8 Tips for Styling Your Thanksgiving Table

It's hard to believe Thanksgiving

is only one week away!

The season already seems to be going so fast -- 

it seems like November has barely started. 

In the spirit of the holiday,

I've compiled 8 of my top tips for 

styling your Thanksgiving table!

Whether or not you already have a style in mind,

these tips are sure to bring some 

fresh ideas to the table!

1. Set-up early

Creating a table scape is the most fun

when you have the time to do it at your leisure!

I like to start setting up about

a week before Thanksgiving,

since it gives me time to come up with a scheme,

gather pieces,

and pull it all together.

This also gives you time to

grab pictures

before everyone comes over!

For inspiration, I typically like to go back

and look at pictures from my tables in years past,

and then look on Pinterest for a few fresh ideas.

Once I have a concept,

it’s easy to start pulling from what you already have,

and then can fill in the gaps with a few trips to the store!

2. Collect white plates and clear glassware

Since Thanksgiving is all about the food,

white dishes ensure the meal is a focal point.

I collect all different types of

white and cream dishes

throughout the year in sets of two,

so every place setting is a little unique.

Layering plates also gives the table more depth.

As for glassware,

I like to pull from our collection of clear ware,

such as our classic bubble glass

and clear milk bottles

which I fill with water for the table.

3. Use mixed materials on the table

Throughout the years,

I have styled our table with both

a tablecloth and without,

sometimes opting to let it serve as

the great wooden farm table that it is.

When I do opt to cover it,

I prefer to go to the fabric store

instead of resorting to a traditional tablecloth,

because there are so many more options

and I can get a piece of fabric that fits our custom table properly!

Felt, canvas, flannel, and fabric with natural cotton fibers

are all great options that will

give your table some extra texture.

On top of that, I set chargers at each place setting,

and choose either

slate, wood, ceramic, or metal

depending on the feeling I’m going with.

If you’re looking for an easy charger idea,

head to your local hardware store and

check out their tile section.

Our slate chargers were originally roofing tiles!

4. Incorporate fresh greenery and produce

Integrating natural elements

is always my favorite touch on the table.

There are many different ways you can achieve this,

such as adding herbs on each place setting,

creating a succulent centerpiece,

or incorporating potted bulbs on the table!

You can also incorporate fresh leaves,

squash, or air plants --  

it can be as simple as

things you can pull from your garden

or the grocery store.

Since we live in Southern California,

I like to add citrus

to bring a bit of a socal vibe to the table.

Kumquats at each setting

are a great way to bring the element in

without letting the color over power the table!

5. Use candles and twinkle lights for ambiance

Candles are such an easy way to add

drama to a table,

and they create a beautiful light

after the sun goes down.

I like to keep a basket filled with extra candles on hand

so it makes using them often more doable.

If you burn through the ones that are out,

you always have backups!

In addition, last year I used twinkle lights

on the table which ended up

becoming a staple in my holiday decorating!

Incorporating them on to a tablescape is easy

since they are battery operated,

and can be easily woven between

greenery or around candles!

The fine wires deem to disappear at night,

leaving only a soft twinkly light that creates

a beautiful ambiance.

During dinner,

I prefer to keep our overheard lights dim,

and let the candles and twinkle lights

do most of the work!

6. Add a bit of whimsy

In recent years, I’ve started collecting

fun woodland salt & pepper shakers

to be used on the Thanksgiving table.

We have enough for each couple

to have a set at the table,

eliminating the need to pass across

and adding some whimsy to the scape!

Target and Crate & Barrel are great sources

for fun salt & pepper shakers

if you’re interested in adding them

to your table this year!

7. Create personalized place cards

Place cards are not only

utiltarian for helping guests find their spot

(especially if you have a large crowd),

but they also add another

textural element to the table!

I typically pull out our

miniature chalkboard canvases

which are placed on

little easels

at each place setting,

and each guest’s name is written in chalk.

You can also use

roughly torn paper to add a rustic look,

or even do calligraphy!

8. Have leftover boxes on hand

At the end of the meal,

there are usually so many leftovers

and it’s fun to send everyone home

with a bit to enjoy some more!

You can pick up

craft or white bakery boxes

to have on hand,

and then everyone can make a little to-go pack!

Festive stickers like these from Cost Plus

are a fun addition, too.

Wishing you and yours

a wonderful Thanksgiving

and a lovely start

to the holiday season!

As always my friends,

I wish you love and joy

as you style your life