Thanksgiving tablescapes: Three simple designs

Hello one and all! I couldn't be more excited about our topic of discussion today: Thanksgiving tablescapes! I know there are brilliant ideas floating around Pinterest, magazines and in the design world, but my desire is that this post reaches you a little differently. Thanksgiving might be my favorite day of the entire year. I have the best memories of shared conversations and laughter, good jokes, (and bad), looking back over the year and sharing plans for the year ahead, and mostly, the faces of those near and dear to my heart. These things are far more important to me than what the spread looks like.

I love and admire this scene by Norman Rockwell.

tablescape by norman rockwell.jpg

Notice anything in particular in this picture, (besides a thousand things)? Nothing decorating the table. No spectacular arrangement, not a single candle.. Would that be so hard?

I don't know about you, but for me? YES! I adore decorating and making things pretty. That's not something I feel anyone should ever apologize for or feel ashamed of. It's very calming to work on ones home. So, how can we create a simpler Thanksgiving table that highlights the faces around it, rather than hides them?

I designed three tablescapes to use for inspiration. They're all simple, budget friendly, and can be whipped out in very little time. Let's have fun!

Tablescape no.1: Whiteout

Whether you're stuck on how to dress your table for the Thanksgiving meal, or desire a clean, quiet spread, you can't go wrong with a whiteout. It's easy to pull off, (no scratching your head to choose colors and patterns), linens can be thrown in the wash with bleach afterwards, and separate pieces can be used as-is year round, or for other creative projects down the road, (like fabric dying or adding pom-pom trim).

If you desire some height in your tablescape, I suggest something thin and 'see-through', so the piece doesn't' prevent anyone from seeing those across the table. These branches from our backyard are perfect since they're twiggy and easy to look through, (and the squirrels let us have them for free!! So sweet...)

Gold dipped silverware, (howdy-do, Dollar Tree!), add just a touch of sophistication and glam to each place setting. Tip: I just used Rustoleum Metallic Gold spray paint. It adheres perfectly and the texture feels consistent with the rest of the handle. (It was my first time trying this so just thought I'd share my thoughts)

Tablescape no.2: Sophisticated Black + White 
 

If you desire a stronger table presence, this bold mix of patterns in a striking black and white color scheme is a sure winner. With some subtle touches of gold, (the gold dipped silverware, trim around the dessert plates, and sconces in the center), this table setting looks special and sophisticated without being overly formal. 

A touch of green always breathes life into a room. It doesn't take much for an impact and these snips off of one of my indoor plants are doing the trick.

Table runner, (Threshold), and dessert plates, (Nate Berkus), are waiting for you at Target. Stunning, aren't they?!

Tip: If there will be children at the Thanksgiving table, consider keping a basket of books, activity books, or coloring books close to the table so that when kids are finished they can grab one to enjoy at the table while the adults chat, or on their way out of the room once they're excused.

Tablescape no.3: Rustic Colors

This is the most relaxed of the three. I decided to pair a burnt orange table runner, (Target, by Threshold), with some branches from our backyard and simple white candles and dinnerware. 

This tablescape would not welcome food on the table since there's a tangle of branches running the full length, however it would be well suited for a buffet style meal where guests fill their plates and come back to their seat. You could still fit salt and pepper and other condiments in and around the branches.

Three very different tablescapes that are equally lovely and festive,  but none feel too heavy or overdone. Let's open the tablescapes a bit to make room for special moments and sweet memories, shall we?

Thank you all for stopping by!




Reader Design: Kristina's Coastal-Inspired Fall Home

Hi and Happy Halloween, All! I have the perfect Home Tour to share with you today - it's a lovely balance of Fall and Halloween, with a beachy vibe. Kristina's casual, coastal decor is the perfect backdrop for rustic Fall touches and subtle nods of spookiness.

Welcome to Kristina's home!

"Regardless of the season, my home always seems to lean toward a rustic coastal theme. I enjoy natural colors that are light and airy, like my blue pumpkin, and seashells seem to work their way into every season (see vase full of dried hydrangeas)."

"Every season I like to change out the pillow cases, switch up the table-scape, and redecorate my mantle shelf above my couch. Making little changes to reflect the season keep the house feeling fresh without spending too much money. I can't take complete credit because decorating the house is something my mom and I enjoy doing together and she is always an integral part in helping me decide what to put where."

"Although Halloween is technically only one day, I do like to add spooky touches for fun. Another constant you may notice is reference to my dog, Lucy. It's her home too so I include her any time I find the urge to monogram something. (see pumpkins)."

"Decorating my tiny patio is just as fun as decorating the inside for me. This year I decided to monogram our pumpkins with a K and L (for Lucy of course). I'm waiting for my purple mum to bloom to match the purple pansies and I even added a tiny pumpkin to my fairy garden. My goal is always to create an inviting and relaxing space for me and my dog, and of course anyone else who comes to visit!"

Thank you so much for inviting us in today, Kristina, (and Lucy!)! Such a beautiful, cozy home with so many personal touches - don't you just feel like curling up under a soft blanket with a warm drink now?! You can find this inspiring space, as well as others, on our Spaces page! Have a space you'd like to share? Either post photos to our Facebook page, or tag #stylemuttspaces on Instagram!

Have a fun and safe Halloween and a wonderful weekend!