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

  1. hugskissesandsnot.com says:

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

    Reply
  2. Chris says:

    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/

    Reply
  3. Ruth says:

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

    Reply

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