It’s Thanksgiving eve!
If your house is anything like mine, the day before Thanksgiving is full of cooking and cleaning—likely until the wee hours of the morning. The kitchen smells of hot pumpkin pie, your dining room is sparkling from a fresh scrub and kids are slipping in and out of the house trying to escape before you see them and ask them to help. 🙂
Likely, with so many tasks to accomplish before the big day, the last thought on your mind is how to set the table. As long as the turkey doesn’t burn and everyone has a plate, silverware and napkin you’ll be happy, right?
I feel you, but the inner hostess in all of us always strives to do a little more—even if it means staying up late to get it done.
Rather than going with the typical brown and orange, turkey-themed tablescape that so many of us fall back on year after year, I wanted to give my Thanksgiving decor a more unexpected upgrade.
Here’s how I created a rustic, woodsy Thanksgiving tablescape for my guests to enjoy tomorrow:
1. Use what nature gave you.
Perhaps you’re more knowledge about pumpkins and squash than I am, but I’m astounded by how many different colors and shapes pumpkins can take!
Look beyond the classic orange gourds, and deck your table with white, cream, blush and gray ones, as well.
Leave your tablecloths in the linen closet this year, and opt for a simple burlap table runner with a few pretty leaves scattered across it. You’ll not only save yourself some laundry, but set a simplistic, yet festive feel for the table.
2. Find unexpected serving pieces.
Varying the height of your serving pieces makes the table more interesting and visually appealing.
Once you find some pretty pumpkins, use the them to display your treats.
I really love this wooden lazy susan. It’s perfect for displaying a piĂ©ce de resistance.
Also, look beyond your typical serving ware. Rather than display bunches of grapes on a plate or in a bowl, I used a wooden tray and added a pop of color with some fresh leafy greens.
3. Mix rustic with refined.
The key to this tablescape is to strike a balance between nature and elegance. While the wood, burlap, leaves and pumpkins set a rustic vibe, crisp white plates, ruffled cake stands and feminine dishes remind your guests that they’re attending a dinner party—not a camp out.
You can also add a few streamlined pieces, such as these copper mugs and silver bowl.
What does your Thanksgiving decor look like this year? Have any of you bypassed Thanksgiving and put up your Christmas tree already? (No judging here!) I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!
Happy Thanksgiving!
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