This Year, Create Your Perfect Thanksgiving Table Setting!
Thanksgiving! Family, friends and feasts. I LOVE fall weather in New England and the Thanksgiving meal is one of my favorites (especially the turkey sandwiches later in the night!). But if I could choose the single best part of Thanksgiving preparation, decorating the table is at the top of the list. I know this can be the source of a lot of stress for many, which is why I have put together a short list of some great, cheap ideas to decorate your table using things that you have on hand or just outside your door!
1. Tablecloth or tabletop? I choose to go without a tablecloth, opting for something a little less formal (one less thing to clean, too!). I’ll just utilize a table runner, a strip of muslin, or leaves and branches (real or fake). One year, I even used brown craft paper down the center as my base and built up from there, so there are really no wrong answers here! If you prefer a tablecloth, by all means go for it. You can dress it up or give it a more casual “farmhouse” feel very easily. If your tablecloth has stains from previous years' festivities, throw it in the washing machine with some fabric dye and give it new life!
2. Have any leftover pumpkins and gourds from Halloween? Lucky for you, you can use these in lots of ways! First, pumpkins make GREAT vases. Cut the top off, hollow them out and fill them with water and your favorite flowers. These look amazing on your table and better yet, don't leak! You can also use them 'as is', adding lovely color and texture without any of the added steps. If you want something a little more modern or "glitzy", use some metallic spray paint and give them a makeover to compliment your china and crystal.
3. Use fruits and vegetables for your "runner". This is so cheap, easy and edible! Try using different colored pears, apples, pomegranate, artichokes or even squash! These add color and depth and give us all the fall “feels". Take it a step further and throw in some leaves (fresh or fake), taper OR different sized pillar candles, and you have a beautiful centerpiece.
4. Grab some scissors and take a walk outside! Twigs, branches with leaves, and berries (or a combination of all) help to “bring the outside in” and give your table a natural Thanksgiving feel. And again, if you’re looking for that bold, eye-catching look, break out the metallic paint and accent with a shimmer.
5. Napkins! Napkins can be neutral OR add a great pop of color. Keep them all the same color, utilize varying hues of the same shade, or pick some colors that will enhance your table setting. For this Thanksgiving, I went to my local fabric store and bought mix and match fabric squares for just a dollar or two apiece! No napkin rings? No problem! Just knot them in the center loosely. They make a cute bow tie and fit perfectly in the center of the plate. You can also buy some heavy gauge wire from the closest Home Depot and cut lengths to wrap around your folded napkins. The look is great and can be fancy, modern or simply rustic. Tuck a sprig of Rosemary, Thyme or some fall foliage to "dress" them up even further!
Whatever your style or decorating skills, a little planning and resourcefulness can help you come up with the perfect table to WOW your guests! When all is said and done, the time spent together will be what is remembered most. So don't stress, have fun with it, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.