Simple Ideas for a Thanksgiving Table Setting

Here are some Simple Ideas for a Thanksgiving Table Setting!  Easy and inexpensive!

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Happy Friday friends! I’m so glad it’s the weekend!  And it’s not just any kind of weekend…it’s Canadian Thanksgiving!  How did that sneak up on me so fast?  Next thing you know it will be Christmas!  😉

I’m hosting my family for dinner this year, so that means I get to have a little fun with my table setting.  I have a lot to learn when it comes to setting a Better Homes & Gardens quality table, but I’m finding it’s a kind of learn as you go thing.  The more I host the more I learn.  And if I had an endless budget to decorate my table, then look out!  But I don’t so I love a good challenge finding creative and inexpensive ways to pull a pretty dinner table off!

So here is what I put together for our Thanksgiving table this weekend.

This year I wanted to keep things simple and pretty without having to spend a lot.  All I purchased for this table setting were the flowers and the pumpkins.  The rest of it I had around…score!

For the plate settings I tied the cutlery with strips of burlap, and added a sprig of fresh rosemary.  Simple and fresh…not to mention it smells great!

For the flowers bouquets, I hollowed out two small pumpkins, added some water, and cut the flowers down so they sit flush with the top of the pumpkin.  I kept these really simple by using only one kind and one colour of flower.  I think this splash of colour makes a big impact!

So so pretty!

Place cards are a great way to make your guests feel special!  For each place setting I made these name cards from materials I already had around home.  They are made out of a thick kraft paper, hole punched and strung with strips of twine.  Then I used stamps to add everyones name.  Super easy…done in less than 10 minutes!

Here is what each place setting looks like.  Overall I’m pretty pleased with the way it turned out!

Now all we need is the turkey!

Here are a few tips that I have learned over the years when it comes to setting a festive table:

• Shop around your home for items to use on your table.  It’s not always necessary to buy all new things.  Scour the pantry, the basement or craft closet for things to use!

• If you do need to purchase a few new items, make them work with what you have already.  Don’t buy something in a pattern or colour that will clash with what you’ve got at home.

• Natural elements are great for decoration.  Use pumpkins, squash or fruits and vegetables in your bouquets or on your table as decor.  As a bonus you can eat them later!  Check out the post I did last year on what to do with all those squash and pumpkins used as decoration.

• Anything can be turned into a candle holder!  Just use dried rice or lentils in the container you want to use to hold your candle in place.

• Turn a curtain panel into a table cloth.  For me the biggest challenge are tablecloths.  I know, I know there are a tonne of them everywhere…but they’re not the ones I envision for my table setting.  And I have a really big table.  Like so abnormally large that it’s hard to find anything that will fit it’s length, and if I do they’re a gazillion dollars.  But guess what I discovered?  Curtain panels.  Yes, curtain panels.  I bought a single, linen curtain panel at IKEA and it fits my table perfectly.  The colour and fabric options of curtain panels are endless, and as a huge bonus…there is little or no sewing.  A.w.e.s.o.m.e.

• Hollow out pumpkins and use them as flower vases.  Fill them with water then add some flowers from your grocery store.  You can make a simple vase & bouquet for $5 – $10!  Here is another example of a pumpkin vase that I made last year.

• Use fresh herbs to decorate your place settings.  If you’ve got them growing in your yard or home, just clip off a sprig and add it to your plates.

• Use the petals from broken flowers for table confetti.  They add a festive touch in a complimentary colour!

• Keep it simple.  Holiday gatherings are about great food and fabulous company!  No need to get complicated…complicated = stress.

• Have fun!  If you, as the host are having fun, and aren’t stressed, then your guests will have a great time too!

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I hope you all have a great weekend!  And Happy Thanksgiving my Canadian friends!