HomeLifeStyle

Susan Limb recalls spending the Thanksgiving days of her childhood in the kitchen with her grandmother, mother and two sisters. The family’s holiday ritual and the smell of a thyme- and butter-dressed turkey roasting in the oven are ingrained in her memory.

Giving Thanks in Style

Area tastemakers offer ideas and inspiration for Thanksgiving table settings.

There’s more to an elegant Thanksgiving table than a perfectly roasted turkey and fluffy mashed potatoes. Local design experts say that with a little planning and a few natural elements, it is possible to set a Thanksgiving table that is as tantalizing as the food it holds.

Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas: Flowers Not Required

Floral design pros share secrets to creating swoon-worthy centerpieces.

While the turkey is often the star of a Thanksgiving dinner table, a nonedible focal point can play a leading role in creating an elegant dinner table aesthetic. From lush floral arrangements to designs without blooms, three local floral design pros offer ideas for spectacular centerpieces that can be replicated easily at home.

Getting Organized for Thanksgiving

Local experts offer a survival guide.

Jill Mahon is hosting her family for Thanksgiving next week, which is, of course, the kick-off of the holiday season. But for Mahon, the holidays herald an organizational nightmare.

Holiday Shopping Trend

Show support for local businesses.

Get ready to toss out the candy corn and grab the candy canes. Black Friday—the hottest holiday shopping day of the year—is right around the corner. What’s one of the biggest trends this year? Shopping locally. Below is a list of local “mom and pop” niche stores that make vital contributions to the local economy, generate jobs and offer unique products and stellar personal service. Unlike many big national chains, they know their products, and are able to accommodate special requests. When you call, you are more likely to get a real, live person to help you. Who could ask for a better holiday gift?

The Connection

HomeLifeStyle

McLean Home Sales: October, 2012

In October 2012, 74 homes sold between $2,100,000-$165,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.

Oak Hill, Herndon Home Sales: October, 2012

In October 2012, 70 homes sold between $965,000-$130,000 in the Herndon and Oak Hill area.

Great Falls Home Sales: October, 2012

In October 2012, 15 Great Falls homes sold between $3,000,000-$441,000.

Fairfax Home Sales: October, 2012

In October 2012, 64 Fairfax homes sold between $1,330,000-$97,000.

Centreville Home Sales: October, 2012

In October 2012, 70 Centreville homes sold between $935,000-$132,500.

Chantilly Home Sales: October, 2012

In October 2012, 13 homes sold between $700,000-$65,000 in the Chantilly area.

Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: October, 2012

In October 2012, 56 homes sold between $1,452,500-$120,000 in the Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton area.

Burke Home Sales: October, 2012

In October 2012, 27 Burke homes sold between $600,000-$209,000.

Arlington Home Sales: October, 2012

In October 2012, 222 Arlington homes sold between $1,700,000-$65,000.

Alexandria Home Sales: October, 2012

In October 2012, 144 Alexandria homes sold between $1,730,000-$86,500.

Teaching Children to Help Prepare Thanksgiving Dinner

Local chefs share tips and culinary traditions.