How to Set the Perfect Thanksgiving Table
Thanksgiving can be a stressful time with so much to do and so many people to set the table for but don’t worry, here are my pro tips on how to set the perfect Thanksgiving table!
Table Design
I’m a fan of using what you have to set an elegant and creative table. Don’t shy away from hosting a party because you don’t have enough place settings that match. I actually love a mismatched table because it gives your table more interest and character.
I love “shopping my house” and pulling things from different rooms to create a fun look for my table. Dig through my cabinets for plates and bowls and pull candleholders and décor pieces from around the house. As long as you have a thread of consistency with the color or the texture or the material, it just works beautifully!
*Design Tip: Things don’t have to be perfect or match to be beautiful. The key to making it work is to find a thread of consistency in a color, shape or type of material.
Glam Look
Table Cover: I used a copper metallic tablecloth to give it an autumn inspired base and a more formal feeling. Found it at www.homegoods.com for $16.99
Table Design: I used all pieces that had a shine and metallic tone in sliver, gold and copper and grouped different sized candles on candleholders of varying heights to give dimension and a focal point to the table. I also added metallic beaded round placemats and copper colored silverware to give the classic white plate a fancier foundation. I topped the white dinner plate (set of 8 for $16.99) off with a gold glitter salad plate and bowl (set of 4 for $7.99).
DIY Centerpiece: Take a larger clear glass cylinder vase and then insert a smaller one of the same shape inside it. Between the two vases fill it with silk metallic leaves (like I did) or you can use cranberries, nuts, acorns, whatever you like. Add some water and flowers to the inside vase to complete your centerpiece. You can find clear cylinder vases here for under $10.
Thankful Cards: Don’t forget to add a card at each place setting for each guest to share what they are most thankful about this year! Here is a beautifully designed card you can download from Amuse Invitations on Etsy for only $3 and then use some white cardstock and print out however many you need on your own printer! Find them here: Amuse Invitations
Rustic Look
Table Cover: I used a copper metallic tablecloth to give it an autumn inspired base and then added some less formal orange and ivory cotton placemats for each placesetting. If you don’t have a tablecloth, purchase a roll of kraft paper and roll it the length of the table for a less formal look.
Table Design: I used rustic wooden elements clustered together in the center of the table and then placed candles in an orange hue wrapped with natural twine on each of the shorter wooden bases and a glass vase filled with pumpkins and squash on the tallest wooden cake stand as the center focal point. To complete the center of the table, I used two glass cylinder vases as bookends to the center design with tall clusters of stalks of wheat to finish off the earthy, rustic design.
DIY Centerpiece: Take a larger clear glass cylinder vase and fill with earthy and natural elements like: apples, pears, nuts in their shells or mini pumpkins. Add tall stalks of wheat for some height. It’s a super easy way to create an impactful centerpiece.
Thankful Cards: Don’t forget to add a card at each pacesetting for each guest to share what they are most thankful about this year! Here is a simple and sweet card you can download from Amuse Invitations on Etsy for only $3 and then use some white cardstock and print out however many you need on your own printer! Find them here: Amuse Invitations
Music Selections
Playlists make picking and playing the perfect music a breeze! Choose music that is softer in nature and can play in the background as ambiance. Some of my favorite artists are John Legend and Michael Buble to create a really relaxed atmosphere for guests to enjoy.
*Fun Tip: You can also ask your guests to email you the name of their favorite song and design a custom playlist created from your guests themselves. They’ll love hearing their favorites come on and they’ll appreciate that you were a host with them in mind!
Welcome Cocktail
I always look for a great cocktail option that I can pre-make in batches so I have something to offer guests as soon as they arrive. A champagne cocktail always makes guests feel festive and sets the tone for a special evening.
Pro Tip: Pre-made welcome cocktails help with getting the party started right away and also allowing the host the ability to welcome and chat with guests as they arrive without being stuck in the kitchen mixing drinks.
Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail
Ingredients:
4 cups crushed ice
2 cups pomegranate juice
1/2 cup ginger ale
1/4 cup brandy
1 (750-milliliter) bottle Champagne or Prosecco
Preparation:
Combine the first 5 ingredients in a pitcher. Pour about 1 cup of the Champagne mixture into each of 8 glasses.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
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