5 Tips for a Stunning Thanksgiving Table
The countdown is on— Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Don’t get us wrong we’re looking forward to turkey, football and time with friends and family, but what always gets us in the holiday spirit is planning a wonderful meal for our loved ones. Pulling together a perfect Thanksgiving table can be challenging but with a little guidance, you can put together a table that’s inviting while providing a bit of whimsy to impress your family and friends.
1. Layer. Layer. Layer.
The beauty of a truly stunning Thanksgiving table is due to the variety of textures and heights coming from a carefully layered table. For a classic look start with a with a neutral color table cloth then choose a complimentary, paper table runner. Look for something festive and on theme. Next, add in layers of natural elements like branches, pumpkins and gourds. Experiment with different sizes and shapes and play with incorporating a shiny leaf garland or strings of deep red cranberries for a pop of color.
2. A Place for Everyone
Place cards add a nice formal touch to the table and can also 
serve as a whimsical souvenir your guests will want to take home with them after the meal. You can purchase some thematic paper and print out cards at home, decorate pre-made cards with markers and stickers or let your creativity run wild by getting crafty with ribbon, leaves and twigs!
3. Think Up
Add some height to each place setting by giving each guest a charger, a plate, a cloth napkin and a dessert or bread plate all stacked together. It’s fun to mix and match heirloom dishes with festive and colorful paper plates and napkins. For the final touch, add in something small that guests can enjoy at the very top, such as a tiny pumpkin, a tree ornament or a personalized greeting card.
4. Let it Glow!
Fire is a primal element providing warmth and coziness. Add this most basic of decorations in the form of varying candles. Molded candles help enhance your theme and can be used all over the home. Taper candles are wonderful for a more formal table, while votive candles provide just the right amount of light when used in groups. Careful not to choose scented candles as you’ll want the delicious scent of the food to be the star of the show.
5. Don’t Forget About the Little Ones
Look for fun wearables – feathered headbands and pilgrim hats add an extra bit of whimsy. To add interest, turn the kids’ table into a dinner/craft station. Start by using plain white butcher paper as a table cloth and supply the table with plenty of crayons for your young guests to put their personal spin on. Instead of a formal centerpiece, provide a basket with inexpensive craft supplies; scissors, toilet paper rolls, construction paper, scotch tape, etc… They’ll be occupied for hours and allow the adults to linger over a longer dinner. For family fun after dinner, we offer a “pin the hat on the turkey” game which is always a crowd pleaser.
Once your perfect table is pulled together, give some thought to the rest of the house! Leaf garlands, ribbons, paper wall hangings, window decals and molded candles will spread holiday spirit throughout your entire home. Happy Thanksgiving!
