Thanksgiving is right around the corner - and I don’t know about you, but I’m already making plans for my dinner table. I love holidays, I love any reason to bring my people together, eat GOOD food, have GOOD conversation…and of course…style a beautiful table for us to sit around. Preparing to host can be stressful. Having the right amount of food. Praying your new recipe turns out okay. Making sure everyone enjoys themselves. Let alone, decorating on top of all that! Styling doesn’t have to be stressful - in fact, this can be the most fun part of your party plans. I thought I’d share a few tips for creating a stress-free and beautiful tablescape for your family and friends to gather around. Now, more than ever it’s important to spend intentional time with our loved ones. So, whatever that means for you this holiday season - small gathering, virtual gathering, what have you - it’s still worth showing up, setting up, and enjoying your space and your loved ones.
Thanksgiving Table Décor tips:
Choose a theme. My “theme” is always based on the kind of mood I’m in that season. Seems silly, but I choose based on what I’m feeling, what colors I’m drawn to, and what I want my guests to feel when they enter the room. This year, it’s cozy. Romantic. A soft contrast of bold colors and delicate accents. A sense of being rooted and calm.
Know your staples. My non-negotiables on ANY size or style of table: florals and candles. Florals are your center, candles are your anchors, everything in between is frosting on the cake. This year, I’m so thrilled to partner with Thymes to help me bring my table + theme to life and anchor my table in gorgeous and incredibly fragrant candles. I used a mix of two of Thymes new collections to add style and scent to my table - the Heirlum Pumpkin collection and the Simmered Cider collection. I’m not kidding when I say these transformed the table and the entire ROOM (photos below.) My niece couldn’t stop smelling the candles while she help me set the table. My dad said “I wish this room always looked and smelled like this!” They’re the perfect décor piece and definitely a must-have for your upcoming celebrations. Shop the collections now - you’ll have the candles (your table anchors) in time for Thanksgiving!
Work with what you have. I know I said it above, but styling does NOT have to be stressful. You don’t have to go out and buy a bunch of new things to make your table beautiful. I repurposed linen napkins, tablecloth, cheesecloth table runner, candle holders, mixed my wine glasses, used my “every day” plates and called it a day. You likely have everything you need already. Don’t be afraid to mix colors or metals. Crystal glassware and tinted-color glassware. Play around with things to see where you end up - you’ll be surprised by what you can pull together with what you already own.
Real plates vs. paper plates. BOTH! I’m only a stickler about real plates for one thing: the actual meal. Maybe I’m old fashioned in that way - I learned from my mama, who is the most amazing hostess. It’s one area I won’t typically compromise a real plate. BUT - I’m all for mixing in a fun paper plate that matches the style of your gathering for appetizers and desserts. It’s a great way to add some flare and of course, helps with the clean up at the end of the night. We all know we love that!
Little details: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the little details, the intentional details, pull your bigger vision together. Some easy ways to do this are through place cards. Or, a little flower, or maybe a twig with berries for fall, on each persons plate. Sitting down to a carefully planned and intentional seat at the table makes your guests feel welcomed, and of course, special. Even if it’s just you and your immediate family - don’t skip the little details!
I hope this helps spark inspiration for your Thanksgiving, regardless what that looks like for you this year. I’ll be arranging my florals, lighting my Thymes candles, setting the table and gathering with my family with an enormous amount of gratitude in my heart. I look forward to sharing time, space and love with those I love the most.
Happy Thanksgiving - be well 🤎
xo,
molly
