If your Thanksgiving is anything like mine, it's a large family gathering around lots of delicious food, drinks, laughs and football of course. Thanksgiving is one of the few times a year my entire family on the northeast coast gets together. Therefore sitting around a standard dining table is almost impossible. In order to accomodate the entire family, we usually have a buffet style dinner. 

Buffet style doesn't have to be impersonal or boring. Have fun with it and be festive. 

1. Have A Flow of Stations. Allow your guests to choose what they want and to mingle freely. Group all the similar dishes together on one table. For example, it is a good idea to group your starches like pasta, rice or potatoes together. Since the turkey is the star of the evening consider having a separate station for it such as a small server or extra table. 

2. Add a BAR. Who doesn't love a good bar! This is your chance to be creative and allow your guests to make their own treat. This can include a table with different sweets (sweet potato pie, cupcakes, cookies, tarts, fruit bowls, brownies, etc.). The kids will LOVE this section! You can also have a salad bar where your family can create their favorite salad and customize it with their favorite toppings and dressing.

3. Don't Forget to Label your Food. Just in case someone isn't sure what a dish is you can create labels with the name of each dish. This will help create a stress-less evening for you.

4. Use Different Heights. To increase visual interest, serve certain dishes on a pedestal or use rustic boxes to add height. 

5. Add Decorative Accessories. Since we are celebrating with those that we love, add some festive decorations around your buffet stations like candles, plants or pottery/vases. This will add an another layer of interest to your delicious stations. 

Whether you are enjoying this holiday as a big family or a small intimate sit down dinner, don't forget to be thankful for what you have. 

Have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!