Imaginary Thanksgiving Part II: Last Minute Details

We're at the point now where you either have your Thanksgiving decor and menu mapped out in detail or you're running around a little bit stressed (or you haven't thought about it even one bit, in which case you're probably not reading this post). But there's still plenty of time to pull it all together. Just keep it simple.

I'm not one of those people who pull out the very special china for holidays. Once in awhile, but I pull it out once in awhile for a regular dinner party, too. Instead I have lots of mismatched dishes and serving ware that I've picked up at antique stores and thrift stores, mixed with newer pieces. I find that if my color palette is complementary I can get away with it. But all those whites and neutrals also create a sort of blank canvas. From there, how my table looks depends on the details I incorporate to add texture and color. 

This is a short and sweet sampling, materials you can pick up at the grocery store during that inevitable last-minute run -

 

The bittersweet branches are the star here. They add movement and beauty to what's really a simple table design. You can usually find them at better grocery stores during the holiday season, along with flowers, gourds, and fruit. (from Sunday Suppers)

 

A more studied composition, but still simple to achieve.  The fallen branches create a framework of sorts for gourds that are spaced out, but you can pull them together if you don't have branches or vines. (via Swanky Chic Fete)

Tip:  If you don't have a runner, just use a length of fabric folded in half. Burlap works well (and comes in several colors), also quilting fabric. 

 

If you're making any type of cake for Thanksiving, this simple floral treatment makes it an instant showstopper/centerpiece of your dessert table. Again, see what you have at your grocery. (The Sweetest Occasion)

 

This pretty centerpiece revolves around foraged finds. Visit Henry Happened for the how-to.

 

 

Grab a length of cheesecloth (or a flour sack towel) and wrap it around bottles, accenting with twine and natural elements. It's simple and adds an unexpected dash of pretty. (Dreamy Whites)

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Teresa]

All of your Thanksgiving posts are so pretty Suzonne! Lovely! Thanks for posting!

[Shalagh Hogan]

I clipped bittersweet from a bush across the street from me for my mantle. I would love to know a trick for keeping the little yellow bits from exploding everywhere.
I adore the centerpiece with the pears, variegated pitt, pear leaf branches(?),squashes, persimmon, and St. John's Wart. I'm off to follow the link and pin a little. Happy!
Love,
Shalagh