Anyone who hosts Thanksgiving dinner learns to expect the unexpected. Dropped pumpkin pies. Uncooked turkeys. Those types of things. While we can't prevent your brother-in-law from tipping the gravy boat, we can offer ways to make things run smoother -- and a little more stylishly.

Even something as simple as clearing out the coat closet and adding empty hangers will reduce chaos when guests arrive. Same with setting the table. Try to do it the night or day before rather than Thanksgiving morning when you're focusing on the bird. Impossible? Then at least stack everything you'll need, cover with a cloth and leave it for someone else to do in the morning, suggested Lisa Redino, a local event planner.

Redino suggested assigning other tasks, using index cards. One person can be in charge of putting out the first course. Another, dessert plates and forks. Other jobs can include clearing the table, scraping dishes and putting away leftovers. "Each person has an assignment, so you're not all bumping into each other," said Redino, owner of Party Harty, in the Georgetown Square Plaza Courtyard at Sheridan Drive and Evans Street, Amherst.

It's all about planning

This weekend, why not haul out the table leaves, press the tablecloth (after making sure you've chosen the one that fits properly) and plan the centerpiece?

Working ahead gives you extra time to dress up the table (see sidebar on adding sparkle). And the kids can get involved in a project such as making place cards or napkin rings. While you're at it, review your menu and pull out the serving pieces and utensils you'll need. Linda Birkinbine, a local professional organizer who recently hosted a lunch for 17 people, always does this.

This way, you're giving yourself time to buy or borrow items you're short on. Also helpful: If you're cooking a family recipe, make a phone call for "insider information," said Birkinbine, who runs a business called Keep It Organized.

Someone who is far more familiar with the dish will offer pointers not on the recipe. Also make sure you have items such as seltzer, spot remover, Tide stain-removal pens, etc., for mishaps, Birkinbine said. And if someone is helping with the shopping, be very specific on your list, including the quantity of an item you need -- be it wine, potatoes or parsley.

Pulling it together

On Thanksgiving -- and all holidays and large gatherings -- Birkinbine places a copy of her menu in full view. This way, "I don't forget anything when it comes time to serve," she said. She also clears off the desk area in her kitchen -- an out-of-the-way area she doesn't use for cooking -- and sets up a bar/beverage station where guests can help themselves.

Here are some other tips:

    * If you have room on your table for a centerpiece, choose one not too tall highor overpowering. You want guests to be able to see each other.
    * Make sure you have the candles you'll need -- Birkinbine prefers votives because they're low -- as well as something to light them.
    * Looking for some clever ways to dress up your napkins? Better Homes and Gardens offers more than 20 of them on its Web site,  www.bhg.com. Just search for "Effortless Napkins for Thanksgiving."
    * Another hostess avoids coffee chaos by having everything ready to go, including the creamer poured in its pitcher, covered and refrigerated.
    * Always start a gathering with an empty dishwasher.
    * Assign seating so that people are not blocking the pathway wondering where to sit when you're trying to bring in the turkey, Redino suggested.
    * Make as many side dishes as you can ahead of time. If you'll be serving a large crowd at the table, consider dishing out cranberries in two serving bowls -- placing them at opposite ends. Same with gravy.
    * Clean and refill salt and pepper shakers, using more than one set if necessary.
    * Check your supply of dish towels, hot pads, etc. Launder or replace if necessary. An apron is a good idea, too, maybe several for kitchen helpers in nice clothes, Birkinbine said.
    * Prep the bathroom guests will be using. Fresh soap. Extra rolls of toilet paper. Lined wastebasket. Clean hand towels -- and plenty of them since a group shouldn't be using one towel.
    * Start a new tradition. One idea is to host a leftover party: That's what Anna Post and Lizzie Post -- the great-great-granddaughters of Emily Post -- say their parents do the Friday after Thanksgiving.

"Friends bring their leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner along with their leftover visiting relatives -- a great way to mix up the generations and get to know your friends' extended families," they write in their new book, "Emily Post's Great Get-Togethers" (William Morrow, $25.99).

Not up to it but still want to share leftovers? Then consider asking Thanksgiving guests to bring along empty containers to transport leftovers home.

Or provide a few yourself, the type you find in the storage wrap section at the supermarket and do not necessarily want returned. Simple as that.

 Add a little sparkle

    * Before setting your table, carefully dust and polish the chandelier and replace any spent bulbs.
    * Use metallic gel pens for writing names on place cards.
    * Use mirrors on the table. Choose small mirrored coasters or larger mirrors; add sparkly glass flower vases, candle holders or votive candles.
    * If you have plenty of white dishes and linens, dress up your table by mixing metallics in with your whites.

HGTV.com contributor Erinn Valencich creates one contemporary look with a table setting featuring a centerpiece with white pumpkin, white chunky pillar candles in sparkling clear hurricane sleeves and metallic-painted gourds.