Special Touches for Thanksgiving Day Tablescape

Setting the table for Thanksgiving is probably the least stressful item on my list, because I enjoy it so much. It’s fun to mix your personality and style, and to use what you have on hand to create the ambience that your guests will enjoy. We’re not hosting a large group this year, so I already have some table ideas in my mind.

My number one tip when setting the table for a dinner party or a holiday meal, is to set it the night before. Not only do you get to enjoy the beauty, every time you walk by, I feel it gets the family in a festive mood. For my kids, when they see the table set, they know good food is coming and a great time will be had around the table with family and friends!

One of the jobs I give my kids is to make sure the glasses and silverware have no spots, and to gather up the chairs. We have a lot of folding chairs, but it seems we always need to gather miscellaneous chairs from various rooms as well.

My secret to a stunning centerpiece it to keep it simple by going au natural. The outdoors are so gorgeous in Oregon right now, it’s great to bring them inside to enjoy!

Water goblets
I’m using my wedding water goblets. I have 12 stored in my hutch for special occasions.

Wine glasses
Mikasa makes the coolest chalkboard wine glasses! Write your guest’s name on the glasses to keep them from getting mixed up during “mingling hour.” (I like to call appetizer hour, mingling hour!) :) Wipe off with a damp cloth, wash the glasses (they are dishwasher safe!) and put away!

Dinner plates
I’m using black dinner plates from the Dollar Store this year. I have a stack of 24 sitting out on my buffet.

Chargers
Courtly Check pattern from MacKenzie-Childs. (My favorite!)

Napkins
Most holidays I use cloth napkins, but this year I splurged on paper napkins, because I loved the turkeys so much!

Place Cards
This year I’m using ceramic erasable place cards. More to come in another post (Details to come in another post.)

Fresh leaves
Clipping off a few branches from our maple trees, I’m lining the center of my table with red maple leaves! I’ll mix in lots of tea lights, and we’ll be set!

I love the colors of Thanksgiving this time of year! They make our home fun, warm, exuberant, and mostly there’s lots of happiness as we gather around the table and share our lives with those around us.

The goal of Thanksgiving, besides eating a lot of fabulous food, is to enjoy your guests, the season at hand, and to give thanks for the bounty, health, and friendships in our lives.

What special touch will you be adding to your table this year?

If you’re looking for another idea for Thanksgiving, I love Harry & David’s Heirloom Wreath that you can order, and it will arrive fresh to your front door. The smells are out of this world!

Head over to read more on Harry & David’s {new} blog! It’s full of great ideas, recipes from other bloggers, and new things perfect for the season at hand!

READ MORE => here.