African wooden and ceramic dinnerwares have been part of ancient African kitchen utilities and their use is continued throughout modern Africa today. Handmade and unique in design, African kitchen and dining accessories can be found in many popular retail stores and online. If you’re tired of the same “crystal and china” table set-up and want to add a little culture for your guests, here are some ways you can switch up your table-scape this Thanksgiving:

Table Covers: Keep the traditional color scheme but add a little African flair with this tribal textile tablecloth from Zambia. Found at theafricahouse.com

Plates: The traditional Thanksgiving China is given a little soul in this African-American dinnerware collection from itsablackthang.com

Glasses: Check out these cool hand-engraved crystal animal glasses and decanters, perfect for whiskey, wine, liqueur, champagne, cognac and beer. From Kotlers Fine Gifts & Emporiums located in Cape Town, South Africa.

Serving Utensils: This hand-carved matching salad fork and spoon has batik bead handles, popular in quite a bit of African art work and jewelry.

Napkins: 100% cotton and hand-painted, these napkins bring the colors and textures of Africa right to your table. theafricahouse.com has a wide range of color combinations, all from Zambia.

Whether you choose to add all of these elements or just a few, remember that your holiday table should reflect your personal style and taste. As the backdrop for all that wonderful food and dessert you will be serving, your dinner table should highlight and enhance your culinary creations, not overwhelm them. Remember to keep it simple, clutter-free, and save enough room for those animated relatives (you know, the ones who likes to tell stories with their hands!).