This expert Seattle interior designer plans to spend Thanksgiving in La Jolla this year with her daughter, son-in-law and their friends. I am excited to assist with preparations for food and entertaining. Setting the mood for great food, friendship and conversation means bringing together all the senses — you know- smell, taste, sight, touch, sound

The smells naturally occur from the aromas on the stove and in the oven plus candles scattered around the room. I’m certain the sound part will be arranged by my son-in-law very handily. So that leaves the sight and tactile to my daughter and her Seattle based interior designer mother.

Floral designer Lynn Jawitz notes, “I think linens make a tremendous difference in how the table looks,” Ms. Jawitz commented. “It’s almost like the entire backdrop of the event is the tablecloth. If you have a white or cream tablecloth, bring in color with napkins, accent plates and flowers, she said. Likewise, if you have a colored tablecloth but only white napkins, simply tie them up with ribbon in a complementary hue.”

One of my favorite ways to appeal to sight and touch is to introduce a bountiful — and less expensive — displayby creating centerpieces using purple-hued foods like eggplants, cabbages, grapes and pomegranates. I like to carve out an area and insert a votive. Decorative gourds are plentiful at the grocery store these days and work well too.

From Seattle to La Jolla and all across the globe, my wish is for a holiday filled with memorable moments to treasure long after the leftovers.

There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.
- Author Unknown

If you have a question about setting your holiday table, Ask Faith First.