Although the radio stations are playing Christmas tunes, the Folgers holiday commercials are beginning to air, and our neighborhood is already lit up with festive lights, I’m all about today’s gathering. Here are a few last minute ideas for anyone hosting or attending a gathering today.

 If you haven’t figured out yet, I’m all about the place cards. They take care of potential awkward moments when deciding where to sit and guests will also appreciate the thoughtful touch with each table setting. It can be so simple. Write out a name on the back of a grocery bag, such as the place card above, grab a few herbs from the kitchen and you are set!

You can get a little more creative by using a page from a tattered book as a place card and simply tie it to the napkin with some butcher’s twine and sprig of greens. Also, include a surprise, handwritten note tucked under the napkin sharing your thoughts of thanks for each guest.

Sugar Paper came up with a perfect after-dinner question game with basic directions: find a jar, separate each printable question (and add a few of your own if you wish), fill the jar, ask the youngest person to start, choose a question, answer it, pass the jar, and give thanks. Perhaps this is just what the host is looking to use during that needed pause between dinner and inhaling a few good-looking pies.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! We are deeply thankful for your simple interest in the written word.