If you’re in New York for the holiday start your day off early at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Though it may seem a little cliché, the parade is free and it’s a great way to enjoy the fun of the city that we usually take for granted.

Start at 77th & Central Park West and follow the floats all the way down to 34th & 7th Ave. Floating through the city this year will be Snoopy, making his 6th appearance as a float, you can also find Spongebob Squarepants, Shrek and The Harajuku Lovers to name a few. Performances include everyone from Miley Cyrus to James Taylor.

Guests will head straight for a drink the minute they walk in the door so make sure you’ve stocked up in the booze department. Warm everyone up with some hot apple cider to start. Pick up a gallon of cider at the Union Square Farmer’s Market and make it your own from there.

Simply warm the cider over medium-heat in a large pot. Add cinnamon sticks and brown sugar to taste. Know that the longer the cinnamon remains in the cider pot, the stronger the flavor will be, so keep an eye on the cider and remove the sticks when the flavor gets too strong. Spike it with the liquor of your choice, anything from rum to apple brandy to whiskey. Steer clear of vodka, tequila and gin though, as the flavors won’t blend well.

Here are also a few bottle suggestions that will pair perfectly with dinner. Keep in mind that there are about 4 glasses to a bottle so purchase accordingly.

After several failed attempts to uncover family recipes of mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and stuffing, I’ve decided to go ahead and test out other recipes to create a Thanksgiving menu that’s easy for any level of kitchen skill and comes pretty darn close to grandma’s stuff.

Pre-Dinner Munchies
I’m a big fan of a good old cheese plate with crackers or a fresh baguette. Hummus and veggies are also always a crowd pleaser.
Check out Murray’s Cheese Shop, 254 Bleeker St., 212.243.3289

Figuring out how to cook the turkey itself can make your Thanksgiving stressful on its own. So when decorating for the day, the last thing you need is an elaborate table setting to raise your blood pressure as much as the heavy cream in those mashed potatoes will. Here are some ideas to help you create a table deserving of your delicious dinner.

1. Pick a color scheme of two or three colors that you love. These don’t necessarily need to be traditional Thanksgiving or fall hues. Love turquoise? Pair it with brown. Love hot pink? Pair it with black and white. Just be sure one is a neutral to avoid color overload.

While you’re dressing that turkey this Thanksgiving, don’t forget to look presentable yourself. Yes, you can still be a fashionista on Thanksgiving with the proper planning. Here are some tips to help you get through the day in style, whether you are slaving over a steamy oven or just showing up to stuff your face.

Dress for the heat

It may be 30 degrees outside but it’s certain to be toasty at most Thanksgiving dinners. Ditch the long sleeves in favor of a classic short-sleeved cotton t-shirt or a tunic and leggings. Try out the new Lindsay Lohan 6126 leggings at Henri Bendel or online at www.shopintuition.com. The animal print or black with side zippers are comfy but tres chic.

If you’re trying to steer clear of Fifth Avenue in an attempt to control your purchasing, then you may want to slowly back away from the computer screen. But, if you’re like me and you feel that you may have enough willpower to walk the tempting avenue without your credit card in hand than read on.

Now I know the tree lighting in Rockefeller Plaza is supposed to be one of the more exciting traditional holiday season events but c’mon it’s the same every year. What excites me about the holiday season in New York is the unveiling of Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows and what will now be their fifth annual Snowflake Spectacular. This year designers, including Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera and Zac Posen to name a few, will be displaying one-of-a-kind pieces adorned with Crystallized Swarovski Elements. As well as an appearance by Tory Burch, who will be present to turn the lights. The theme of the windows is individuality-mechanical snowflakes with human characteristics will fill the windows of “Snowflake City.”

Before you start on your Thanksgiving feast build up an appetite with this years photoFEAST. An organization of Parsons School of Design developed by students to help create more youth activity through events and exhibits. photoFEAST 2008 is an exhibit of photography by undergraduate students of art schools across New York City, including Fashion Institute of Technology, Pratt Institute and Hunter College.

Each year students occupy a 36″ by 36″ board where they can hang their photographs for viewing. The works are on display for a week, but it is better to go opening night as some photographer’s leave with their work the night of the show.