Thanksgiving Tablescape

This Thursday I'll be appearing on our local morning news show, Virginia This Morning, sharing ideas for Thanksgiving entertaining.   To help bring the ideas to life I created tablescapes using some of the ideas I'll be sharing.  The look is easy to re-create using glass vases and organic items such as dried lentils, rice, pine cones, acorns, mini pumpkins, and a few craft store items.

(To view larger, click on images)

I've re-purposed the manzanita branch so many times but it's always the perfect accent.  This time I attached it to an open frame to be used as seasonal art.  I'll also be using it on the kids table for tomorrows post.

The table is covered with orange fabric and a burlap runner that I wove yarn through to add a little stitch detail.  The yarn was also used to wrap around a couple of vases as well as tie up the favor pouches.  

I created name cards and displayed them on a small wood pedestal made from a pruned tree branch in the back yard.  Wine glass stems were tied with thin strips of fabric remnants. 

I wanted to set up an appetizer table to hold some light nibbles to snack on while you're waiting for the turkey to finish cooking.  Nothing too heavy, just crudite served in individual bread cups, small nut cones, and goat cheese & olive tapenade canapes.  

The tall frame serves as the centerpiece and holds the dinner menu so guests know what to expect.  The small bale of hay is the perfect base to hold the nut cones - just stick a wooden skewer in the hay and up through the tiny hole in the bottom of the cone, to hold it upright. 

I was finally able to incorporate the hanging buffet idea I shared here.  I simply used the pole & drape system I designed here, and hung a wire basket from it to hold the canapes.

To continue using fabric as I did with the glass stem ties, I used one of the patterns to wrap the wine bottle, frame out the menu, and to add color and interest to the tree branch candle holders.   I have to admit I thought the branch candle detail was pretty cool & clever!

To end the day, send guests home with a small burlap pouch filled with candy corn.

There you have it - at least 14 ideas to help you host Thanksgiving in style and on a budget.

Cheers!