ALT-1 Thanksgiving Table Decorating Ideas
Taking time to create an inviting Thanksgiving table might be a much needed respite... and a reminder that we do need to pause and be thankful for all of our blessings. These days, Thanksgiving seems to be the holiday we have squeezed into November, between Halloween and Christmas. For many, the Christmas tree is already up and thoughts have long turned to Santa Claus and shopping malls and stocking stuffers before the first bite of turkey is even swallowed.
I love autumn, so I am glad when Labor Day rolls around, signifying the end of the summer and the onset of the beautiful colored leaves, bright showy chrysanthemums, and cool, crisp days and clear nights. I create a centerpiece on my dining table with a grapevine wreath covered in colorful silk "fall leaves" interspersed with both real and artificial gourds, miniature ears of colorful corn, and brightly colored silk mums and sunflowers. Inside this wreath, I place a large, glass container that holds a three-wick candle. Rusty-orange plaid place-mats and matching napkins complete the setting. For the Thanksgiving meal, I remove the place-mats and add a nice creamy tablecloth under the centerpiece, then set my table with fall-colored napkins tied with bright orange berries - and maybe even a purple or royal blue ribbon for a striking accent. I purchased a few dozen miniature rattan cornucopias, and one can be placed at each setting and filled with candy corn and other small candies... and even topped with a place card, if I wish... for additional accent.
Watch end-of-season sales for colorful tablecloths in the shades of autumn leaves... or make your own. Most fabric centers offer beautiful "autumn" printed fabric that could easily be turned into dinner napkins to accent a solid colored tablecloth in cream, green, or whatever shade fits your decor. I've also used this fabric to make inexpensive holiday pillow covers for some of my decorative accent pillows.
For setting smaller tables that seat four or fewer, the centerpiece will have to be scaled down. If you have a solid colored cloth and matching napkins, consider an overlay of a square of the "autumn" fabric on top as an accent layer. Look for a smaller candle to center the table, and consider placing it inside a grapevine wreath studded with either fresh or artificial greenery and fall botanicals.
Instead of candles, watch for good buys at gift shops and discount stores on ceramic turkeys, pilgrims, scarecrows or pumpkins to serve as your centerpiece... or make a grouping of real pumpkins or gourds. The stores are full of great miniature versions in the fall. Rub these with a little dab of olive oil to give their skin a sheen and set on a charger or decorative plate in the center of the table. (Be sure not to let oiled pumpkins and gourds touch your tablecloth - the oil might not be removable.)
Looking for a way to spice up your buffet table and serving line? Purchase several yards of holiday cloth - or use a large tablecloth - and use it to cover sturdy boxes of varying height scattered across your serving table or counter. This creates "risers" for some of your serving dishes, so that everything is not sitting "flat" on the serving area. People find this more inviting and appealing, and it is also easier to see everything when the heights are varied. For serving utensils, roll the knife, fork, and spoon into a nice napkin and tie with raffia or a small piece of ribbon. Place these in a stone pitcher, crock, or wicker basket if your dinner is casual. If your dinner buffet is more formal, use a nice silver serving piece or a short crystal vase as your "spooner." Another casual option is to watch for an old garden rake at an estate or garage sale. Cleaned, tied with a festive ribbon, and turned "tines up," individually rolled silverware could be stacked between the tines for an fun conversation starter and unique server.
I watch for serving dishes in hues of autumn at close-out and end-of-the-season sales at gift and discount stores, as well as at estate sales, and I have amassed some really nice serving items, such as an amber glass footed cake plate, a Franciscan bread dish in an amber color, and a bright yellow divided California Pottery dish that would be great for serving condiments. An old dark brown pottery "bean pot" became the "vase" for fall mums and leaves and a centerpiece for yet another table in my home. A beautiful chenille afghan in hues of green, purple, rust, burgundy and gold adorns my sofa table, topped by a rattan cornucopia filled with gourds, corn, flowers, leaves and other fall botanicals.
Don't have vases or floral containers on hand in fall hues? Use pumpkins. Hollow out as if you were making a jack-o-lantern, and fill with your favorite floral arrangement (add water if the flowers are fresh). Mini pumpkins filled with tiny mums and leaves would make great centerpieces for small tables. Add a name printed on paper and stuck on half a wooden skewer and use these small arrangements as individual place cards.
With a little thought and creativity, Thanksgiving table decorations can be beautiful and unique - and they don't have to break the bank. Use what you have and accent with a few items in autumn hues. Your Thanksgiving decor will make your home more warm and inviting... and it might even help to revitalize enthusiasm for giving this holiday its due.
