Thanksgiving Tablescape

Oh how I love styling a great tablescape

and 

the more layers and purpose the better!

So no surprise my

Thanksgiving Tablescape

is one of my favorite tables to do each year!

Here I used  a traditional Thanksgiving color palette.

Pulling colors from my fall decor.

Our rooms are open plan 

so it's a big deal to me that the colors and concept 

not only flow within the great room

but inside and outside as well

because the room opens to all the  outside views.

After choosing a color palette

I focus on purpose and layers.

We are lucky enough to have our Thanksgiving be  multi generational

so of course I want a table that has something for everyone!

I brought out my collection of stemware

many that were my Mother's crystal.

I layered my stoneware china with wooden chargers

and 

our primitive silverware.

The ceramic tureens brought the Thanksgiving theme in clearly

as well as adding another beautiful layer.

My collection of paired salt and pepper shakers brought some whimsy

to the tablescape.

I placed the napkins under the salad plate

to complete the layered textures.

For my centerpiece I kept everything 'trayed' on my beloved piece of driftwood.

I opted for a modern version of Thanksgiving florals

with a mixture of vases of tulips and mums.

I mixed in some air plants and collected candles

mixing both tapers and potted candles.

I went for an overall eclectic collection of heights and forms that complemented my dishes.

One of my favorite parts of this 

Thanksgiving Tablescape is

coloring placemats!

I layered them in so that they simply became one graphic element of the table.

I still wanted a sophisticated tablescape at the end

but I especially wanted to create an interactive experience 

to do before dinner.

I even made having crayons on the table pretty

by placing them in urns and copper candleholders.

All of my chosen elements, layers, textures and whimsy 

played so well together

I couldn't be happier with the result!

And the coloring placemats were a great success!

One new Thanksgiving tradition I have started lately is

having my Christmas tree up before Thanksgiving.

I know all of the perceived controversy of decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving.

I have waited until after for years

A few years ago it started to feel like a lot of pressure and work 

to get it all done the weekend after Thanksgiving

because I like to enjoy the process of decorating

and 

I  also love having a lit tree up in November.

So one year I decided to be all decorated before Thanksgiving

only to realize how tiring too much Christmas decor can be 

by the time Christmas actually rolls around.

So now for me

 I have found the perfect compromise!

I put up all of my trees, inside and out before Thanksgiving.

I take my time getting them up and out

enjoying the lit trees during November.

I hold off on decorating my main tree until after Thanksgiving

except for adding in natural citrus and greenery and sometimes some natural shell garlands.

After the Thanksgiving dishes are cleared and put away

I am all set to bring in all of my holiday reds and decorate the tree!

Living in Southern California 

I love incorporating citrus into my decor

as a nod to the history of our locale.

I enjoy the holiday ritual of drying citrus in the oven.

It's such a simple process of slicing 

salting both sides

and

putting the in a very low temp oven for a couple of hours.

I've tried the dehydrators but they don't handle the volume of slices I need

in my decorating.

I also spread greenery and oranges throughout our main living and dining room.

For me it says holiday and celebration

without detracting from the Thanksgiving celebration.

Well there you have it my friends!

I hope I have inspired you to enjoy the process of 

your own Styling Adventures!

Remember it's all about what makes our own heart happy!

There are no wrong or right ways to style and decorate.

When it comes down to styling

it's all about 

creating love and joy

for ourselves and those we love!

As always my friends

I wish you love and joy

as you style your life