"Glamorous at Thanksgiving" - Why It's Important to Dress More Than Just Your Turkey

Inspired by an article I read recently in Bergdorf Goodman magazine, I wanted to explore further the idea of not only dressing the turkey on Thanksgiving, but also oneself. There is nothing worse than showing up to an affair in elegant attire and discovering that the rest of the guests never got the "memo." Even if the host does not include a dress code in the invitation to Thanksgiving, common sense says that if someone has gone to the trouble of slaving all day in the kitchen to prepare a fabulous meal, then all guests should pay their respects by arriving specially clothed for the occasion. Listed are our top five tips to guaranteeing a photo worthy celebration.

1. Your Attire Helps Set the Tone. It is very easy to distinguish a special occasion from an ordinary one. Whether hosting a holiday celebration or arriving as a guest, getting dressed up should be an integral part of the tradition. For me this is easy, I am actually the one who feels more comfortable in heels and a suit than I do in sweats and flip flops; however, for most, that is not the case. If you are in this category, I encourage you to fake it anyway because wearing nice, clean, pressed clothes can brighten an attitude and truly does help to set the tone for everyone.

2. Put Some Effort Into It. Paying homage to the holidays requires a bit of thought if you want to do it right. You know they are coming, you have the date clearly marked on your calendar so take some time to get organized and plan accordingly. Look through your closet and pull out a couple of possible choices a day or so ahead. Don't forget to do the same for the children. Trust me, the last thing you need is to be fighting with them about what they are wearing as you are struggling to get out the door. Once you have narrowed down your favorite outfit, add a little flair by accessorizing with smart and stylish accents.

3.Getting Dressed Up Actually Makes You More Polite. As an etiquette instructor and an expert in this area, I speak from experience when I say that being polite goes hand-in-hand with putting yourself together. Making holiday plans with family can be stressful enough, even with the best intentions. To create harmony at Thanksgiving, create a more formal atmosphere and encourage family to dress for the meal. They will be much more apt to be on their best behavior if they are wearing dresses and suits than if they are wearing their tee shirts and jeans appearing as if they are ready for a throw down in the backyard.

4. What to Wear? Some family and friends take liberties in this area that are not necessarily the most appropriate, so we thought we'd lay down a few ground rules. Don't embarrass yourself and others by wearing anything too revealing. It's a family holiday for goodness sake! Save your 9-inch heels and low cut dress for your hot date on Saturday night. Think tasteful and sophisticated, something along the lines of a strand of pearls with a nice pant or skirt suit for a woman and a dark color suit or slacks and sweater ensemble for a man. Remember elegant and classic does not have to mean boring and understated, there are many ways to make yourself look fabulous with a bit of creativity and fashion sense.

5. The Hostess Should Be the Mostest. We've spent the majority of time focusing on what family and friends, otherwise known as guests, should wear to attend a Thanksgiving party. However, the most important figure at the event is the illustrious host or hostess who really should display the "mostest". We know this is the hardest part to do, especially after days of shopping, preparing and cooking for the meal, but when you open the front door to your home and receive your first guest, you really want to look the part. Your guests will feel terribly if they arrive dressed to the nines and you are still in your raggedy sweats with Uggs.