I'm the one that's usually in charge of setting a pretty table for Thanksgiving and I love that job!
As I started to plan what to do this year, I went to my picture archives to see all the Fall/Thanksgiving tables I've done in the past. I'm sharing some of those pictures in this post, along with some tips on how to set a pretty table on a budget.
1. TAKE PICTURES OF YOUR FINAL TABLE
My very first tip, now that I talked about that, is to take pictures of your tables and refer to them right before setting a new tablescape. All those pictures are going to be a good reminder of the decor items, linens, dishes, and glassware you have and that you can use again and again.
2. DON'T STRESS YOURSELF OUT
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to be with family and close friends, don't make things stressful or complicated. Use what you have at hand and make it look pretty!
Enjoy the family, enjoy the moment, everything else is way less important.
3. NO NEED FOR FANCY CHINA
Don't have a set of dishes for your 20 guests? Use paper dishes, they're economical, and hey, the best part is that they don't need to be cleaned up.
I love to use my regular white dishes for everything, they're the perfect background for almost anything you put on top of them. However, blue, red, yellow, or any other type of colored dishes will also work. Mix and match china sets, glass ware or silverware!
4. ADD A CENTERPIECE
I like to give my tables a centerpiece, it gives them that special touch that says this is not your everyday table. You can make it as elaborate or simple as you want it to be.
A centerpiece can be anything... a small arrangement made with cuttings from the garden, grocery store flowers.
5. USE THE FRUITS OF THE SEASON
Apples, pears, figs, persimmons, pumpkins, squash, artichokes, corn, nuts, wheat... so many possibilities!
6. USE A TABLECLOTH OR... PERHAPS NOT!
It's all about what you like, what you have, and what you think looks good.
For Fall tablescapes I like to show off a beautiful wooden tabletop.
If I want to sit a crowd around a table I put two tables together and dress them up with white tablecloths to make them look like one. Then, for a good punch of color, I buy a remnant piece of fabric and create runners across the table that act as placemats.
The best tablecloths I buy for super long tables are remnants of upholstery fabric.
You can also use blankets, scarves, or regular placemats.
7. PAPER DECOR IS VERY ECONOMICAL
It's also a good idea to set the mood not only on the table but all around the room. I've found out nothing beats paper for creating big displays on a very tight budget.
Use it to make name tags, garlands, words, signs, etc.
8. DECORATE WITH MOTHER NATURE BEAUTIFUL GIFTS
Besides fruits and vegetables, Mother Nature also gives us so many wonderful gifts to decorate our Fall/Thanksgiving tables... Leaves, branches, wood cuttings, bittersweet, feathers, acorns, pinecones.
9. ADD LOTS OF TEXTURE
It can be on the linens, the decorative items (baskets, rope, even the dishes), or the plants or fruits you use. It's like a neutral element that you can see and feel.
Last but not least, good lighting can set the mood for a memorable Thanksgiving tablescape. Use candlesticks, votives, or fairy lights to create a nice ambiance. Add them to the overall lighting of the room.
Well, my friends, I hope you could grab an idea or two that you could incorporate into your decor this year.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
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What a beautiful post! You always do such a nice job...and you are one of the most talented people I know-with a hammer and everything else. Have a wonderful holiday season. xo Diana
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