Use seasonal color in an unexpected way: Todd Fiscus capitalizes on the typical autumnal colors that Thanksgiving brings to mind. "I love the coloration of fall," he says. "I've always thought that brown and orange were innately chic." But he does add some verve to the color scheme. Inspired by a set of cocktail napkins embroidered with a coral motif, Fiscus collected leafless branches from his own yard and painted them coral to accent the table's centerpiece.

Sidestep the traditional cornucopia: At the center of the table, brown and gold rudbeckias, green pomegranates, dusty miller leaves, and chocolate cosmos are arranged in a handmade wire bird's nest shaped like a cornucopia. "Remember, it doesn't always have to be about pumpkins and leaves," Fiscus says.

Bring art to the table: Fiscus isn't afraid to use things of value in functional ways. Here, he transformed a set of one-of-a-kind etched glasses into candle votives and brought out a '50s French ceramic pitcher for serving guests.

Make a tablecloth specifically for the occasion: The chocolate-brown felt cloth that covers the table was made to complement the color scheme. Fiscus had the cloth made with a contrasting color on the reverse so that it can be used for other occasions.