Thanksgiving in Style with Murano Glass

thanksgiving italian plateThanksgiving is a distinctly American tradition, yet over the years it’s gotten some interesting touches from other cultures which make up the famous “melting pot”. Coming from the culture of food connoisseurs who love a good feast, Italian-Americans put their own twist on a traditional Thanksgiving celebration and we think there is much the rest of us can learn from them. Here are a few Italian-inspired ideas on decorating, cooking, and setting the table to help make your Thanksgiving warm, stylish and delicious.

Decorating
Warm fall colors and gentle glow of the autumn sun have traditionally been the top themes in Thanksgiving décor. A few strategically placed artistic Murano Glass pieces such as candle holders, centerpieces, vases or sculptures in the bright shades of fall foliage can quickly dress-up your home for Thanksgiving with just the right dose of glamour and style

Murano Glass Italian Horn of Plenty  Murano Millefiori Gold Art Glass Fazzoletto Bowl

Cooking
Of course the main event at Thanksgiving table is turkey. There are thousands of ways to cook it and every family likely has their own tradition for cooking the most delicious turkey. However, there is still space for creativity and interesting touches in other dishes, so here are a couple of Italian ideas to get your imagination going:

Spiced Wine (known as vin brulé in Italy, gluhwein in Germany, and vin chaud in France)
1 liter (1 quart) of red wine
100 grams (5 tablespoons) of sugar
a few cloves
2 Cinnamon sticks
A little grated nutmeg
Grated orange peel or slice 1 orange
Mix wine and spices on low heat. Then add the sugar. Keep on low flame for about 15 minutes stirring periodically and try to not let it boil. Take off the flame. Strain. Serve warm and garnish with a slice of orange. Enjoy!

Butternut Squash Soup
2 medium butternut squash – peeled, diced, seeded
2 medium onions, diced
2 carrots, peeled, diced
2 celery sticks diced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
vegetable stock
olive oil
bay leaf
fresh thyme
salt, pepper to taste
Optional: cinnamon, nutmeg, or a clove to taste to add spice and autumn flavor

In a pot heat ½ cup of olive oil on medium flame, add carrots, celery, garlic, onion and cook for about 15-20 minutes.
Add squash, bay leaf, a bit of fresh thyme, salt and pepper. Sauté for another 15-20 minutes on medium to low flame until the squash becomes soft.
Add vegetable stock to cover the squash and cook for another 20 minutes. Remove from flame and
blend, preferably with hand blender. Mix in about half a cup of heavy cream.
Add the seasonings to taste (cinnamon, nutmeg or clove)
Serve with a toast

Setting the table
Italians love being stylish in whatever they do, and they certainly know the importance of eating in style. Discover for yourself how elegantly set table makes for a convivial atmosphere and enjoyable meals. Beautiful Venetian shot glasses, tumblers and goblets offer a great way to enjoy your spiced wine and other drinks in old-world European elegance, while unique Murano Glass serving pieces will impress your guests with 24K gold foil infused in glass and rich warm colors. Murano Glass offers many ways to dress up your Thanksgiving table – check our website, www.GlassOfVenice.com for more ideas.

 Murano Drinking Glass - Millefiori Silver Green  Klimt Murano Glass Candle Holder   Cake server Klimt

Once you made your home and table Thanksgiving-ready, it’s time to enjoy, Relax, gather the family and friends, make a toast and give thanks for everything you have. Happy Thanksgiving!

by Kevin Grinberg

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