Hello Friends! Where do the days go? Seriously, where? I’ve joined a few friends today in a series hosted by Kelly at The Tattered Pew to bring you some seasonal inspo. And since time is flying by, I am sharing the 2 simplest ways to create a beautiful Thanksgiving table before I’m already saying Merry Christmas! Ugh, I’m so behind! Don’t forget to check out the other posts at the end. You’ll enjoy them.
The 2 Simplest Ways To Create A Beautiful Thanksgiving Table
(Revised and reposted from the archives)
There are two things that help me quickly decide what sort of table I want to design – Theme and Color. When designing, I first shop my home. Some people like to pull out everything that has to do with the holiday. I can’t because if I have to many choices, it slows me down. Plus, there’s a lot to put away if it doesn’t work with my decision.
This year I chose to take my cues from a vintage tablecloth I found at a boutique in Grapevine, TX. It is filled with leaves which will be my theme and the leaves are green and gold which will be the colors for the tablescape.
Let’s talk about theme.
We all know leaves and leaf themed decor are pretty easy to find during Autumn. You can find leaf placemats, leaf plates, leaf shaped candles, leaf shaped cookies and even candle holders with leaves on them. So the vintage tablecloth begins the design.
Since the tablecloth is square and my table is rectangle, I’m turning it like a diamond with the corners on the ends and in the middle instead of folding it like a runner or laying it in the center. It shows off more of the pretty pattern that way.
I already have fall plates covered in leaves and a few years ago my sister gave me the tea glasses with leaves on them which are an obvious selection. The last thing I did for theme was a leaf place card for everyone. I grabbed a cookie cutter and traced out two different leaves, cut them out, wrote the names and voila – super cute place cards! This was such a simple craft that the younger kids could enjoy doing as well.
Let’s talk about color.
In order for the table to look cohesive, stick with the same colors. I chose to pull out the gold, green and pale rusty color in the tablecloth. You can see on the mantel the gold and rust are the dominant colors. From the leaf stems and candles to the books and glass pieces it all coordinates together.
I enjoy keeping things simple when life is busy or the house is going to be full. It keeps my mind more at ease and I’m able to enjoy my people and the day without being stressed. Like the centerpiece on this table. Can’t get much easier than a coordinating colored candle in a bottle.
Sticking with the colors and keeping in mind that a centerpiece should be short so people can see over it for an unobstructed conversation, a simple pumpkin paired with a matching feather wreath do the trick.
I found these inexpensive mini charcuterie boards at Hobby Lobby. The plan is to use them for individual mini bread loaves on Thanksgiving day. When the time comes, I hope I’m in the mood to bake but if not, I can buy store bought loaves or use them for appetizers or dessert. I have so many to choose from. Especially from the Farmhouse Friday link party series each week! Did you see the one yesterday?! So yummy!
Well those are the 2 simplest ways to create a beautiful Thanksgiving table. Choose a theme and take cues from the colors. This system won’t let you down and it’s exciting how you’ll find things around the house to use for a centerpiece and turn a boring holiday table into something perfectly fall-like and easy to do.
Using what you have from year to year can be different!
Check out these two past Thanksgiving tablescapes using the same concepts and some of the same accessories but with a different holiday look. Just click on the photos below!
A Casual Thanksgiving Tablescape
How to create a special Thanksgiving gathering for 4
Now it’s time to see what my friends are sharing on Welcome Home Saturday!
The Tattered Pew / Free Thanksgiving Place Cards
White Arrows Home / 15 Thanksgiving Ideas to Inspire Your Holiday
Tatertots & Jello / Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
She Gave it a Go / How to Decorate Your Home for the Holidays
Your Thanksgiving table is beautiful, Cindy! Hugs and blessings to you.
Author
I know it’s not extravagant like your gorgeous tablescapes but if I did that my family would never believe I did it. And starting off Thanksgiving with an argument wouldn’t be very good. LOL
Your tablecloth is gorgeous, Cindy. Love the coordinating dishes and glassware. Your mantel is wonderful, too. AND I need those adorable baby bread boards! Happy weekend!
Author
Thank you Debra! I am excited about using the little bread boards this year. I just need to find a good recipe for tiny loaves of yumminess. Hope you have a great weekend.
Cindy
Your table is so beautiful! I love it.
Author
Awe, thanks so much Rachel. That means a lot.
These tips are so awesome, Cindy! Love, love, love your tablescape this year. The colors feel so warm and inviting. Using the mini breadboards is such a great idea too. They’re the perfect way to celebrate one of my favorite things about the season – pie. Hope your week is filled with all good things. It’s all just gorgeous, CoCo
Author
You are so sweet, thank you CoCo. And girl, I love the mini pies, hand pies, goodness runneth over pies… I’m just waiting for it to get cool so I am not sweating and grouchy in the kitchen then bring on the baking! 😉
Great tips Cindy! That vintage table cloth is the perfect place to start. The rich dark colors are gorgeous!
Author
Thank you Cindy. I do too!
I love your table cloth and idea of using leaves. It’s so simple yet so pretty, you are brilliant. This year I’m not having anyone here I get to go to my son and dil’s house and just take some dessert, I feel so blessed. You have a great Thanksgiving with your family.
Author
Aww, thank you Marlene. I would love going to someone else’s house for a change. Hopefully once our daughter gets married (04/23) we’ll be invited to their house?! Fingers crossed. What dessert are you going to make and take?
Cindy, that’s such a beautiful table! I often use your trick of a square cloth on oval table. The feather wreath in fall colors is gorgeous, and so are the arrangements on your mantel. I love it.
Author
Thanks so much Rita! Your tables always make me smile.
I LOVE how simple you make this process seem! That vintage tablelcloth is the perfect inspiration piece…it’s gorgeous! The mantle is stunning and ties everything together so beautifully!
Author
You are so sweet Rachel, thank you so much. I find it super easy when you have an inspiration piece but I think it’s my laziness that comes into play more often than not in “simple” tables. 😉
Cindy I loved these tips. Your table is just beautiful and I love all of the color. Thank you for joining us this weekend. You are welcome any time!
Author
Thanks so much Kelly. Hope your Thanksgiving is wonderful.
I am seriously crushing on that deconstructed chair! Is that new? Love your leaf-themed table. Our leaves are long gone and it’s all white and quite cold here!
Author
Thank you Lora. No, the chair isn’t new. Got them from Kirkland’s a few years ago. I can’t believe they still look so good after all this time around the dining table! Which reminds me that I intended to scotch guard them way back then. Guess I’ll put that on my long list of “still need to do”. It’s crazy to me that we still have so many leaves around us and I think the colder air finally settled in this week. Colder meaning in the upper 40’s to lower 50’s. 😉 Stay warm!
Where to start – it’s all so pretty! I love those plates with the leaves they are perfect for Thanksgiving dinner! I have a thing for seedheads everything so I’m loving that picture above your mantle too. It’s almost impossible to believe that there are still REAL leaves on the trees outside my window. Although, I think if we have one blustery day they will all drop like flies!
Author
Thank you Jayne! I was just saying the same thing about the trees and leaves. I’m not ready for them to drop yet but I bet it comes soon. Have a great weekend!