The holidays are a time for family, friends and food… but we can’t forget about the festive decor! Whether you like to go the traditional route, or feel like mixing it up this year, here are a few tips for fun, budget-friendly ways to make your table one guests won't soon forget.
Personalized Place Settings
This Thanksgiving, get inspired to break out a fancy calligraphy pen or a pretty marker and write down the name of each guest in your best script. Everyone at your gathering will feel special, and might even take theirs home at the end of the night. Mini pumpkins can duel as a place setting and napkin weight!
DIY that Floral Centerpiece
For a budget-friendly AND therapeutic option (who doesn’t need that right now?) create a do it yourself centerpiece using elements from your own garden or a store known for its great floral section to help spur your imagination. Want to create one you can keep around year after year? Use faux florals instead!
Focus on the Candles
Candles are a wonderful, inexpensive way to make a big statement- especially after the sun goes down. Taper candles (colored ones are trending!) or pillar candles of assorted sizes with some simple greenery around them sometimes are all the centerpiece you need. Talk about ambience!
Bring the Outside In
Sometimes the most budget-friendly and beautiful Thanksgiving table decor is right in your own backyard! Take a stroll outside and gather some branches, fallen leaves, berries, dried flowers and pinecones to adorn your autumnal tablescape. Eucalyptus is also a fool-proof way to add an organic touch of elegance.
Reflect the Landscape
If you live in a more temperate climate, you can use lots of neutrals such as rattan and fresh produce like pears, artichokes or persimmons as decor instead of the traditional pumpkins. Another fun option is apples, which immediately remind us of a crisp fall day in New England. Out west? Reach for the wheat and corn!
Set the Mood
Create a more moody palette using lots of blues, dark teals and purples to follow the jewel tone trend this year. Colored glassware and taper candles (as previously mentioned) are breaking the mold for the “traditional” tablescape! Think plush velvet pumpkins, plum colored linens and gold votives to set the mood for a more intimate gathering.
Keep it Eclectic
Create an unexpected Thanksgiving table by raiding the china cabinet and experimenting with decor in a mixture of patterns and place settings. It’ll be a great excuse to use your grandmother’s vintage china while still incorporating the new pieces you love. Keep it cohesive by using complimentary colors.
Go Bold Instead of Same-Old
In lieu of the typical white linen, opt for a fun black and white buffalo check or fall-colored plaid tablecloth instead. Paired with jewel tones, or amber glass and copper accents, the tablecloth will bring in an unexpected element while still letting the centerpiece pop.
Don’t Forget the Gold!
From the tablecloth, metallic chargers, gold flatware and candlesticks, there’s always an opportunity to add a little more flare with the metallics on the table. Another fun way to add some gold? Have a glass of champagne or sparkling apple cider waiting for each guest as they take a seat.
