Decorating the table for Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, today’s blog post is all about making it super EASY and stress free. I’m going to show you a few ways to decorating your Thanksgiving table using items you can pick up when you’re at the grocery store making your food run! (Even some free stuff too!) For the finishing touch, check out these 3 simple Fall napkin rings you can DIY in minutes!
Using flowers to decorate
There’s something about fresh flowers that elevates any tablescape. And to be clear – you don’t have to purchase expensive bunches or a huge amount of blooms in order to set a beautiful table. By taking a few minutes to arrange your supermarket bouquet (instead of plopping them all in one big vase), you can turn that ordinary jumble of colour into something elegant and chic.
I like to choose flowers that are the same colour or the same type. Keeping it simple creates the biggest impact for the least amount of effort 🙂 Next choose lower, wide-mouth vases. (mason jars are really cute if you’re going for a more rustic touch) Not only are they easier to work with, but since your arrangement is lower, you don’t have to worry about guests peeking around your centrepiece so they can see each other across the table!
Preparing your flowers
Remove all the leaves from your stems (as they quickly make the water get gross and moldy). Cut stems so that flowers sit just above the vase. Fill vase 1/3 full of water and mix with the flower food provided. Arrange your flowers and add to your table with a few candles for a finished look.
Joyful Hostess Tip: Use a basket or tray to bundle your vases together to create a cohesive look. I also like to save these small juice bottles – they’re perfect to create a line of blooms along the table!
Using fruit on your Thanksgiving table
Using fruit may seem like a weird idea but trust me, it works beautifully. There are so many varieties and colours in the fruit (and veggie) section that picking a colour scheme will be a snap! In the photo below, I opted for gold, green and deep purple hues and these pears, apples, plums and cranberries did the trick.
Choose a low bowl and arrange your fruit. Just before guests arrive, sneak a few sprigs of fresh flowers (or herbs or leaves ) into the bowl for texture. Don’t have fresh flowers? No problem – use good quality fake ones. These will deliver the same textural impact and bonus: you can set this out the night before since you don’t have to worry about them drying out !
Decorating with Mini Pumpkins
Most grocery stores have mini pumpkins or gourds for sale this time of year. In the photo below, I used Baby Boo white pumpkins, but you can use whichever ones you like. They look so festive sprinkled along the table with a few tealights. As an alternative, I arranged them in a glass vase and added twinkle lights. How cute are my Boos? 😉
Joyful Hostess Tip: Put a mini pumpkin at each place setting. Then on piece of cardstock, write each guests’ name neatly and set on the pumpkin – easy peasy name card holder!
Use natural elements to set your Thanksgiving table
Get outside and take a walk! Seriously, there’s so much free stuff you can use to decorate your Thanksgiving table this time of year. All it takes is a little creativity (and maybe some sharp scissors). While I was too late to nab some acorns (the squirrels beat me to it) – our mulberry tree was turning the most glowing yellow. I nabbed a few branches and used them along the table (after giving them a good wash first 😉
Looking for a delicious dessert & cocktails to add to your menu, check out the cinnamon pear galette or these 2 Fall mimosas.
Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving!
