Thanksgiving dinner is one of those meals that — even though it’s delicious — sometimes needs a tiny bit of help looking as good as it tastes. When you’re garnishing a plate, of course looks matter, but the best garnishes bring a textural or flavor contrast to the party as well. Edible garnishes are our favorite kind — especially when their flavors complement the dish they accompany. The following suggestions are based on both color and dish texture, and they are guidelines. This is your table, so make your dishes your own.

 

From Food Network Kitchen

For bronzed and roasted foods (like your turkey) try orange or green: Roasted carrots, fresh leafy herbs or fresh watercress add brightness and delicious contrast. Or go with a more old-school tableau and surround the bird with fresh fruit (oranges and golden pears work particularly well for this).

Trisha's simple no-fuss bird looks gorgeous surrounded by leafy greens, herbs and oranges. 

For orange and smooth dishes (like butternut squash soup or mashed sweet potatoes), think red, crunchy and tangy: Pomegranate seeds, quick-pickled red onions or chopped fresh cranberries all work very nicely.