Hosting your first Thanksgiving? Consider yourself a seasoned pro who could use a table refresh? We spent the afternoon with Urban Petals to get some pointers on making a beautiful table set for anyone from a group of friends to Joanna Gaines or Martha Stewart. 🦃
🍽️ Set the table for Friendsgiving/Brunch:
Photo via @GVLtoday
🍂 Keep it simple and use some greens from your yard for table decor (make a garland of leaves by just weaving through the table).
🕯️ To keep in theme, we recommend grabbing some taper candles to add height (like these from H&M). Pro tip: use Stick-Um to get your candles to stand straight in the candlestick.
🍽️ Use your most basic plates, napkins + flatware.
✉️ Create place cards with plain stock cards + a pinecone from the yard.
🗣️If you’ve invited a few friends who haven’t met before, set their place with a note card that says who is sitting next to them and across with details about the others. For example, “Carl is an engineer and just got a promotion,” or “Sarah just found out she’s going to be an aunt.”
🍽️ For a larger afternoon gathering:
Photo via @GVLtoday
Neutrals are best to make a crowded space feel a little less chaotic. We love this burlap colored table runner ($16.99). Purchase these different sized flameless white candles ($28.99), and some white pumpkins from Swamp Rabbit Cafe to add some depth.
Wrap silverware with a piece of ribbon. 🎀 Pro tip: Old Time Pottery on Laurens Road usually has some on clearance.
🍽️ Elegant family-style dinner:
Photo via @GVLtoday
Blue may be the color of winter but we think it makes for an intimate Thanksgiving dinner. Pull out your finer china (yes, those plates from Target count), and whatever silver serving pieces you have. Use mint julep cups for your centerpieces and some berry branches from your neighbor’s yard (we recommend to ask first) or a local flower shop.
Not a lot is needed here as the silver will reflect the tablescape. Instead, stack your table full of family-style dishes: mac and cheese, fried okra, dressing, and all the turkey + tryptophan your heart desires. 😋
Pro tip: Want to serve wine but don’t want to spend a fortune? Head to Target and snag their brand California Root cabernet. It’s $5. 🍷 Click here for current wine specials from Lowes Foods. If it’s a cool day outside, you can store your white wine on the back porch so it doesn’t take up fridge space.
🤝 For those of you not hosting (but definitely eating):
Be thankful; offer to bring a dish. If the host objects, bring wine or a small hostess gift. A thank you note left on the table is also a great idea.
