Begin the festivities the moment the first guest steps through the front door! Music can be easily filtered within the home by strategically placing speakers throughout the entertainment area. Allow the music to shadow your guests from the front entrance into the dining area where your tablescape will greet each person individually.

The sense of smell has a proven powerful effect on all people. What better holiday than Thanksgiving recognizes scrumptious aromas that can permeate our entire home! Family members and guests will enjoy a kitchen that welcomes them with scents of the Autumn season. Homemade pumpkin muffins and apple pies warm from the oven supplement the aromas of hot apple cider and simmering herbal tea. Scatter fragrances throughout the dining area by utilizing spicy scented potpourri placed inside decorative containers. Any vase, glass, pitcher or teacup can be easily transformed into a makeshift potpourri vessel.

Wooded scents such as cedar chips are a refreshing reminder of the fall season. Cedar chips can be tucked into tiny baskets or petite terracotta pots and placed on countertops or sideboards. Randomly scatter fresh flowers within the dining and kitchen areas from your own garden, if you are so fortunate! Scented candles provide earthy Autumn fragrances as well as ambience, particularly at sunset while your guests are enjoying their dessert.

Appeal to the sense of sight and touch by welcoming a bold color palette and tantalizing texture to your holiday tablescape. Table linens, glassware and place settings can be highlighted to reflect a sense of Autumn atop the dining table. Deep, rich colors such as burgundy, forest green, chocolate brown, harvest gold and cinnamon are only a mini sampling of complimentary Autumn colors for the tablescape. Add to your harvest table by “borrowing” your green velvet Christmas tablecloth or the burnt orange Halloween placemats that are traditionally stored in the hutch. Mixing and matching patterns, colors and textures allows for versatility of existing items and adds eclectic interest to your tablescape.

Add texture to your tablescape by spotlighting a focal point centerpiece. Straw placemats, pinecone place card holders and interesting baskets used to store bread and rolls bring a creative twist to the table décor. Centerpieces can be as quick and easy as filling a large glass pitcher with acorns and pinecones, or arranging several mini pumpkins, squashes and gourds on any ordinary platter.

Remember, a memorable holiday celebration does not require an elaborate or extensive menu. Any holiday meal can be an unforgettable celebration with a warm and welcoming home atmosphere that appeals to each of our senses. Happy Holidays!

Gail McCauley is a Scottsdale, AZ based freelance home furnishings writer who focuses on content for home and garden websites and publications. Ms. McCauley is a media member of the IIDA (International Interior Design Association) and the IALD (International Association of Lighting Designers).