Thanksgiving is a busy day, especially if you are preparing the meal. This table setting is pulled together with the busy person in mind, it’s affordable and simple… yet meaningful.
This table setting is actually party of a Blog Hop with 17 other bloggers. So, make sure to hop around to some more blogs when you reach the end.
Simple Thanksgiving Table Setting
#1 A Colorful Base
The golden-yellow vintage tablecloth was a flea-market find. I love the deep, rich, tone even though I’m not normally drawn to yellow. It’s not quite big enough for our table, so I started with a classic white tablecloth and layered the golden table linen on top. Typically, I choose white or lace table settings {like here and here}, but I wanted to mix it up for Thanksgiving. After all, fall is a season with a deep, warm color palette.
Family Name Art, shown in 11×14
#2 An Accent Color
Earthy-green cloth napkins were a perfect compliment to the golden tablecloth. It builds upon the traditional Thanksgiving color story which is simply, the colors of nature. The cloth napkins were a clearance find at Christmas, years ago. This olive shade of green is very true to my personal style and taste. In turn, I’ve been able to mix it in with many different table settings {with blues and florals, for example}.
#3 A Simple Centerpiece
Skip a visit to the florist and anchor the center of the table with a beautifully potted plant. I chose a snake plant, which echoed the colors found in the linens. It sits in a trophy cup style planter on the buffet in our dining room. I brought it to this table setting to become the star of the show.
#4: Something Personal
Place cards are a simple, affordable, item that adds personality to a tablescape. Instead of name cards, I chose family photos. I printed each individuals place card out on cardstock, from my home printer. Before printing, I converted each image to black and white {though you could also just do that in the print settings} and cropped them to a square. They give a nod to the vintage feel of a Polaroid or an antique photograph.
One thing I want to mention is that I didn’t buy anything for this table setting. It was a zero-cost deal. I’ve collected 3-4 sets of cloth napkins and 5-10 table cloths over the 10 years we’ve been married, mostly secondhand. The ones that weren’t secondhand, were on clearance. Now, I mix and match them for different looks. You don’t have to invest a ton of money to create pretty table settings. Instead, just collect items over time. I find table linens fun, because I’ll choose colors and prints that aren’t always my everyday style, but are a nice change for a party. I get to be a little bolder and more daring.
Take a peek at the beautiful collection of table settings below, and visit the other bloggers by clicking through the links below.
Thanksgiving Tablescape Blog Hop
Monday
Craftivity Designs / North Country Nest / 2 Bees in a Pod / My Life From Home / Dazzle While Frazzled / The Crazy Craft Lady / What Meegan Makes
Tuesday
At Home With Zan / Our Crafty Mom / Blue i Style / Life on the Bay Bush / The Magic Brush Inc / Designers Sweet Spot
Wednesday
Meet Our Life / Celebrate & Decorate / Corner 52 / My Creative Days / Frazzled Joy / An Alli Event
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Lindsay says
So pretty! Love this tablescape! It is fun blog hoppin’ with you this week! Happy Thanksgiving!
[email protected] says
You, too, Lindsay!
michelle says
I just love your idea of using personal photos instead of place cards! So much more personal and a nice keepsake as well. Beautiful tablescape!
[email protected] says
Thanks, Michelle!
Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Cute! I love the idea of using personalized touches like the black-n-white photos. Visiting from the Thanksgiving Tablescape Blog Hop.
[email protected] says
Thanks, Victoria!
zan says
I love that you paid zero to create the tablescape. It’s always fun to find things around the home to decorate. The bold tablecloth goes well for Fall even though it may not be your everyday use. Love the family photos instead of name cards and your little one is growing beautiful!! The entire table looks so inviting.
Kelly @ North Country Nest says
The vintage photos really add such a nice touch to the whole table decor – I love it!
Best,
Kelly
Amy @ My Life From Home says
I love the idea of photographs! Such a nice touch.
Chloe says
Your table is lovely in its simplicity. The photos on the plates is a wonderful way to designate your place settings!
[email protected] says
Thanks, Chloe — I’m a huge fan of “simple.”
Madi says
looks great Lora, love the gold and green!
Aimee, The Crazy Craft Lady says
I absolutely adore this idea! My kiddos would love this – they are obsessed with looking at pictures of family members!
Vicki and Jennifer 2 Bees in a Pod says
Tis is a great idea. We too love photography used in different ways – so cute! We had a great time hopping with you this week!
[email protected] says
You, too, Vicki & Jennifer! 🙂
Sarah says
The personal photo instead of a place card is genius! Love the pops of color, too!
[email protected] says
Thanks, Sarah!
Vanessa @ {nifty thrifty things} says
I love the idea of using pictures instead of place cards. It really adds a personal touch.
XO! Vanessa
[email protected] says
Thanks!
Shani | Sunshine & Munchkins says
I love that you decided to change the pictures to black and white! And the yellow and green theme is lovely.
[email protected] says
I’m always a sucker for B&W photos.
Jenn @LovelandLodge says
Lora, this is beautiful. I love the idea of using family photos – so meaningful and special.
[email protected] says
Thanks!! 🙂