So Halloween is just over but everything has switched to Christmas in the stores and on TV. I am all for getting ready for Christmas early, as longs we don’t forget about Thanksgiving in the middle. And Lindsay, from The White Buffalo Styling Co. has pulled together a Thanksgiving tour to make sure that we don’t! As part of Lindsay’s fun tour, I am sharing some new favorite Thanksgiving table ideas.  If you are joining me from The Chronicles of Home, welcome, and thank you for stopping by.   When I set out to create this tablescape, I knew I wanted flowers to be the focus, but I wanted it to be something different. Truthfully, I am so over myself at this point in the year with hydrangea. In my mind, I pictured something bright and bold. Not too far from here is a wholesaler shop that I have an account with for my design business. I was going there anyway, so I thought I would check out their flower selection. The store is divided into two areas, one being flowers and one being everything else. After I finished up on the non-flower side (and I may have accidently bought the prettiest Christmas tree you ever did see!), I headed over to the flowers. I quickly realized I was a fish out of water. Everyone was hurriedly moving about, knowing where they were going. And they were all going inside these huge refrigerator rooms with these giant metal doors. Was I allowed to even go in there? After my first attempt for help was not well received, I was pointed in the direction of someone who gave me very clear and concise directions on what to do. And I understood none of it. I knew there were four rooms. I had no idea how to get to any of them. After a first failed attempt lead me to a loading dock, I found a big scary door that was clearly marked “Refrigerator 1”. Okay, even I could understand that. I went in sure I would understand what to do once I got inside.  Instead, I found myself self-consciously picking up several batches of flowers and then circling back and putting them back down. I did a full circle and I was almost ready to admit defeat and just pick some carnations, when I saw the thistle. My vision of bright and colorful quickly faded away and I saw beautiful purply-blues and greens mixed with bright whites and browns.  It was love at first site. I scooped up a few more items with authority and confidence. Please don’t ask me what the rest of them are – I have absolutely no idea. They were just the pretty things that caught my eye. As I brought my bouquet up to the checkout, I was greeted with a “my, you made some beautiful choices.” My guess is, it was sympathy for how clueless I was, but I figured she saw professional florists all day long, so I was going to take it! 

Tips & Tricks

If you want to create a similar look – with or without thistle, here are my tips on how to pull it together. - Lay down you choice of runner first and place your flower vessels where you want them first. If I am going to use multiples, I really do like the old school rule of odds, so I work with three or five. Often, I will use the same container in repetition, but in this case, I varied the containers and sizes. - Once you are happy with balance of the containers, layer in your pumpkins and gourds. I tried to balance the color and shapes down the table. - Then, pull out your flower vessels and put together your arrangements. I originally had a taller jar, but when I put the flowers in it I realized it would block the view across the table. I switched it out for something shorter so it would keep the table open. - Put all your flowers back in place and then fill in with pinecones, feathers and my favorite – vintage door knobs. Of course, that is not necessary and can be replaced with whatever is a little sparkly and that is your style. - Then place your plates, layering them when possible to create more interest and contrast. In this case, I kept the actual place setting fairly simple since the center was more elaborate. Then fill in with the flatware, napkins and glasses of your choice.  And then start cooking! I do try and get my table set ahead of time so it is one less thing to worry about on the day of Thanksgiving. Oh, and just as I was paying my bill at the floral shop, I looked as one of the big doors opened and I saw the signs! Refrigerators 2, 3, and 4 were right behind that first big door. I hope they have carts for when I go back and actually find all the rooms! Now scoot on over to Lindsay's blog at The White Buffalo Styling Co. to follow the rest of the tour! Thanks for reading!