Simple Ideas for a Thanksgiving Table

How is it possible that November is next week? Thanksgiving planning is beginning to ramp up and lead us into the holiday season. There is nothing I like more than decorating our home for the holidays and welcoming in our friends and family. All that said, this momma is busy and I am always trying to figure out ways to keep things simple. apples-leaves-table-setting

For the tablescape I am sharing with you today, I did not go to the store or buy anything. I started with a roll of brown kraft paper that I generally keep around. If you don't have any, I suggest keeping some around because you will be amazed at how many ways you will end up using it. I ran one piece down the middle to ground the centerpiece. The other benefit of kraft paper is that it can be easily thrown away or recycled, again, keeping things easy. fall-centerpiece-apples-leaves

The next step was to use a live edge maple board that we had. Most people don't have something like this, however, most people do have a wood cutting board which works just as well. If you don't have a wood cutting board, try a platter of any kind. The trick here is to keep it simple and don't over complicate. I added three empty jars and then went out into the yard. I still had some sage and lemon balm in the garden so I clipped some to put in the jars. And then I went around to some trees and snapped off some branches with colorful leaves. If you don't have access to that simple and colorful grocery store flowers should do the trick just as well. I really like doing three separate vessels of different sizes. It keeps things from getting in the way of seeing each other at the table and doesn't interfere with the food. Let's face it, we are at the table for the food! friendly-village-thanksgiving-table

The final step to the centerpiece was to place some apples that we picked a few weeks ago and some tea lights. In total, the centerpiece portion of the table only took 10 minutes. It was simple, pretty, seasonally appropriate but it doesn't interfere with the meal or overtake the table. simple-fall-table-decorating-ideas

I set the table with some transferware plates that I have collected piece by piece over the years. They are fairly casual which I am a fan of but I paired them with our more formal flatware. I think this is the type of table setting that any plates will do including a mix of styles if you need more for more guests. ideas-for-fall-tablescape

White cloth napkins that can go right into the washing machine after the meal are tied up with a piece of pretty ribbon. And finally, an inexpensive wine glass at each spot. I am big believer in not spending a lot of money on wine glasses so that you are not upset if one accidentally breaks. simple-fall-centerpiece

I can't let a Thanksgiving post go by without sharing a fun recipe. An amazing friend of ours celebrated his retirement as a Colonel from the army a few weeks ago and they served this cocktail. Having it again reminded me how much I love it! Get the recipe HERE for a Maple Cidertini.

So, here is the best part. I am not only sharing my table decorating tips today. I have teamed up with an amazing group of bloggers to share all of their ideas as well. Hosted by Lory at Design Enthusiasm, you can find the links below.