If you're anything like me, you used the weekend after Thanksgiving to finish all your Christmas shopping - and I mean ALL. Of course, I'm in this wonderful phase where I only have a small nuclear family to purchase for... so someday, I'm sure my tendency for immediacy will be forced into remission.

But after all was done, I realized something. I'd failed to get myself a little sumthin' sumthin'. What's holiday shopping without treating yourself?

Now, most of you know my home decor story. I'm still in a solo 500 square foot basement apartment in DC, and I know I'll be moving for the fifth time in four years in the Summer. What!?!?

This is the current look. I can only imagine how it will keep changing!
Even though I know I'll be out of here in a couple of short months, that doesn't stop me from constantly adding to / refining / changing the space. One of my favorite sources for affordable and versatile decor right now is Target. Does anyone else agree that this year is the best Target has had to offer in yearrrrrrssss!?

My favorite piece recently is this Target mirror. You've probably seen it everywhere on the Internet & social media. It lies so perfectly flat and the brass finish looks good with every decor type - which is so important to style mutts! I added a little garland using an over-the-shower towel hook to hold it in place, just for a little festivity.

Now, time to find something else fun to add! A little Christmas gift to myself. Anyone else planning to treat themselves with some new goods during this holiday season? What do you have your eyes on?

Use this link and get 20% off your Home Decor order from Target from 12/4 to 12/10. Looking for more inspiration? Try this.
Happy shopping, Mutts!

This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

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.

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!