Setting a gorgeous table for a holiday meal doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult, says interior designer Elizabeth Stuart. Sometimes, a simple design using just a few plants and candles can be more beautiful than an intricate display.

“There are no rules,” says Stuart, and you can plan a table that looks great from Thanksgiving all the way through the December holidays.

We’ve asked Stuart and two other experts — HGTV’s Vern Yip and interior designer Kyle Schuneman — for advice on centerpieces, color palettes and decorative touches to easily elevate a dining table for the holiday season.

Take me to your candy! Kids of all ages can look forward to plenty of Halloween-related fun, candy, games, prizes and pumpkins at UCP of Maine’s 17th annual “Pumpkins in the Park” event, scheduled for Sunday, October 20, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Anah Shriners building, 1404 Broadway in Bangor.

Each year, UCP of Maine selects a different theme for the popular October event. According to Andrew Lohman, the non-profit organization’s marketing and communications manager - and the chair for “Pumpkins in the Park” - this year’s “Out of This World” edition will feature an outer space theme. Attendees can expect to see plenty of extraterrestrial-related costumes with similarly-themed patches, each sponsored by a different area business or organization.