastier Toasting
Mulling spices, sold prepackaged or gathered separately, add flavor and aroma to warm beverages. Pick up some fresh apple cider, attach the spices with some decorative ribbon or raffia, and you've got a winner for the entire crowd. Add a bottle of apple brandy for guests who desire a little extra warming up. In a pinch, just grab cinnamon sticks and cider, and volunteer to warm the cider before serving. This gives you an opportunity to join the seasoned chefs in the kitchen for all the good gossip without the pressure of actually having to cook! Purchased eggnog offers the same flexibility as cider, since you can provide rum or brandy for those wishing to spice things up, while leaving it plain for young ones and nondrinkers.

Taking Center Stage
Yes, the turkey is sure to be the star of the show, but there are plenty of other ways to adorn the table. While flowers are always a welcome addition to the holiday festivities, think outside the box a bit, and create a more memorable centerpiece. A simple assortment of gourds in assorted shapes and colors can be placed in a clear bowl, Add a candle in the center if you'd like added light (be sure not to use a scented candle since you don't want to compete with the food!). If you prefer an edible centerpiece, it's hard to beat a bowl of nuts still in their shells, garnished with fresh or dried fruit and accompanied by an attractive nutcracker. This can be set out as an appetizer or with dessert, which gives some added flexibility to the hostess.

The most important thing to remember is to plan ahead so that you aren't simply grabbing something prepackaged in a crowded store, stuck in line behind the gravy-purchasing masses. With a bit of forethought, you'll arrive relaxed and prepared to enjoy the food and festivities. Better yet, you'll finally have earned some of the kudos usually reserved for the kitchen-bound members of the clan!