October 30, 2020

Thanksgiving Tablescape

The idea of family and friends gathered around a table with a delicious meal and tasty drinks is my happy place. Grace and I started this blog because we both have a love for sharing our kitchen and our homes with people. Perhaps it’s partially a craving these days because we haven’t been able to exercise our passion much due to COVID19. Anyway, holiday season is quickly approaching and even though we are likely all doing something “abnormal”, I think it’s important to celebrate as much as possible, even if it’s just with your little family.

So, Halloween is almost over, therefore we move on to one of my favorite holidays- Thanksgiving! There are just a million things I can talk about with this one, but I’m going to try to stay on topic and talk about something you can start putting together now, your table design! This can set the whole tone of your meal and be functional at the same time.

There are a few factors you will have to consider before you choose the elements for your table decor and setting. First, how many guests need to fit at your table and will the shape of your table affect the setting in any way? Second, will you have food on the table or will it be buffet style? Third, will you use good old paper plates or the real thing? There is no right or wrong answer, and you can follow my tips with all of these options!

The question I always ask myself when I am shopping for decor, especially for holidays, is can I use this for multiple occasions or will I keep this for an extended period of time? I don’t like buying super trendy items or things that I can only use for one specific day. My goal for this year is twofold. One, I want to bring nature to the table. Two, I want to use more of what I have rather than buying all new things.

To answer my own questions, I am going to have about ten people at my table and it will be buffet style so there will be minimal food items out. I will use my normal plates and try to make the color scheme fit. Don’t feel bad if you want to use paper. There are so many fun options out there and it can still look very elegant even without the china! My favorite finds are usually in HomeGoods or Target. Especially if you are having a large group or are doing something outdoors, go for paper!

The elements that I already own and will use are dishes, silverware, glasses, vase, and eucalyptus garland. The items that I purchased are table runner, candles, pumpkins, and napkins. I have also collected some pine cones that I will use, but those are free!

So, I like having minimal items on the table for two reasons. One is that the view won’t be so obstructed during conversations. Two is that we have a lot of food to eat! So we need maximum room. For me, it’s important for the table to look special and create comfort at the same time without taking away from the socializing aspect.

Another item I am considering adding is craft paper underneath my table runner. I like using this because you can write on it, it looks nice, and it’s easy to throw away but doesn’t look like a plastic table cover. I may do this and write questions on it or places to write what people are thankful for. It’s a nice way to make things interactive. I’ve also seen the “thankful pumpkin” idea floating around. I like that too!

Simple black table runner from amazon for under $15. I can use this for Christmas too! Partially choose this because I like the contrast with the table and it matches our chairs too.

Candle sticks were from Hobby Lobby. Simple and sleek are my favorite! Total was under $20 because they were on sale when I purchased them.

Pumpkins are a nice muted orange (also on sale in Hobby Lobby), so I liked how they looked with my normal plates (from Anthropologie).

The eucalyptus leaf garland is from amazon which I purchased for another occasion. Re-used my dried wheat from my front porch in this black and cream colored vase (from Francesca’s).

Napkins are from TJMaxx where all wonderful things are found. They were under $10 for a pack of four.

I mixed wine glasses and drinking glasses based on what I have as well.

Simple, elegant, and cozy! What do you think? Should I add the craft paper for the day of? Happy almost November, everyone!