Remember being a kid and sitting at the big Thanksgiving table with the whole family? Whether it was a parent, grandparent, or other relative’s dinner, the wide array of plates, cups, and cutlery baffled you and the decorations were so pretty and perfect. Succulent dishes lined the table—stuffing, gravy, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, enough of everything to make your mouth water and to make Dad unbuckle his belt at the end of the meal. Surrounded by relatives you forgot you had, Thanksgiving was the ultimate excuse to get together, eat a lot of food, and spend time revelling in your family.

No matter how easy the cooks, social planners, and decorative geniuses in your family made it look, the fact is those big dinners took a lot of planning, know-how, and experience. The planning is unique to your family, and the experience will come with time and practice (who said sweet potato casserole was only for Thanksgiving, anyway?).

As for the know-how, the following infographic can help with setting the table and planning for all of the company. You may be following old traditions or starting new ones this Thanksgiving. You may be welcoming the whole family or just a few close friends. No matter what you are planning for this Thanksgiving dinner, this infographic has the blueprint to your perfect Thanksgiving table!