With the Winter Holidays fast approaching, I think we are all faced with the same situation. At the start of the year, it seemed like a virtual impossibility that social distancing and new virus cases would be lasting all the way into the Fall. Yet here we are, and the tone of the holidays this year is understandably different. Adjusting to this new situation, while still keeping traditions alive, is a daunting task, but it also lets us pull the smaller details into focus. The beauty of simplicity is the essence of this season’s planning. A smaller meal with good food, and the people we love. That’s where my Easy Thanksgiving Table Decor Ideas fit in!
Many of us will host virtual Thanksgiving dinners this November, and pare down our numbers for a smaller, safer in-person gathering. Gone is my heavily-laden table of fancy family china and vintage crystal goblets; it’s not the time. Still, even as our focus changes, it doesn’t mean we need to lose the feeling of an elegant Thanksgiving Tablescape!
Let’s set the scene…
Many of you are asking yourselves (and asking me!): “how do I set up a Thanksgiving table?”, especially in a year like this one. Well, this year I’m leaning towards a more modern table setting. Neutral colored, organically shaped, plates and rustic grey & white linens. My tablescape is dotted with bright pops of colors from fresh flowers, and traditional Thanksgiving decorations such as gourds and small pumpkins. I’m bringing extra visual interest in the form of vintage silver candlesticks and small nature inspired objects d’art. My table may be smaller this year, but it’s no less interesting to look at!
Celebrating with friends & family…
I am lucky enough to be joined on this post by one of New England’s most popular Fashion & Lifestyle bloggers, Jaimie Tucker, from JaimieTucker.com! We are dear friends in real life, and we always enjoy joining forces on projects like these! We created this simple Thanksgiving table setting with elements from both of our homes. Jaimie brings her fashionable eye to home decor, with ease and aplomb! Be sure to check out our next post on how to assemble your own stunning table center piece this month!
How to Set a Simple Thanksgiving Table
Color
Pick your palette and add pops of complementing colors to your table. I really loved these ceramic dishes from Crate & Barrel. Since they’re a neutral color, I will be able to use them in many different tablescapes in the future! I created a base palette of soft browns, grey, and whites, then decided to incorporate jewel toned colors in the details. Deep rich oranges, purples, and browns served as a pleasing contrast to the other neutral elements.
Texture
We aren’t dusting off all of the family heirlooms to grace the table this year, so providing some texture becomes super-important. Jaimie shared her vintage classic silver candle sticks, with this gorgeous patina, for the table. I love that little bit of sparkle for our supper! I added several marble & wooden serving pieces that helped to anchor the ensemble, simple spun linens, and the rustic hemp-rope placemats completed the settings. Look around your home for decorative pieces that could be repurposed for your design!
Light
We went very simple, with several sets of tall tapered candles in light colors. Small glass votives or chunky beeswax pillars would be a beautiful touch as well – you really can’t go wrong with candlelight! In a pinch for candle holders? Try reusing old glass jam jars with small tea-lights. It will bring a practical and romantic touch to your table!
The Small Touches
One of the things that I really enjoy in creating a formal table setting are the small details; the ones that you only notice once you’re seated. It could be the small polished olivewood salt cellar peeking out from behind the flowers, or the spray of dried eucalyptus leaves between the scattered fall fruits on the table. Setting up small scenes of interest in-between the larger elements of the table can give the diner a sense of theme – but it’s also just fun to look at!
I hope that my Covid Thanksgiving Ideas have given you some inspiration! Be sure to stay tuned for the aforementioned flower arranging class (you can find my live demo with Jaimie, on Instagram!), as well as my upcoming Covid Thanksgiving Menu & 2 new recipes!
Cheers!
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