Thanksgiving Thursdays: A More Modern Tablescape

Lately, I’ve been challenging myself to think outside the box when it comes to decorations and this holiday is no exception. I found some wonderfully inspiring photos on the web and can’t wait to share them with you! Please understand that I still love pumpkins, bittersweet, and pinecones but I’m looking for ways to modernize them a bit for my own table.

Here is my Thanksgiving tablescape from last year. It was so bland. I’m certainly not going to get worked up about it because, well, it’s just a table. And I had A LOT going on with a newborn just out of the NICU. But I think it’s a good base, and hope to find some great ideas to jazz up what I already have. Forgive the terrible photos– not only was I not thinking about blogging at the time, but I also probably had 5 dishes going at once on the stove and just wanted to snap a photo before the chaos ensued.

Now for the inspiration. HGTV gets the party started with these outstanding vignettes:

Tablescape #1: What I love about this arrangement is that it can be done very inexpensively. I’ve found vases like the ones shown at T.J. Maxx and Ikea for under $5. Fill them with acorns (or cranberries, small pinecones, cheap coffee beans, or even wine corks) and you have instant chic! The grapevine pumpkins can probably be found at the dollar store or on clearance after Halloween, and the tableware is basic white– always a good choice when you are buying dishes.

Tablescape #2: Use a couple of candleholders that you already have, add cheap-o white candles (with no scent, of course– don’t want to compete with the food!), and spraypaint a few leftover gourds. If you have fancy silver rimmed dishes use them, otherwise use cheap chargers to get this modern look!

Tablescape #3: Again, use basic white dishes and jazz them up with some amber glassware. You can find similar glassware at the dollarstore or Ikea — sometimes even the grocery store (not as nice quality, of course, but if you only use them once or twice a year it won’t matter)! As for bittersweet, you can buy a good fake and keep it for following years. OR, it grows in the woods and you can often find it yourself for free (my new favorite word).

These inspiration boards from Real Simple have me drooling with envy. Okay, that’s gross. Let’s just say I’m green with envy and forget I said drool in a post about tables. Regardless, if you visit Real Simple they’ll give a source guide of where they found each item. Just don’t drool on them.

Inspiration Board #1: I love dandelion seed motifs. When I was in fifth grade I had this stationary with a mouse blowing dandelion seeds and… oh, whoops, getting off track. Needless to say, dandelions make me happy unless they are growing in my yard. I did an internal happy dance when I saw these dishes! Oh, and artichokes! I really want to make a wreath with hydrangea and artichokes. Maybe next year.

Inspiration Board #2: The lime green and brown color scheme is a welcome change from traditional oranges and browns. Not sure how I feel about the “ant” napkin holders, but you could use silver napkin rings and maybe tuck in a nice branch or even use lime green/ brown ribbon.

Want more cheap ideas? Hit the produce aisle!

Asparagus? Check. Artichokes? Check. Green beans? Check. Go crazy, see what you can find at the grocery store and wrap it around a candle!

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I wish I had a photo of this, but I hot glued little tags similar to the one below to small ghost pumpkins one year as place cards. Here’s another simple idea:

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You can dry these slices yourself or get them at Michaels. These would transition well into Christmas decor, too!

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I’m hosting a gratitude party starting next Tuesday here at Making Lemonade. I’m hoping you’ll stop by sometime next week to either link to your Thanksgiving Gratitude posts or just comment on one or two things you are thankful for this year. I know, it’s cliche… but so important. Please join us!

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Comments

Angela says

November 20 at 4:56 am

I love the brown, white, and lime together. It is so clean, crisp, modern and funky!

Carrie says

November 20 at 2:32 pm

Angela, I just read your blog post and you are supposed to be painting ornaments! I’m happy you stopped by, though. Now, get going on that big order! 😉

pk says

November 20 at 10:54 pm

I like all of the tablescapes (including the one you did last year), but I REALLY love the lime green and brown inspiration board! Thanks for the inspiration…

pk @ Room Remix

Jeanette says

November 20 at 11:45 pm

I just love the oranges around the candle, what great inspiration.

Mid-Atlantic Martha says

November 21 at 3:20 am

Thanks for all the great inspiration!

Its So Very Cheri says

November 22 at 4:33 pm

Great blog. I signed up to follow you and would love for you to come by and do the same. cheri

Maria says

November 23 at 12:35 am

I love the freshness of everything… even the sweet pear name card holders 🙂
Thanksgiving Blessings to you,
~Maria

Lynda Quintero-Davids says

November 7 at 7:30 pm

Thank you for sharing my Thanksgiving Tablescape (Tablescape #2) from Focal Point Styling, that HGTV shared on their site. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and Holiday season!

Lynda Quintero-Davids

Thanksgiving Thursdays: A More Modern Tablescape

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