Make your Thanksgiving centerpiece the, well, center of attention

Sure, you can plunk a pumpkin down in the middle of your dining room table and call it good. But doesn’t Thanksgiving deserve a bit more respect?

Sandra Smith, an interior designer with Ethan Allen in Overland Park, Kan., is passionate when it comes to discussing table décor. The more inviting the scenery, after all, the longer the guests will linger to share memories.

She’s seen a trend toward mercury glass in everything from ornamental balls to vases.

“When you want to have an impactful centerpiece, look to the elements of design: height, repetition and rhythm,” she says.

She suggests something like a decorative box and a tall jar to mix up those heights. Think tall, medium and small. “These heights will make your eye move around,” she says.

Then fill up those smaller spaces. And ensure your place settings meld with the theme of that centerpiece.

“Metallic chargers will complement mercury glass,” Smith says. “And think about place settings with name cards.”

Her ideas are whimsical: A little mini-pumpkin with a name tag tied to the stem, or a tiny box wrapped in brown paper and tied with a bow, a name noted on the side. She also suggests bringing in elements of the holiday you hold dear. That might mean cranberries sprinkled around a candle, or cinnamon sticks, tied together and arranged with leaves and pinecones.

Following are a few suggestions to get you started on the most amazing Thanksgiving centerpiece ever:

• We can envision this sturdy basked filled with gourdes or mini pumpkins—the star of a Thanksgiving centerpiece. Bendt basket, $29.95, crateandbarrel.com
• Every table needs a little more turkey than, well, just the turkey. Sure, you’ll only pull these out once a year, but they’re worth every penny. Gobble down, people. Turkey salt and pepper shakers, $7.95, Pier1.com
• Don’t stop with just the centerpiece, pros say. Add a little glimmer to your place settings, as well. Gold beaded napkin ring, $3.95, pier1.com