Fall Favorites Friday {10 Tips for Creating an Inviting Thanksgiving Table}

I can’t even believe Thanksgiving is a week and a half away! (Well, not quite…) How in the world did that happen?!

The fact is, it’s here, it’s going to happen, and I have to get ready!!

I’m hosting Thanksgiving at my house this year so I’ve got to start thinking about my table (among other things). I’m pretty excited about it because I have a new (to me) dining table that will seat 10 people! Woo hoo!

I want to make it pretty and inviting so I’ve been browsing fall tablscapes and I ‘ve gotten a lot of great ideas. Today, I’m sharing 10 Tips for Creating an Inviting Thanksgiving Table.

Let’s get started!

1. Use nature — Twigs, pumpkins, gourds, wheat…it all looks so beautiful and inviting in a Thanksgiving tablescape.

Source: Dear Lillie

Source: Pinterest

Source: BHG

2. There are no rules — meaning, you don’t have to have placemats, chargers, fancy china or dinnerware to make it beautiful. Sometimes a few simple things you already own combined with some creativity are all that’s needed to make a welcoming display.

Source: Everyday Occasions

3. You don’t have to use typical fall colors — pops of blues, greans,whites and a hint of red make this table sing. I especially love the blue and white bowls — so fresh and lovely! I don’t think I even need to mention these gorgeous flower arrangements. I mean, WOW!

Source: The Lettered Cottage

The picture below is from the Life in Grace blog. She called it her “Bohemian (Rhapsody) Thanksgiving Tablescape.” It’s so alive and full of color — love it!!

Source: Life in Grace

4. Candles make it cozy — whether it’s a simple votive candle or several tall candlesticks, candles set a warm, cozy mood that makes everyone feel good.

Source: BHG

Source: Good Housekeeping

5. You can never go wrong with silver — Look how beautiful this silver looks with the gorgeous dishes. Now look a little more closeley…it doesn’t match! Still looks great, doesn’t it?!

Source: Vignette Design

Pottery Barn’s use of mercury glass pumpkins, silver chargers, silver napkin rings, silverware and silver candlesticks make this table pop.

Source: Pottery Barn

Keep in mind you don’t have to buy everything from Pottery Barn or other expensive places. Estate sales, garage sales, clearance bins, Goodwill — they’re all great sources for a lot of these perfectly good, shiny items. Don’t forget, a can of silver spray paint can go a long way to add a little sparkle to your table!

6. Use stuff you find outside for free — This is always a favorite tip for me. The possibilities are really endless! Twigs, horse apples, magnolia leaves, evergreen branches, apples, pears, pomegranites, acorns, nuts — you name it! Wherever you live there is something that can be used to decorate your fall table for FREE!

Source: (2 pictures above) BHG

7. When in doubt, use white or cream as your main color. I’ve seen a lot of beautiful tablescapes and some of the most beautiful use white as their main base layer of color.

Source: BHG

Source: Country Living

8. There really is no substitute for fresh flowers. If you can afford to splurge on some fresh flowers, it’s totally worth it. One simple display makes a huge impact.

Source: Vignette Design

9. Cloth napkins class up the joint. Sure, it creates additional laundry but they look so nice – don’t you think?

Source: (all three photos above) Everyday Occasions

I love how she showed the same place settings with three different napkins and a different embellishment.

(Cloth napkins can be totally home-made, too. Can’t sew? Cut inexpensive fabric and fray your edges on purpose!)

10. Placecards, menus and food labels give the table and side-board that extra special touch.

I have never done this before but I love the idea. It really makes the table special, I think.

Source (2 pictures above): Dear Lillie

Source (2 pictures above): Martha Stewart

The cute pilgrim card sets above are available in Dear Lillie’s online shop.

There’s nothing like a beautiful, well set table. I hope these little tips gave you some inspiration.

Also, I’d love to see your holiday tables. If you have a blog, please share your links in the comments. If you don’t have a blog, please share a picture on my Facebook page. I’d love to hear from you!

Linking up to:

Lovely Crafty Home
Tatertots & Jello
Miss Information
It’s Overflowing

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Comments

hugskissesandsnot.com says:

November 10, 2012 at 8:32 pm

thanks for the inspiration. Huge flea markets (i.e. Rose Bowl Flea Market) are a great place to find beautiful mix and match silverware.

Chris says:

November 11, 2012 at 1:35 am

Hi Julie, just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/

- Julie says:
  
  November 12, 2012 at 2:57 pm
  
  Thanks, Chris! Glad to have you here!
  
Ruth says:

November 13, 2012 at 4:03 am

These tablescapes are fabulous. I am hosting Thanksgiving. Thanks for all the inspiration.
Ruth