Create a Thanksgiving Dessert Station

Country Living


Traditions are great, but sometimes it's fun to try something new. This Thanksgiving, expand your entertaining space and move the party out of the dining room after the meal is done. Set up a dessert station in another part of the house so guests get up and mingle instead of slipping into a food comma!

Here's some suggestions for creating your own dessert area:

1. Rethink your surfaces. Clear a side table or desktop in another room to create a cocktail bar or holiday dessert station.

2. Vary the height and size of your serving pieces. Incorporate footed compotes, trifle bowls, cake stands, and stacks of dessert plates to add dimension and visual interest to your entertaining surface. Look for a variety of inexpensive antique serving dishes at salvage shops and flea markets. Or check out web sites like eBay to bid on vintage cake stands for $6!

3. Corral your ice bucket, glassware, and libations on a tray that can be easily removed when coffee and tea are served. (Hostess bonus: Make your own warm drinks with these easy recipes.)

4. Mix & match your favorite china and glassware collections at the dessert station. Don't worry about continuing the theme you create on your main table!

Get more ideas for personalizing your Thanksgiving table and tips for a stress-free meal.


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