Instagram Thanksgiving tables are beautiful, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say that most of our uncles aren’t going to appreciate the effort and most definitely won’t appreciate a tall pampas grass centerpiece in their faces during dinner. But that doesn’t mean we can’t set a simple (and really beautiful) Thanksgiving table that shows we did put in a little thought. It’s a holiday, after all.
My favorite Thanksgiving tables require little effort (and cost) while still looking like it’s a special occasion. But, above everything, they have to practical because people want to eat, but they also want to talk without peeping around or peering through the centerpiece. My advice is to keep it low, inexpensive and colorful.
I started this year’s table slightly above the centerpiece by adding clipped branches to my chandelier. Then, I started layering. . .
- Instead of buying fresh flower bouquets, I spent less than $18 at my Home Depot and picked up one mum and two different cabbages. I clipped the mum and made several mini bouquets, using glass votive holders I bought at the dollar store last year.
- I added more clipped branches down the center of the table, skipping a tablecloth.
- I picked up a bag of radishes at the grocery for their color and scattered them throughout the greenery.
- For candlelight, I used a pair of taper holders I had on hand.
- I layered vintage salad plates on top of my white everyday dinner plates. (The blue goblets are also vintage.)
- I like to use non-traditional colors and chose a dark green napkin (which I’ll reuse during Christmas) for a different pop of color among the blues and plums.
One more thing: This centerpiece works best if you put it all together the day of your dinner. You don’t want anything to look wilted and it took me about 15 minutes to do, including the chandelier.
Are you setting a Thanksgiving table this year?
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