5 Pro Tips to Creating the Perfect Thanksgiving Table
If you're planning to host family and/or friends for Thanksgiving, this post is for you. I love setting tables and creating a special atmosphere for each gathering. While I am, admittedly, a terrible cook (really, terrible) and always outsource that piece to the cooks in our family, I always feel confident that the table we share our meal at will look beautiful.
Every table I create starts with inspiration. Having inspiration provides a creative direction that will unfold into a cohesive and thoughtful looking table. Oftentimes it's the table linens I find that serve as inspiration - using them as the foundation and creating a table around it. Other sources of inspiration come from the season - specifically the colors and florals - or the location of the table and the space surrounding it.
Once I have my inspiration I create a mood board to help visualize the table.
This year's Thanksgiving table was inspired by a new al fresco dining space we created this past summer for our Connecticut home. Under a cedar pergola set beside a garden, this outdoor dining space reminded me of my first Thanksgiving spent in California and the wonder of dining al fresco that time of year. Since the table was immersed in nature, I wanted the tablescape to be reflective of its natural surroundings. I selected our new Harvest Flower Table Linens - the rich green and mauve tones are beautiful and complimentary for the fall season – and I paired them with our Summer Scallop Placemat in Chestnut.
Layering is a trade secret I learned from my friends at Sterling Social and boy, does it work! Ever since I started layering it's taken my tablescapes to the next level. Here are the basic rules of layering:
First, choose your base. Either table linens or a bare table. During the fall, I like to use earthy tones and teak and/or wood tables are beautiful to set your place settings directly on top of. Can’t decide? What vibe are you trying to create? Natural wood tables offer a more casual look versus tables dressed in linens.
(Credit: Molly Rose)
Next, follow these three steps: placemat, dinner plate + salad plate.
I used to just use a placemat and a dinner plate (sometimes only a dinner plate), and it's amazing what adding a placemat and salad plate does to transform your table.
Finally, give your plate a topper. This can be a napkin, a sprig of fresh greens, or a keepsake for your guest, but always place something on top of that last plate.
Want another pro tip I learned from Sterling Social? Mix and match the salad and dinner plates (meaning the salad plate and dinner plate don’t have to perfectly match – just coordinate) or alternate the place settings (either changing the napkin fold or the plate style every other setting) to give the table some variety.
I like to sprinkle in elements that are literal to the season, especially during the holidays. Just keep in mind, less is more with this tip!
Our exclusive Velvet Pumpkins are an elegant and festive way to add seasonal decor. Use the smaller sized pumpkins and sprinkle them down the center of the table or in small clusters by the end of the table. When it's time to dine, remove them and set them on a sideboard or bar cart nearby to make room for the food.
(Credit: Molly Rose)
(Credit: Darina Todorova)
Our Turkey Salt & Pepper Shakers and Turkey Toile Serving Platter are other chich pieces that will offer a subtle nod to the Thanksgiving holiday.
(Credit: Darina Todorova)
4. ADD CANDLELIGHT
(Credit: Molly Rose)
Candles on a dinner table are timeless and create a special ambiance. I use candles on every table I create. Every. Single. One. I love the elegant look of taper candles for more formal tables. For a more casual look, opt for hurricanes or tea light candles. Our Shell Pink Tapers mix beautifully with the earthy tones of Thanksgiving tables.
5. FINISH WITH FLORALS
(Credit: Darina Todorova)
Florals make all the difference and they’re what will take your table from pretty to spectacular. Look for seasonal flowers - like antiqued hydrangea, magnolia or olive branches or play with the colors of autumn with brown, rust and mauve - to bring together your Thanksgiving table. Dried florals are another beautiful option for fall and you can reuse them for years to come. I like to mix dried and natural together.
(Credit: Molly Rose)
If you aren't savvy arranging yourself ask your local florist to help. Always show them inspiration photos if you have a specific vision and rather than use the basic vessels they have available, give them your own special vessels to fill for a more custom look. Don’t have a budget for florals? Look in your own backyard and clip fresh florals or branches.
Cut a floral or branch sprig from your arrangement and lay them on top of each place setting to tie the whole look together.
(Credit: Darina Todorova)
Need more inspiration or want to shop this year’s Thanksgiving look? Click here!
Leave a comment