A Simple Thanksgiving Table Setting

Based on the weather forecast for the coming week, I’m mentally preparing myself for an indoor Thanksgiving this year. I so wish we could dine in the backyard, like we’ve done the past few years, but at the same time there’s something refreshing about the crisp, cool air that is guaranteed to force us to eat inside.

My mashed potatoes are already prepped and I have two cake layers bound for the freezer as well. I’ve asked for contributions in the form of side veggies and dinner rolls, and I secured my table decorations on the weekend when I hauled out a wooden board, a few things from my basement, the fruit from the bottom of the fridge, and the small pumpkins that were huddled on the outside table. Jackson and I rounded out the items required when we took the dog for a walk and collected a small bundle of leaves. Within 20 minutes I had put together a simple Thanksgiving table setting. 

Because of the size of our crowd, we serve the food buffet style, keeping the dining table clear of platters and other serving pieces. Thankfully, this leaves plenty of space for decorations. People fix their plate, and then find a place at the table, squishing as many bodies around the natural table décor as possible.

I’m not big on store-bought pieces for my holiday table décor. It’s not that I have anything against them – I’m guilty of walking by Pottery Barn and spotting no less than ten things I’d want for my table within 30 seconds – it’s just that I don’t have the space to store them for the other 50 weeks of the year. So I resort to using what’s available naturally to add some colour and festive appeal to my table.

Here’s what I’m using this year for my Thanksgiving table setting:

• Wooden board
• Small wooden flower box
• Galvanized metal container
• White candles
• Gourds
• Apples
• Pears
• Pumpkins
• Leaves
• Branches with berries

The wooden board is something I’ve used for a few years after spotting a similar idea in Martha Stewart’s Good Things for Easy Entertaining book. It can be used to hold table decorations, or hot dishes, which allows you to forget about potholders and trivets to protect your table. Her version includes small pedestal legs, which elevate the board from the table, but I was too lazy to include that part of the project, so instead we use a simple piece of lightly stained wood.

To that I added a wooden flower box that was a gift from a friend, and a galvanized metal container I’ve had for years. Then I starting filling the space with the plain white candles, gourds, apples and pears, pumpkins, leaves, and some branches with berries (you could also use flowers, plain branches, or something with leaves). The result is, I think, simple and seasonal, and elegant enough for a dinner party. As someone in my Instagram feed said, “fall is definitely the stand-out season for nature’s table props.” Yes, yes, yes.

So, what’s your Thanksgiving looking like this year? Are you hosting? Heading out to someone else’s house? Curling up with a good book and a few movies? Making turkey or buying pies? I’d love to know how you plan on spending next weekend.

Comments

[Robyn]

I'm going to my Mom's house, where she'll make a traditional turkey dinner with stuffing, mashed potatoes, turnip puff and some other sides. I'm in charge of dessert, and I usually make myself an over-the-top birthday cake since my birthday always falls just after the holiday :) Wishing you and your family a fantastic Thanksgiving Jan!

[Aimee @ Simple Bites]

It's too beautiful, Jan! I can tell you had fun putting it together. Love the wooden board and all the colors.

As for how my holiday is shaping up? There's a sneak peek on the blog today. Great minds... ;)

[Jan Scott]

We are so in sync! You've put together another stunning table...

[Jan Scott]

Sounds so fun, Robyn. What's turnip puff? I've never heard of that. What kind of cake are you making for yourself this year? Happy early birthday - I've always wished I was an October baby!

[Amy @ Family Feedbag]

Your table is so pretty, Jan. I like that you used things from around the house as I have storage issues too. So smart.

We are going to spend Thanksgiving Monday at my parents' lovely brand new home in Saanichton, just north of Victoria. My mom and I are going to be on kitchen duty, which I love of course, and all the boys will probably play road hockey. I'm really looking forward to it.

[Jan Scott]

Thanks, Amy!! No space for small stuff here either. Your Thanksgiving sounds pretty fab. And I love how much your boys like to play road hockey... it brings back memories of when mine used to make me be the goalie so they could both be players. :)

[Allison]

Beautiful table! I wish I had your creativity! My family is taking our bikes and dog, and heading up to Whistler for the weekend. No turkey, no pie this weekend : ( just taking a break and recharging in the beautiful outdoors!

[Jan Scott]

Allison, your weekend sounds amazing! I could use a little getaway right now and I think skipping the traditional meal in lieu of some RR is brilliant. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. 

[April]

I love shopping your own home for decor... helps to be frugal and look at new purchases you may make so that they can be repurposed! Simple yet beautiful.

[Jan Scott]

Thanks, April! I completely agree with you....