Thanksgiving is a bit of a stressor for me. The entire extended family comes over for dinner every year. I used to rush around frantically for the month before Thanksgiving, cleaning, planning menus and decor, and cooking all the dishes from scratch. My zealousness led to conversations like this. “Why are you cleaning under the couch?” “Because your mother is coming to dinner!” “Do you really think she is going to get down and look under the couch?” (accompanied by an eye roll.) “She might!” I would exclaim as I continued cleaning. One year I finally had enough. I realized I didn’t need to channel my inner Martha Stewart. Instead of my elaborate decor, I could make a simple Thanksgiving Tablescape and create simple sideboard decor. It’s tasteful, elegant, and can be completed in twenty minutes or less, depending on how many place settings you need.
This is a partnered post with Oriental Trading. All opinions are my own.
How To Make A Simple Thanksgiving Tablescape
I started with a Fall Table Cloth. I like actual cloth tablecloths and found mine offseason at a thrift store. After Thanksgiving is also a great time to get good deals on clearance Thanksgiving tablecloths. Once I had my tablecloth in place I added a Gold Burlap Table Runner down the middle of the table. I was ready to begin!
I placed a large white ceramic pumpkin in the middle of the table runner. Then I placed a smaller white and gold pumpkin about six inches away on each side of the white ceramic pumpkin. I used two of the three Sweet Fall Pumpkin Centerpieces and one large ceramic pumpkin from Oriental Trading. I scattered decorative Fall leaves along the table runner, being sure to tuck leaves around each pumpkin. I wanted to bring the outdoor look inside so I used a lot of leaves.
For plates, I used my regular plain white dinner plates because they are easy to dress up. I placed 8 1/2 inch gold doilies on top of each white plate and placed a Thanksgiving dessert plate on each doily. For the glassware, I placed a 4 1/2 inch gold doily under each glass. I used cloth napkins to give the table an upscale touch. The finishing touch was the Sweet Fall Silverware Holders I used to corral the utensils.
How To Make A Simply Sideboard Decoration
I wanted to carry the Pumpkin and Fall theme over onto my sideboard, but once again I wanted something simple. I started by filling an apothecary jar with my leftover Fall leaves and arranging a glass pumpkin beside it. One one end of the sideboard I placed another ceramic pumpkin. I noticed it wasn’t quite the height I wanted so I added a marble cake plate beneath it. On the other end of the sideboard, I used the last of my Sweet Fall Pumpkin Set, two small pumpkins, and a Thanksgiving Turkey gravy bowl. If I had wanted to make the centerpiece even easier, I would have used a large ceramic pumpkin on each end. I do think I will add a table runner to complete the look.
I was thrilled with the ease and simplicity of the look. Now all I need to do is determine how to expand this table setting for twenty people when I can only fit eight around this table comfortably!
Do you have a simple Thanksgiving Tablescape you create for Thanksgiving? What are your tips to make the holiday easier on yourself?
Pingback: Sweet and Sour Green Beans Recipe
Pingback: How to Make A Simple and Elegant Friendsgiving Table
I’m obsessed with the white pumpkins! It’s my favorite new trend and you’ve put it together so easy and simple. Thanksgiving is going to be great at your house!
Simple but yet beautiful. I’m not big into decorating but I really like this.
You’re right, that’s pretty simple! I love simply but pretty and this is perfect.
Love the tablescape setting! It is simple but very elegant looking. I should try and go to a thrift store. There is always a good find in there. Thanks for the inspiration.
I love how simple yet beautiful your table looks! I can’t wait to gather ’round and celebrate with friends this year!
Simple is always good and elegant. I love the white pumpkins, it compliments the other decorations really well. The plates are so pretty as well.
Gorgeous! I am over the top in love with white Cinderella pumpkins. Your tablescape is perfect for the holidays!
Very cute! I can’t believe Thanksgiving is already next month! Seems crazy to me!
That is so lovely! I think it’s really nice to make an effort to make the table look beautiful even when you’re not having guests over. I really like the details of this one.
I really like the simplicity of the decor. It adds just enough fall flair I think.
This Thanksgiving tablescape is just beautiful. I prefer something simple yet elegant, which this definitely. is.
I am in love with this tablescape. I will have to look for some whit pumpkins for my table. It looks simple yet elegant.
That is a beautiful table. I love the simple elegance of it.
I can’t wait to host Thanksgiving this year. Love your table and accessories!
What an elegant look, and I love that you carried it through and put details in other places like the sideboard as well, this came out so nice!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly
Your decorations are beautiful! I really like the white pumpkins. They add a touch of class and elegance to the table.
Your table looks great and I love the white pumpkin idea. I saw your furniture in the background and you have such a nice server and your chairs look like mine. Good luck getting through Thanksgiving.
That’s beautiful! It’s super simple, and the items won’t get in the way, tool. I love the colors you chose!
I love how simple and how beautiful this is! It does not take a lot to make the space look pretty. This is perfect for what I want.
That is so beautiful. I’m a big fan of simple decorations. I’ve never been one for those elaborate tablescapes. I prefer something that is nice and simple that makes a nice backdrop for the family.
That is such a great look! I love how simple it is and yet what a gorgeous impact it makes.