Roberta Frank Designs
Apex, NC
Phone/Fax 919.363.9236

Major Credit Cards Accepted

• Clean your welcome mat -- shake it out and hose it down -- so it can do its job well.
• Don't have your mama looking up at a chandelier covered with cobwebs during the holiday supper. A mixture of white vinegar and water does the trick. Wipe down each piece with a clean, dry cloth.
• Wipe those dusty ceiling fans.
• Take a last gander at your guest quarters. Make sure it speaks comfort.
  Look around for anything missing. Extra towels? Blankets ready and handy?
  Add a tray or wooden bowl to the nightstand or dresser for safekeeping of keys, wallets and personal items. Also, make sure the room is not cluttered.
  Remove anything that might hinder peace and tranquility -- or make your guest feel like a guest (old clothes, toys and personal items). Also, make sure the guest bath is ready to receive guests. If you've followed our tips, your towels should already be cleaned and folded (Week 1) and the soap, toilet paper and lotions restocked. Don't forget extra hangers.

Sunday


Shop for perishables and for the all-important turkey. (First, make room in your refrigerator.)

Monday

Do any extra laundry. Have children fold and put away. Have family members pitch in with some minor housecleaning. If you've been cleaning along with our countdown, no heavy chores should be necessary. Just focus on touching up areas where your guests will congregate, such as the family or living room, kitchen or game room.

Tuesday

Bake your special desserts. Can any veggies or foods be cut or prepared ahead of time?

Wednesday

Transform your table into a work of art with our Thanksgiving tabletop idea on the cover. Or try this idea for a leaf-themed tablesetting by designer Fay Racy of Decorating Den in Raleigh.

Table runner: Glue dry leaves to a piece of cardboard the width and length of your table runner. The leaves should not be too dry or brittle.
Arrange the leaves like a decoupage to fill up the entire cardboard space.
Once the leaves are glued, set heavy books on top to flatten them. When dry, place the leaf-covered runner down the middle of your table.

Centerpiece: Fill a crystal bowl with pine cones and leaves. Place candles on each side of the bowl.

Place cards: Use an artist's pen or gel pen to write each guest's name on a leaf. Stick each leaf into a pine cone so that the names are visible.

Thursday

Keep breakfast easy and light with fresh fruit, pastries, coffee and muffins. (Must have room for all that turkey!) Put someone else in charge of cleaning up breakfast. Chill the wine and sparkling cider. Get started on the main course early. Make that stuffing and get the turkey, ham and other meat in the oven. While they are cooking, make the rest of the veggies and set out your munchies (veggie trays, desserts and cheeses). Don't tire yourself out. Get everyone involved and enjoy the shared time with family and friends!

T-day style - Set your table. Here are some pointers from designer Roberta Frank:

• Forks - On the left, the one on the outside is the fork you use first.
• Knives and spoons - They go on the right, the knife is on the inside with the blade facing in, spoons are on the outside. The one you use first is the outermost one.
• Butter plates - Place them to the left and above the dinner plate.
• Glasses - They go above and to the right of the dinner plate: place the water glass to the inside and the wine glass on the outside.
• Salad plates - Place them on top of the dinner plate if it is the first course. If not, it goes on the right.
• Napkins - Make them colorful! You can place them in the empty water or wine glass, on the dinner plate or to the left of the forks.
• Place cards - Here's another chance to bring creativity and color to the table. How about a small chocolate turkey in front of each place?