Thanksgiving Table Tips
Sometimes a pile of fallen leaves is just a pile of fallen leaves… and sometimes it is the inspiration behind a simple and beautiful Thanksgiving table setting.
I wandered out into the front yard last week and stared at the farmhouse table under the oak tree
that was completely covered in oak leaves.
As were the chairs. And the entire patio.
And instantly, I was inspired to set the table and take a few photos.
Because…that is what normal people do when they see a patio covered in leaves right?
🙂
I was thinking autumn. Thanksgiving.
Something warm and cozy and fall-ish.
And so I played for a bit- and decided to share a few tips for setting an
inspired table for Thanksgiving.
5 style ideas for an Inspired Thanksgiving table
Thanksgiving Table Ideas- Think outside the box
#1. Think Outside the Box…or just think outside
Most folks think of Thanksgiving tables inside in the traditional dining room.
Which is totally fine- it is called a dining room for a reason-right?
But when thinking of an inspired place to host Thanksgiving- think outside.
Whether you are in the country or in the city-
take a look at what is just outside your door – but with a fresh look.
Weather permitting of course and I realize that not all areas of the country will be able to be outside hosting a gathering in November- but if you are in one of those areas that can- it is a perfect time to set up.
That old palm tree in the corner
the rustic shed or even the fence that separates you from your neighbors-and that oak tree that is a nuisance with all those leaves that drop- but that also looks so inviting-
those all can be great backdrops for an inspired setting.
My husband was going to rake the leaves off the patio
and I asked him to wait until after I set the table here.
Thanksgiving Table Ambiance – Light up the Night
#2. Light up the night
One of my favorites for any setting- the twinkles.
Bring on those candles
I like to use 2 or 3 different sizes – but keep them cohesive in the color and glasses containers.
And of course- those string lights.
Above the table, along the fence, on the porch and patio- they are great for adding everywhere.
Keep it Simple
#3. Keep it Simple
Because, Thanksgiving is full of warm laughs and warm food
and a messy kitchen with a sink piled high with dishes…
so keep the place settings simple.
Simple white dishes or a single plate rather than 4 layers.
Mismatched stemware
and grab that collection of silver flatware that is stashed away-
and leave it tarnished. A little scandalous- I know! haha. 🙂
Your table doesn’t need to have pristine stacks of elegant china, polished silver and 3 glasses for each place setting to be elegant.
Go Bold & Beautiful
#4. Go Bold
A super simple idea for giving your table a completely different look with just a quick change
is to swap your usual stemware for a bold colored glass.
Whether vintage or new- they completely change the look of the table instantly.
Add Simple Elegance
#5. Add simple elegance
Whether you choose an elegant place setting on repeat,
a lovely bouquet of specialty flowers
or add a delicious touch to the table with velvet linens- simple elegant touches
create a warm and cozy feeling and with a touch of luxury or grandeur.
Think velvet- or elegant ruffled linen for your cloth.
Set up several smaller tables
#6. Set up Several Smaller Tables
Create some space in between each other by setting up several smaller tables for families to dine at. Several tables on the lawn or on the porch under the overhang can be quite charming with matching flowers and pretty settings.
Create Unique Place Cards
#7. Create Unique Place Cards for each Guest
Place cards always make a table feel extra special- and creating something special for each guest is a fun thing to do.
You can incorporate a beautiful flower to take home, a small gift or even something special like a mini box of chocolates or ornament for their Christmas tree.
These simple Reindeer ornament place cards are so fun and easy to make.
For more ideas about
I hope this helps give you some ideas for setting an inspired table for your guests this Thanksgiving
Shop the Look
Shop the look this week for a festive Thanksgiving table.
For More Thanksgiving Table Ideas
5 Easy Ideas for Autumn Centerpieces
Bold & Beautiful Style for Autumn Tables
Thank You
And as we are all getting ready for Thanksgiving with friends and family next week and reflecting on all that we are thankful for- I want to say Thank You to You.
For reading the blog and saying hello. For supporting my books and my blog and all my crazy ideas and always offering kind words. For your friendship. Every time that you click over to read the blog, or purchase my books or shop- you are supporting my family and allowing me to be able to share what I do here. I am thankful for you and am so glad you are here and are part of our French Country Cottage community.
I have sone outside THANKSGIVING for years. I worked on a street with GORGEOUS trees full of fall leaves; just collect them and set them under books for a few days to flatten out. Use as coasters for stemware or strewn across tAbles as the bottom layer of your tablescape.
Thanx fir ALL these beautiful photos…sometimes, “a picture is with a THousand words” HAPPY THANKSgiving!!! franki
All gorgeous ideas. Thank you.
all do wonderfullll!!! thank you
Everything looks so pretty and that turkey is one handsome fellow. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
I’m going to tell my thanksgiving guests that courtney said it was okay to leave the silverware tarnished…lol. you’re so right! I stress over too many unnecessary things. Have a wonderful thanksgiving courtney. something tells me you will because you have your priorities right!
Some damn good tips here
Everything looks beautiful! Neat tips
I liked the different Stemware
On the table. It was easy to see
The change the colored glass made. Thank you for all your wonderful ideas. Have a happy
Thanksgiving holiday with your
Family and friends.
Courtney, if i ever want to “escape to the land of lovely” i open your beautiful blogs. everything you touch turns into magic. it’s like a warm sweater and a cup of tea on a cold november morning. It’s Ahhhh before the rush. happy thanksgiving!