Let's do a Thanksgiving Dinner Party!

A palette of rich reds and golds makes your table warmly inviting and sets the scene for a memorable Thanksgiving Gathering.  When doing a sit down meal there is much you can prepare ahead of time.  Prepare a soup a day in advance.  Bring your home to life with seasonal touches like pumpkins, gourds, fruit and glowing candles.  Offer a range of beverages to complement the meal.  A pinot noir pairs wonderfully with turkey.  You may also want to offer hot apple cider or a signature cocktail.
On Thanksgiving Day plan to start cooking early - the turkey will need at least 3-4 hours in the oven plus needs to sit for an additonal half hour to rest before carving.

FRESH CRANBERRY AND ORANGE RELISH

1 bag (12 oz.) whole fresh cranberries
1 thin-skinned, seedless orange, well washed and dried
1/2 Granny Smith apple, peeled and cored
1 cup granulated sugar

Roughly cut the orange and chop the apple into 1 inch pieces.  Place the raw cranberies, orange and apple into a food processor and gently blend.  Do not over process - chunky is better.  Transfer to a serving bowl and add the sugar.  Cover with plastic and let stand for 24 hours in the refrigerator.  Use fresh orange peel as garnish.