Fall is here!
As I sit here looking out my window, multi-colored leaves are falling off my big, lovely tree in my front yard (okay, my tree isn't quite as vibrant as the one pictured, but you get the idea). It finally feels like fall to me. Halloween wasn't quite enough to get me into the "fall festive" feeling. Even though it still gets up to 80 degrees at the peak of the afternoon, the mornings and evenings have been cool and enjoyable. Nonetheless, I'm in the holiday mode and looking forward to Thanksgiving in a few weeks!
Thanksgiving Place Setting Designs
I've been browsing through various design magazines and websites and have found quite a few creative and seasonal ideas to create a Thanksgiving place setting that all the family will be talking about for years. Seriously, they are that eye-catching. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Place Setting Idea #1- using fruit, gourds, etc
I love this idea. It is so simple, yet beautiful and adds a pop of color to the white napkins and plates. It is also inexpensive. Find a grocery store or local farmer's market with a sale on pears and you are set. Add a simple paper leaf (or any other shape) and string it on the steam. You can also re-use the fruit in a pie or yummy dish after it is used as a place holder. The pear pictured below has the name card pinned straight to it, which I love!
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| countryliving.com |
Don't limit yourself to pears. Any colorful seasonal fruit, gourds, or mini pumpkins could work, and buying fake ones to re-use from year to year is another option. Below is a picture of a gold-painted pumpkin. This would be easy to do with a little bit of spray paint. The name card is loosely strung around the steam. Easy-peasy and brings some "bling" to an otherwise boring table.
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| marthastewart.com |
Place Setting Idea #2- using nature (nuts, leaves, etc)
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| Sweet Gum place card holder |
My favorite thing about this place setting idea is that you can find most of these things in your own backyard or as you take a stroll through the neighborhood. This sweet gum place holder (pictured above) gives the table some texture and pop, especially with the orange ribbon and name attached. Another idea similar to the sweet gum, is a pine cone. You could keep it natural or spray paint it gold or silver. The name card slips easily in between the grooves.
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| trendybride.com |
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lovelylittledetails.com....this one includes a cute pom-pom "snowball" that could be used for Christmas
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Keeping with the idea of using items found in nature, acorns is another one that could be used scattered on the centerpiece of a Thanksgiving table or used as a napkin holder, as pictured below. The place card is a simple piece of colored paper with a colorful leaf attached (also something you could find in your backyard!).
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| marthastewart.com |
I saved the best for last in this section; the wood slice place card. Oh my, I love this. Again, if you have an old limb broken off a tree, this could easily be found outside. If not, Hobby Lobby or other craft stores may sell these, or if you go to a Christmas tree yard/farm (early, I know) you could see if you could get one there. It looks like they used a paint pen to dot the name on the wood slice. You could also glue a piece of white paper in the center with the name written on it for some contrast.
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potterybarn.com
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Place Setting Idea #3- making one yourself
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| marthastewart.com |
This is where you can get uber creative and make something with items you may have at home or can buy at your local craft store. I simply adore this felt and pom-pom turkey with the name in it's beak. A pine cone could also be used for the body of the turkey. Also, notice the pom-pom fruit in the basket as a centerpiece along with the bigger turkeys, felt leaves and felt place mats. Felt and yarn (to make pom-poms) are not too pricey, especially if you catch a good Hobby Lobby 50% off sale. The possibilities are endless with these cute turkeys. Be creative and get the kid's involved too! Grandma and Grandpa (or any family member for that matter) won't be able to resist a custom turkey done by one of the kiddos.
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| countryliving.com |
I also love this homemade napkin. It's elegant and simple at the same time. Plain napkins can be found anywhere and with a steady hand, the gold lettering could be done easily with a paint pen. Another idea, is to use only initials (less to paint) and to get a stencil from your local craft store to paint it in. This makes it a little bit more fool-proof and the monogramed initial look is super trendy right now.
Get Busy!
Ready, Set, Go! Now that you have some ideas to get your creative juices percolating, get started today! Thanksgiving is right around the corner (a few weeks to be exact). Like I mentioned earlier, this is a really great way to get the kid's involved too. There are some great resources for other table ideas (centerpieces, plates, tablecloths, etc) if you are interested:
Also, message me if you would like some design help for the holidays or anytime. Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!
We are painting all our rooms Sherwin Williams Macadamia. Should we paint the trim dover white, antique white, or bone white?
ReplyDeleteAlso, we will be painiting our kitchen cabinets...should the cabinets be painted macadamia or one of the above trim colors I just mentioned(dover white, antique white, or bone white)..Thanks for your help!!