Thanksgiving table setting
When Kim shared the week two challenge for her Dare to DIY Blog Party, I knew I had my work cut out for me. The challenge? To dress up our table for Thanksgiving, preferably using something new that we made. My challenge? A small dining room table, silver that needed polishing and an uncertainty about how to properly set a table. Oh, and no clue about what to use for a centerpiece. The result? Check it out for yourself:
With a little research, I figured out how to properly set a table. Then I polished up our heirloom silver, which we are using for the first time on Thanksgiving. I pulled out more of the white cotton fabric used for my curtain project and created a quick tablecloth, which I topped with a plum colored table runner that I found at Home Goods for next to nothing. With that, I was ready to let the creative juices flow for a centerpiece.
I happened to find two purple/gold tone pumpkins on super clearance (we’re talking a dollar a piece), which matched perfectly with the runner and chargers. I wrapped them up with some raffia and sat them among a bed of freshly-cut greens from our Maine woods, along with some random pine cones. To make it a little less Christmas looking, I added some crisp green apples, which will be spared from my massive baking plan for Wednesday.
To protect my table runner from the pine pitch, I used a circular piece of brown corrugated paper that I had saved and decorated it with some bronze paint left over from last week’s project.
My favorite little detail is the place cards. Using a cookie-cutter, I traced the oak leaf shape on the same brown corrugated paper and sponged on a bit of bronze paint. Then I personalized each one for the four of us that will be gorging ourselves dining with a rather large menu on Thursday.
I know that my table will just pale in comparison to all of the crafty girls who are participating in the Dare to DIY Blog Party, so I am going to head over to see some of the other posts. Won’t you join me? Be sure to check out all the different sites and comment!
This is amazing! I love it! I love the plum pumpkins and the place cards are so cute. Great work, girl! Thanks for joining in. You are the life of the party.
ooohhh I totally love it…so simple but so impactful!
I love the cardboard! I’m a huge fan of using things that might otherwise go in the trash. It looks great. And good job researching how to set the flatware. I did not, and I totally did it wrong!
Your table is amazing! I love the detail of the place cards…so cute! And I have to know, where did you find those black sconces on the wall – I’m in love.
Hi Kristen,
Thanks so much! Those black sconces are actually from Target and I have been so happy with them. I ordered mine online, and I think that they are still there…
- e
You definately underestimate yourself. Your table does not pale in comparison; it is gorgeous! I love all the little details, like the rafia, apples, and pinecones; they really polish off the look.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Love the centerpiece! You did a fabulous job with your table. And I love the candles on the wall behind the table – such cool pieces!
Love the colored pumpkins, the evergreen and the little leaf napkin ring/placecards. Oh, and everything else. So pretty and so yummy looking! I can’t wait for Thursday!
ohhh man, this is so pretty! The purple and the green…I love it! You did an amazing job…on the cheap too!
I love the purple pumpkins (like everyone else), but my favorite thing about this table is the way the white candlesticks pop against the darker colors in the center of the table. Simply beautiful!
For being scared of this challenge – you nailed it! it looks lovely – especially the painted cardboard!
This is one gorgeous table! One of the best I’ve seen this season. I love the colors you chose! Good work.
so far, yours is my favorite! not too fussy but adds a lot of punch!
MC,
My husband is begging me to give him credit for suggesting the white tall candles to go among the mix. He pretends to hate this stuff, but he isn’t half bad!
Thanks for stopping by!
- e
WOW! I love it! I especially like the accents with the pine tree limbs and combs. It looks great!
Love it! The cute little placecards make me smile, but as a whole the tablescape looks spectacular.
The fresh greenery must smell AMAZING. What a lovely table! I think the paper with the bronze paint is my favorite part. That looks really cool.
Erin, it all looks absolutely beautiful – what a great job you’ve done although I am so glad we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in Scotland or UK for that matter as with Christmas coming up it just seems like double the trouble. I’m sure you are all used to it though. To give your husband credit – the white candles are brilliant!!
HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE.
It looks great! I love the combo of the apples and purpleish pumpkins!!
Hey girl – this is lookin’ really good! Good enough to eat. (why is it that I have eating on the brain?!?! oh. right. it’s the week dedicated to thanking people for food. gotcha.) All that to say – very nice job….my favorite is the corrugated cardboard usage…oh-so-clever
XO – Katie
Thanks, Katie! Thanksgiving week may contribute to that eating-on-the-brain syndrome, or it could be that little Baby Bower saying “feed me!”… Happy Thanksgiving!
- e
Thanks, Janis! Chris is blushing about the compliments on his candle suggestion. As much as I love Thanksgiving (and I do), I’m a little jealous that you all in the UK get to avoid this pound-packing opportunity! Don’t worry, we’ll eat enough for you, too.
- e
Fellow adventurer! Love the table. You brought in such nice natural elements. I’m a new follower and I look forward to seeing more of your posts.
-Jessica
Hey, Jessica! Thanks for visiting and following. Can’t wait to read about your adventures, too!
- e
This is really fantastic! I like it a lot. You did a wonderful job. Kelly