Cook up a visual #Thanksgiving feast on Instagram

(Photo by Melissa Oholendt for Wit & Delight)

Food is a certainty at Thanksgiving -- and on Instagram.

The photo social network is a prime place to share foodie snapshots any day of the week. And it's guaranteed we'll get an extra helping of dinner table pictures on Thursday, #HappyThanksgiving. Why not show off the table you decorated with care, that first turkey or Grandma's homemade pumpkin pie?

But there are pitfalls to #foodporn photography. Just ask Martha Stewart. Even the super hostess has made delicious look disgusting on social media.

For a little help, we turned to Melissa Oholendt, a Minneapolis lifestyle and wedding photographer whose work is often featured on Wit & Delight. Here are her tips for snapping delightful photos of food and decor.

What makes a good picture of food or a table setting?

Natural light! I know with the sun setting by 5 p.m. that can be tough, but natural light is the best possible ingredient for a stunning Instagram photo. Set the table early and snag a photo before your guests arrive. Call it a practice round for the real thing.

A beautiful table setting. A top-down view of the table and food. A perfectly crafted cocktail.

The worst food pictures...

...are of food only.

Help! So much of this Minnesota Thanksgiving food is white, brown and yellow. Not very colorful.

So true. Try bringing in a floral arrangement or even just a few sprigs of herbs into the frame to add a little visual interest. And if all else fails, omit the food and just focus on the beautiful table.

It's the holidays. The more cliche the better. Show me your football in the park and your turkey cooked to perfection; I want to see it.

How about other do's and don'ts?

If you miss your window of natural light, do light some candles and give into the warm candlit glow. Don't make your guests wait to sit and eat while you take photos. Do try different angles -- get low, get high, get to the side, etc. Don't Instagram your half-eaten food. That's gross.

Any final holiday Instagram thoughts?