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By Laura Downing, Serenité Interiors As Thanksgiving approaches, I have been thinking a lot about how my oldest son will be leaving for college next year. I want to be sure his memories of home during the holidays are special, so he won't forget to come home now and then. It seems every year I do the same things… put the turkey in at 6 am, set the table, prepare the stuffing (two different recipes, my family's and my husband's), make the rest of the meal, enjoy the meal, and then the huge clean up after it's all over. Every year it's a lot of work, but a day filled with a large extended family, laughter, and fun. As much work as it is, I love every minute of it. This year is different though. I'm not content with the same routine, so I have been wracking my brain on ways to make this Thanksgiving especially memorable. Here are some of my favorite ideas you can do ahead of time to create a beautiful and meaningful Thanksgiving. Set a Beautiful Table: Layering is key. Don't be afraid to use more than one place mat on top of a tablecloth. The layering of colors, textures, and fabrics gives a rich, inviting look. Start with some beautiful salad plates with turkeys, wild game, pumpkins, or fall foliage on them. Consider an investment in pictorial plates that can be layered with solid dinner plates you already have. It's more economical then buying a whole set of holiday china, and it's specifically for Thanksgiving. Be sure to keep your centerpiece low so that it doesn't block people's views of each other and hinder conversation. Lastly, don't forget candles. Candlelight makes everything shimmer and gives everyone a flattering glow. But use the unscented candles… you don't want "cotton blossom" competing with the aroma of turkey. Write a Note : This year I'm writing a note to each family member and guest telling them why I'm thankful for them. I will put the note in an envelope and place it under their plates, asking them to take it home to read later. It's a gift for them to enjoy after the day is over. You could encourage other guests to do the same and bring a note with them. You could even go around the table and read them aloud. Make a Picture Collage: Everyone loves to look at old pictures of family. Collect pictures of Thanksgivings past and make a collage you can display somewhere prominent. Your guests can talk about how everyone has changed over the years. It is a good way to remember family members who have passed away too. Make Your Place cards Special: I love to make them from paper at my local scrapbook store and handwrite the names. If you don't have good handwriting, there are many computer fonts that are beautiful. Choose paper that coordinates with your table colors. You could also collect a small picture of each guest and frame it, then add a handwritten name card to the corner. Favorite Dishes: Change up the menu… slightly. I'm going to make a favorite dish or dessert for each guest. My grandma loves apple salad and my son likes green beans almondine, so I'm going to substitute those instead of our usual jello mold and green bean casserole with the fried onions. If each person gets a favorite dish, they will think it was the best meal they ever had. However you decide to make this Thanksgiving memorable, be sure to keep old traditions alive for the next generation and make some new ones of your own. I hope this will inspire you to create a fun and meaningful Thanksgiving for your family this year. Make Thanksgiving Memorable OUR YUCAIPA | NOVEMBER 2014 9 Thank you for the food before us, the friends beside us. and the love between us.