Thanksgiving Tablescape Ideas

I’m headed over to WTNH Channel 8 this Sunday to chat Thanksgiving table ideas and wanted to share a few of those today. Next week, I’ll share the whole Thanksgiving tablescape put together all nice and fancy. Or at least all put together. No promises on the “fancy.”

Simple Thanksgiving Tablescapes

For our table, I wanted ideas that were easy, textural, and sort of eclectic. As always, ‘easy’ is usually what grabs my attention.

Idea 1: Flowers

I started with the flowers. If you didn’t see my post from last week about making lovely arrangements from grocery store flowers, then go check it out. These flowers cost me $25 and I was able to use a couple of pumpkins I had leftover from Halloween.

Any old jar will do, or grab some $.50 vases at Goodwill. Hollow out your pumpkin, pop in the vase, and add flowers. So much more festive than a plain ol’ arrangement, right?

Idea 2: Candles

For candles, I love the ambiance, but hate the dripping and the fire hazard when flailing kids are seated around the table. So these votives are a perfect solution. Again, any old glass vases will do… these were $1 at the thrift store. To keep things neat, I used glass votive candles instead of plain wax ones that would melt everywhere. I grabbed whatever dried beans I could find at the grocery store. By adding a layer at a time, these stripes are a textural touch for the table.

Idea 3: Setting the Table

For a sweet way to set the table, I used some bakers’ twine to wrap a sprig of rosemary around the silverware. Any little bit of greenery would do… a holy leaf, thyme, one colorful autumn leaf… you get the idea.

Idea 4: Give Thanks

I saw this on Pinterest and loved the simplicity. Both aesthetically and functionally… I have rolls and rolls of this brown paper from the hardware store. It’s sold in the paint section as a paper drop cloth (I love a good drop cloth…), but I use it for arts and crafts. Just cut it down to place mat size and use a paint pen or Sharpie to jot down a place for people to write their ‘Thankful’ list. (I started with a white paint pen, but it wasn’t quite bright enough… Sharpie for the win.)

Idea 5: Place Markers

Finally, these edible place markers might be my favorite. These pears are in season (and happen to be the kids’ favorite). More baker’s twine and a simple name card and they become colorful and unique place cards for the holiday table!

Idea 6. Pilgrim Fun

If you have some paper cups and black construction paper… you can whip these fun pilgrim hats up to place at the kids’ seats.

Tune in next week to see how all of these elements come together for a festive Thanksgiving table. And wish me luck for the actual food portion of the occasion…