Feast Your Eyes: 6 Tips for Creating a Stunning Thanksgiving Tablescape
Setting a beautiful table has always been something I loved. Growing up, my mom and grandmother always had special plates and serving ware for special holidays, we had a collection of Christmas mugs in our cabinet every year and plates that we only used on Christmas morning – these things stuck with me and when I grew up and started hosting holidays it was already a cornerstone of who I was. Over the years I learned that creating these beautiful spaces for the ones I loved didn’t have to cost me an arm and a leg and that a little bit of effort and some strategic investment went a long way when it came to making a big impact.
If you’re anything like me and the thought of decorating a table for the holidays is intimidating, then this one is for you. These 6 steps will guide you in the basics of creating the table of your dreams this Thanksgiving:
Pick your Vibe/Color Scheme: Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that has a classic scheme of colors to match the natural vibes of the season - oranges, browns, deep reds and yellows, but with every classic theme comes a more unique scheme that can be just as equally beautiful! Pick your vibe, is it natural and neutral, classic but muted, or bright and fun?
Lay your Foundational Elements: Never underestimate the power of a tablecloth. A floor length crisp linen makes a huge statement and can be purchased for an affordable price on sites like Amazon or Linen Tablecloth. I personally love white linen, that is machine washable and easy to bleach for stains and simple to store for year over year use. Seriously, I purchased a handful of linens for my wedding and continue to use them 9 years later. Adding a table runner before your other layers will bring in pops of texture that become interesting conversation starters. I personally love a cheesecloth or gauze style material that is light and pliable but drapes beautifully, but classic lace style runners are equally stunning!
Create Height Variations: Adding a variety of heights to your scape gives the eye multiple places to land and creates a depth for the visual experience. An easy way to do this is through candleholders and sticks, they don’t have to be notably high but various heights is the key.
Include Seasonal and Natural Elements: Whether you add faux or live elements, including visuals that tap into the currents season is always a showstopper that brings warmth to your table. For thanksgiving this could be a simple runner made from fresh eucalyptus, some faux pumpkins, pinecones, a leaf garland etc. Your local craft store will likely have curated packs of faux décor for easy purchase, start there if you’re overwhelmed. With all the steps we’ve talked about so far, it’s important to focus on the center of your table before moving onto the outer place settings in our last steps.
Set your table with layers: Layering your place settings almost instantly elevates the look and feel of your dining experience and surprisingly enough, it can be quite affordable. My biggest tip is to invest in some pieces you know will stand the test of time and can be used multiple times when possible. Chargers and placemats are items that I like to buy from places like the dollar tree or hobby lobby knowing they’re more affordable and can be stored for future use. Cloth napkins and rings are another item that makes a huge statement but can be reused time and time again to get the most out of your investment. I always suggest that people source from their local thrift stores as well for some truly unique finds that are lower cost with higher sustainability.
Personalize: This is my favorite final touch. It is so elegant and always makes my guests feel so special. This can be as simple as a handwritten card or a printed card in a place card holder but one of my favorite things to do is buy a pack of unfinished wood ornaments from Dollar Tree or Amazon and use my Cricut to create the illusion of a high-end place card. Other options I love are laser cut wooden or acrylic names from small businesses on Etsy – and these usually run under 2 bucks a piece!
There you have it! With these basics, you’re sure to set the most stunning table your guests have ever seen – be sure to take lots of pics and be proud of your hard work – you earned it!