Thanksgiving is only a week away, and if you're stressed about hosting friends and family this year, we've got some tips to lighten the burden and make this your most successful (and easy) holiday gathering yet.

Guests will inevitably arrive early and want to congregate in the kitchen. Greet them with a cocktail and snack to make them feel welcome and comfortable. Instead of slaving away on hors d'œuvres, prepare a cheese plate ahead of time. The Bloomy Rind, located in East Nashville at Porter Road Butcher, offers cheese plates to-go for hostesses in need of a little culinary assistance. Each kit comes with three to five hand-selected cheeses and at least two accompaniments (ranging from dried fruit to fresh jam). All you need is a platter—and they sell those too!

It's always a good idea to have beer and wine on hand for guests, but preparing a specialty cocktail is a great way to add some festive fun to the day. Bourbon is perfect for holiday gatherings because it pairs well with fall flavors and has a rich, warm color that looks pretty on display. Add a holiday spin to a classic cocktail with this recipe for a Pumpkin Spiced Old-Fashioned. We used Belle Meade Bourbon and pumpkin spiced simple syrup from Bang Candy Company, two of our favorite local brands, to add some Nashville flavor.

When it comes to dessert, skip the supermarket and order pies from The Loving Pie Company. The local bakery, based in Berry Hill, offers tasty made-from-scratch options in roughly 20 flavors, including apple, coconut custard, pumpkin chess, bourbon walnut peach and chocolate peanut butter. They can also make individual pies, available for order by the half dozen, which look charming when placed in front of each guest.

When it comes to setting the table, don't be afraid to mix and match patterns, both in china and with decor. In lieu of linens, Amanda Jerkins of Amanda Jerkins Design used Hester and Cook's Kitchen Papers to create a stunning tablescape. The paper table runners are great for holiday parties because they can be cut to fit the length or width of any table, creating cohesion across every entertaining surface. When it comes to greenery, don't worry about costly and time-consuming centerpieces. A garland of magnolia leaves adds a definitively Southern touch to any table.

Photos by Jamie Wright and Michael W. Bunch