Raise your hand if your ready for Turkey and all the fix’ins? This girl is READY! Fun Fact … when I was pregnant with all three boys the only thing I craved was Thanksgiving dinner. Not just the turkey either! I wanted dressing, sweet potatoes, Pumpkin Pie, the WORKS! I know the whole concept of Thanksgiving is to stop and be Thankful but we all know our favorite part of the day is the food!
With a holiday that is so table driven, it would be shameful of me to not to stop and give you a few tips to make that spread look even better with some fun, vintage touches. Here are my 5 tips to a Thanksgiving Table-scape that is sure to have your guests drooling over more than just the turkey!
Tip #1. Who wants to spend their Thanksgiving washing dishes?!
Last year, my boys all got the Flu the week of Thanksgiving. I had to scramble to throw together something that would make the holiday come together when I knew they were all missing being with our big family! All while taking care of 3 sick kids! I wanted them to still get that fancy Thanksgiving experience but I need to lessen the mess.
So let me let you in on a secret trick that will SAVE YOU now and for every large fancy dinner in the future. Three words: CLEAR PLASTIC PLATES. Confused? Let me explain.
Set your table with the fanciest dishes you have. Chargers? Sure! Fine China that needs to be hand washed? Absolutely! But at the start of your buffet line … put out a big stack of clear plastic dinner plates. When you all sit down to eat they pretty much disappear into the table scape and then when your done, you just throw them away.
Tip # 2. Let’s go foraging.
Stems can get expensive but make such a big impact. Save yourself some cash and do a little foraging around the yard. My favorite finds are Magnolia leaves, old hydrangea blooms, & pampas grass. You don’t need a fancy vase either! Use a mason jar, a cute pitcher, a gravy boat, or even something as simple as a wooden box.
Tip #3. Stack it up!
This is such an easy concept but makes a HUGE impact. Differing heights is your best friend when creating a focal point on your table. Don’t think you need a fancy riser … I find that the more creative you get with this the better. My favorite way to add height to your centerpiece is using old books. We all have them laying around our house and they can be such fun talking points during dinner.
Use crates, books, cake stands, whatever you’ve got to create differing heights in the center of your set up but be mindful not to make it so tall you can’t see the beautiful faces across the table!
Tip #4. Bring in some Vintage Goodness.
To me, Thanksgiving is all about being thankful and creating memories. I love bringing in some vintage goodness to remind everyone of all of the great Thanksgivings we have had together as a family. If you don’t have a ‘Thanksgiving Staple” like grandma’s gravy boat or Nana’s Salt & Pepper shakers … start it this year! Find something interesting and fun that you bring out every year! What better year to start that 2020 … I don’t think we will every forget this year!
Tip #5. Work with what you’ve got!
A little goes a long way when your talking about setting a table! I have seen so many ‘influencers’ linking new plates, linen napkins, vases, turkey platters, stems, faux pumpkins … and claiming Just buy it all!! Is it just me, or can anyone else afford that? Christmas is WAY too close for me to be dropping a pile of cash to make my table look pretty! My advise, start with what you have!
Set your table a week early and just pick up a few things to freshen it up. Art work like one of our hand lettered boards (shameless plug) look great leaned against stacked books and a basket of cut greenery from the yard. Use your everyday plates and liven it up with fancy Amber glasses or inexpensive wicker chargers.
I couldn’t complete a blog on Thanksgiving with a friendly reminder that none of the decor and showy details matter. Thanksgiving is a day to surround yourself with people you love and remember all we have to be Thankful for! This year especially we can appreciate God’s goodness in keeping us alive and well! And just because … here’s a picture of Teddy last Thanksgiving to get you in the turkey spirit.
Happy Early Turkey Day!
XOXO,
Laura
The Fun Filled Family 