Anyone hosting Thanksgiving this year? Me: raises hand. I’m not much of a cook so we stick to the basics on the food. But I do know a thing or two about styling so we go all out on a beautiful table. But let’s be real, no one wants to eat at a fussy table. Here are my 4 tips for creating a beautiful and inviting Thanksgiving table.
Keep it natural
Add greenery. Fresh or faux is fine. The important thing is to incorporate natural branches, garlands or leaves. This brings a touch of organic softness to an otherwise hard surface (table, plates, hardware). Other natural elements might include a terracotta or clay vase, wicker basket, wheat or millet stalks, and wood bowls or boards.
Keep it soft
Add textiles to soften the aesthetic. I like a mix of linen and woven fabrics. It makes the table feel layered and interesting to use a mix of fabrics. I prefer a linen for the tablecloth and napkins, but the table runner could be a woven cotton, burlap or boucle to add texture. Also, try to incorporate 1 pattern in the textiles. I’m always partial to a stripe.
Keep it personal
Include place card holders. You can purchase fun place card holders and practice your calligraphy. Or it doesn’t have to be fancy, you can type your guests’ names in a script font, print the document and make paper tents. As a guest it feels very personal and inviting to know your host thought of you and personally set a plate for you. And as an added bonus you get to control the seating arrangement. No awkward political debate at your Thanksgiving table 😉
Keep it lit
Candlesticks on the table always elevate a meal. You can purchase coordinating candlesticks or if you enjoy a more eclectic look you can pick up a variety of candlesticks at your local thrift store. Candles will enhance the ambiance and create a calm, peaceful setting for your Thanksgiving table (unless you have children of any kind…then candles will look pretty but there will never be a calm setting 😉
