SETTING THE TABLE FOR THANKSGIVING

Decorating with bright fall colors helps create a feast for the eyes

THE turkey is golden brown, potatoes ringed in melted butter and the pies were baked with care for tender, flaky crusts. For all the thought you put into your Thanksgiving menu, make sure your tablescape is worthy of the day’s great feast.

Essentials, says Sandy Lucas of Lucas-Eilers Design Associates, include dinnerware, flatware and glasses or goblets. Floral arrangements draw on fall colors, and iconic flowers and vegetables finish the scene.

Tap into pieces you already have and head to the market for fresh gourds and flowers.

“I like to keep things more or less monochromatic … variations of warm tones,” Lucas says. “Oranges, reds, golds and, of course, green. Green grounds it.”

Here’s her advice:

Centerpieces: You can keep floral centerpieces low so people can see and talk to those sitting across from them. Or Lucas has another option — tall, skinny vases that hold a bouquet of fall colors above the crowd. You’ll get a nice splash of color and an unobstructed view.

Flowers: Lucas likes to combine bittersweet, cockscomb, millet, snowberry, sunflowers, viburnum, fall poms, alstroemeria, bay laurel, Esmeralda Solidago asters and long myrtle.

Tablescape: Even with a floral centerpiece, an arrangement of pumpkins,

gourds and large flowers sets a festive tone. Flatter pumpkins won’t obstruct the view and won’t roll around. Don’t overlook pieces with odd warts or wrinkles — they’re more interesting. Set them at varying heights; use a slice of wood to lift some up if needed. A sprinkling of greenery will add life to your table.

Dinnerware: If you save your good china for special occasions, this is it. The same goes for your crystal. Charger plates underneath the dinner plates adds a nice touch. Silverware doesn’t have to be fancy or match, just avoid plastic.

Linens: Use a tablecloth or stick with a table runner to show off a pretty table. Go with cloth napkins and napkin rings if you can.

Liz Hafalia / San Francisco Chronicle Top: Fresh fruit and fall leaves adorn an outdoor Thanksgiving table. Right: Roses and pomegranates cascade out of a copper vessel.

Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle A tall, skinny vase holds a bouquet of fall colors above the crowd. Lucas-Eilers Design Associates combined bittersweet, cockscomb, snowberry, sunflowers, viburnum, and asters. Tableware courtesy of KuhlLinscomb.

Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle Lucas-Eilers Design Associates designed an outdoor tablescape for 28 using pumpkins, gourds, antlers and tall, skinny vases holding bouquets of fall flowers. Tableware courtesy of Kuhl-Linscomb.

David E. Perry Roses, dahlias and celosia make a fall floral arrangement.