For Thanksgiving we travel to Michigan to visit my family so my contribution to the meal for the past couple of years has been taking care of the tablescape. This year I decided to set the table with as many real elements as possible, keeping the colors neutral with deep red bringing the color. I also chose to use feathers and gourds to help keep the table feeling like a fall as opposed to Christmas time.
supplies: pomegranats, cranberries, red pears, white gourds, napkins {mine are from here}, burlap style ribbon {from Hobby Lobby}, mini chalkboards {dollar spot at Target fall 2014, similiar here}, feathers {from Hobby Lobby}
For the centerpiece I placed white gourds and mini pumpkins with three pomegranats. I had two wooden candle sticks from a previous year that I placed in the centerpiece. The cranberries are floating in water inside of an old glass milk jug. {The jug actually came from my great-grandfathers farm so it means something to me, making the centerpiece just that much more beautiful in my eyes.} And glass container will do, a vase, jar, whatever you have on hand. I also had a few feathers left from the napkins so I placed them with the centerpiece, wrapping the bottom of the feathers in the ribbon. The entire centerpiece is placed on an old corn drawer found at a salvage shop. I love this because I feel like it anchors the entire centerpiece. If you have a beautiful tray then use it. If not, no worries! It will still be just as beautiful.
For the place settings I cut a piece of the ribbon to wrap around the folded napkin. Then I tucked two feathers inside of the ribbon. The red pear is placed on top of the ribbon. {Two tips for the pears: One – test them at the store to make sure you are buying ones that will stand up. Two – the stickers come off without removing the skin if the pears have been refrigerated. And yes, I learned both of these lessons the hard way.} Then I clipped the chalkboard to the stem of the pear. Done.
Honestly nothing complicated, and most of these items can be found with a trip to the grocery store and a trip to the local craft shop. No items that are extremely hard to find. I would love to see your own Thanksgiving table set up. And when there is all kinds of delicous food on the table and people you love sitting around it everything will be that much more beautiful. Whatever you choose to do for Thanksgiving, don't let it overwhelm you. This is something I love to do, it brings me joy. If it stresses you out then forget it and consider your beautiful family and friends to be all the decorating you need.
May you be blessed as you prepare for the season of Thanksgiving,
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom says
This is such a beautiful and simple idea! I love the pitcher with the cranberries in it. Your table will look beautiful this Thanksgiving!
Becky says
Thanks so much Carrie! I was so excited to find a way to use the old milk jug!
gigipoo says
I really love the napkins with the ribbon around them. So beautiful. I love the polkadots and I love the use of red for a Thanksgiving table. Happy Thanksgiving!