Thanksgiving is just a week away and in past years I would have already shared my Thanksgiving table and I might even have started decorating for Christmas. Not so much this year – life has been busy and all grand ideas for elaborate tablescapes and decorations have been thrown out the window in favor of keeping things simple (and me sane) for the holidays. I’m guessing I’m not alone here and that some of you still have Thanksgiving tables to decorate and would love a few simple ideas for creating a beautiful tablescape. So yesterday I challenged myself to come up with some ideas using things I already had at home or was able to get from a quick run to the grocery store. Ready to see what I came up with?
Centerpieces
Fruit in beautiful fall colors is perfect for a fall or Thanksgiving centerpiece. Simply scout out a pretty bowl, add a mix of fresh fruit and a few springs of eucalyptus, flower buds, or berry branches and you’ve got a made-in-five-minutes beautiful centerpiece!
There’s also no shame in buying grocery store flowers and placing them in a pretty vase for your centerpiece. I like the more untamed look with a variety of flowers (the more unusual the better) instead of a standard bouquet of roses or carnations. And adding in some eucalyptus (can you tell that it’s my centerpiece filler go-to?) makes a bouquet prettier and more interesting:
Table Runners
Being the fabric hoarder that I am, a lot of my table runners are made from extra fabric that I already had on hand. And there’s no sewing needed – I simple iron down the edges and then use my iron and some fusible bonding tape to create a finished edge. Don’t have any extra fabric (or me as your neighbor)? Raid your closets and drawers for a pretty scarf – I honestly found this one in the back of one of my drawer after having completely forgotten about it. I’m loving it as a table runner!
Another option for a table runner is wrapping paper or kraft paper. I especially love using kraft paper that you can then personalize with marker. In this case, I wrote each person’s name above the plate and added a spot for jotting down what we’re each thankful for (for those sitting in the side chairs, cut out a small sheet of kraft paper and add the “so thankful for” on the top so they have something to write on too!):
Silverware & Napkins
What are some ideas for dressing up your silverware and napkins? One simple idea is to take a spring of flowers, greenery, or berries and tie it onto each napkin with twine:
If you have some pretty fall leaves left on your trees, use a white paint pen or letter rub-ons to add your guests’ initials like I did for our Thanksgiving table a few years back:
or if you have a cute set of cups or small vases, you can place your napkins, silverware, and floral sprig inside:
Want to go even simpler? Just tie your silverware together with a pretty ribbon:
If you’re looking for more Thanksgiving table inspiration, you can check out my Thanksgiving table (and a favorite recipe that’s great for breakfast with a house full of guests!) {here}.
Have a great weekend everyone – I’ll see you back here next week!
I love all your ideas, Kris! You made fruit look so pretty just by the way you arranged it. I need to try some simple things. I think sometimes I overthink too much. I have used scarves before and I keep planning on doing the craft paper idea. This year I am bit behind so we will see what I come up with… Enjoy your weekend!
Shelley
Thanks Shelley! I have no doubt that you’ll come up with something beautiful!
Such beautiful ideas. Love the fruit bowl
Thank you Marty!
I love the fruit bowl too. Where is it from?
I found it a few months back at HomeGoods!
These are great ideas. So simple, but so stunning.
Thank you Julie!
yOU HAVE a real talent in creating beautiful and effortless centerpieces Kris! Love what you did with the runner too!
You’re so sweet Vel – thank you!
Kris,
I love natures bounty for the table. Eucalyptus, and pumpkins or even figs with lots of candles are appealing too. It’s fun that we can buy flowers and pretty produce at most neighborhood markets!
Enjoy the weekend of preparation.
xo,
Karen
Love the idea of using figs Karen! And I love shopping local markets too 🙂
This is beautiful Kris and attainable which is even better. I’m also curious about the bowl too – I love it.
Thanks Holly! The bowl was a HomeGoods find!
My favorite kind of tablescaping…..using what you have on hand or can pick up easily. I love all these ideas but that colorful black napkin with the craft paper, so pretty!
Perfect for us last minute girls, right?! 🙂
Hi Kris,
Just wanted to drop you a note to say hello and tell you how much I’m enjoying your blog! I’ve been following you on IG for awhile now, but I guess I didn’t realize you had a blog. And your ideas for the table are wonderful (especially love the leave place cards!)
I also wanted to say how much I absolutely LOVE your plate wall! I’ve seen pieces of it on your IG photos and it is just stunning. So balanced – perfection!
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Best,
Sheila Irwin
http://www.maisondecinq.blogspot.com
Sheila, thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a sweet message. It’s so very appreciated! Have a nice night!
What fun ideas have a great thanksgiving!