A Traditional Thanksgiving Tablescape
This year I wanted to create a Traditional Thanksgiving Tablescape, that reminded me of all the things cozy and that I loved about Thanksgivings as a kid.
JUMP TO RECIPE
A Traditional Thanksgiving Tablescape around my house always included the Macy’s parade on the television in the the morning and football in the afternoon. We had a very relaxed vibe, nothing fancy by the time I came along, as the last child. I guess my mom was all done with her fancy dinners and tablescapes, but she would always get a new fall tablecloth every year, which we would ruin every year. I remember they were usually a plaid of some sort with matching napkins, and some kind centerpiece for the table from the store. We never used the good china, only the everyday china, because the good china was hand wash only and after cooking all day the last thing she wanted to do was the dishes. Honestly, I am surprised we did not just use paper plates. We never used the good china, only the everyday china, because the good china was hand wash only and after cooking all day the last thing she wanted to do was the dishes. Honestly, I am surprised we did not just use paper plates.
For my Thanksgiving table this year, I wanted to really play up the true orange and red fall color tones; since last year I did a white and sage fall table and the year prior was navy and rust, it had been a while since I had really gone true fall tones. I was already planning on using my DIY Lucky Penny Table Runner one last time for the season, and it only seemed right to send her out in style. To create the floral centerpiece, I reused all the gourds and pumpkins that were still in good shape from my Birds Halloween Table, because we do not like to waste food, this time of year. I added in some brightly colored leaves and faux wheat sprigs. Notice I said faux wheat sprigs, this is actually very important for pet owners.
The reason for the plastic version is one of my sweet kitties, Dexter, decided to eat some of the dried wheats sprigs several years ago out of an arrangement and it nearly killed him. You see it got lodge in his throat and since dried wheat is tacky or sticky he could not swallow it, causing him to choke. This can happen anywhere along the digestive track for a dog or cat, I was lucky and found him convulsing, and figured out what happened quickly. After having cats for years, I knew to give him honey which coated the wheat and sent it down, saving his life, according to the vet.
Sometimes we do not think about the dangers of plants and flowers to our beloved pets. In fact, I did an entire post about the Deadliest Houseplants for your Pets which include many holiday favorites like Poinsettias and Easter Lilies right at the top of the list. Needless to say Dexter is fine, in fact he just celebrated his 10th birthday and he loves Thanksgiving a whole bunch. Another fun design element I decided to add to the table were the cozy plaid throws. I thought they added a sweet nod to my mamas plaid tablecloths and they had a feel of fall football tailgating too. Also, I have had a few complaints about the firmness of my metal chairs…..so I am accommodating that by having throws which can either be used as a seat cushion, for those that can not sit on a metal chair, or as a blanket, for those that may find themselves too cold. Such an easy hostess tip to accommodate a myriad of all different family members and friends. Another smart reuse you may have noticed, which was all my husbands idea, yep, this is a shout out to Ron on the decorating side. He accidentally placed the “Thankful” pillow wraps over the chairs, but I really liked them a lot. Since I only had four matching throws it really worked out perfectly for balancing out the table decor.
Over on the side board I added some dried corn to the mix because it always makes me think of a funny childhood story, which I will try to tell quickly to you guys. When I was in Kindergarten we had a Thanksgiving play, and I came home to tell my mother that I had been cast as a Native American Indian, and that I would need a costume just like Pocahontas. Well….. if you have not seen my profile picture I am fair skin and very blonde, back then I was a toe head blonde, lol. My mother looked at me and smiled, making a comment about what a progressive school I was attending and made me a Pocahontas costume.
Well a week before the play just happened to be progress report week and my mother had a conference with my teacher. During the conference it came up that my Pocahontas costume was all ready for the play. However, the teacher was confused and told her “no Jennifer is a pilgrim, why would she have a Pocahontas costume.”
At which point I was called in to clarify. Yes, I had been told I was cast as a pilgrim. However, I had decided I did not want to be a pilgrim, I identified more with Pocahontas. Ironically, I am actually 1/8 Cherokee Indian on my mother’s side. So I went home and told my mother that I was cast to be a Native American in the play….. and so I was….. yep, the only little blonde hair blue eyed, Native American on the stage. Go figure, that was me at 5 years, and I still have not changed a bit!
Well, I hope you have enjoyed a few of my fond Thanksgiving Day memories and the pretty pictures to go along with them, and that somewhere along the way I have provided you with some inspiration for your Thanksgiving Day table too.The main thing to keep in mind, is to just be thankful for those you find around your table, and to share the day and create these kind of special memories, because that is truly what the day is all about.
Sending you all my warmest wishes and gratitude for being a loyal reader and follower of my page. Wishing you all the best for a happy holiday season. Here is a one our our favorite holiday recipes we all shared around the table my homemade pumpkin spice bread topped with Pumpkin spice ice cream (recipe here), and homemade caramel.
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Bread
Equipment
- Loaf Bread Pan
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 2 cups Flour
- 1 cup Libby's Pumpkin
- 2 Eggs
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 cup Orange Juice
- 1 tsp Madagascar Vanilla
- 2 tsp Blood Orange Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1 can spray olive oil
- 1 cup Glazed Pecan optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F and lightly grease loaf pan with spray olive oil.
- Sift flour, allspice, baking powder, baking soda and salt into medium bowl.
- Combine pumpkin, sugar, apple juice, eggs, oil and vanilla extract in large bowl; stir well. Stir in flour mixture just until moistened. Fold in optional pecans.
- Pour into greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- Bake for 65 to 70 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool completely.
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GET THIS PARTY STARTED:
Beautiful Idea’s. I love these! The reminder of the dangers to pets of plants is so important!
Gorgeous and very creative. I love it
Your Thanksgiving set up is beautiful. I really love the fall colors and use of the leaves. Kitty is cute too.
Awww thank you Tonya I really appreciate it. My kitties are such a part of our everyday lives they tend to make it into most of my pictures, lol. Sometimes I just don’t even see them, because they are such a fixture around here, other times they are just being super inquisitive about whatever is going on or hoping for a treat if it’s a food shoot.
Great ideas. Your posts all have the most gorgeous pics. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful photos! Glad your cat is alright.
Your Thanksgiving decor for this year is absolutely gorgeous! I love the plaid throws on the chairs. I am a blanket fanatic and this just made my day. Helping my mom cook on Thanksgiving takes alll the energy I can find. I couldn’t imagine putting together a table decor as beautiful as you have. Just awesome!
I love it! Your pics are amazing. I love the tartan and the rose gold pumpkins. Your site always cheers me up!
Your set up is absolutely gorgeous ❤️ You kind of made me want to decorate for Thanksgiving.
I love how you decorated your table! It just reminds me of home and family time I love it!
I love love love the penny idea. I feel like this would be a great activity to get the kids involved in! My daughter is a scavenger and would love searching for pennies!
Marni it would be an ideal project over the school break, and after the holidays you can wither keep it or cash it in for holiday shopping lol.
Beautiful decor, as always. I love the bright rustic feel of your table and it makes me wish Thanksgiving was here already!
Thank you so much Shawn, I have to say I do love the simplicity of a comfy cozy table setting a whole bunch, this table does not feel to staged of contrived, like I create with some of my more over the top tables, lol, which are just for fun and that wow factor. I want this one to feel like you actually sit down and share a meal at the table.
Jen this table is so pretty and would be my dream table for Thanksgiving, the colors are so rich and bold and those cosy throws are just perfect.
Absolutely gorgeous decor! It is the perfect set up for thanksgiving. I love that “Thankful” pillow too!
Greetings
My compliments for you beautiful website and table you have made this season. I had visited your website last month to order something, but unfortunately I did not have enough money to buy it, but today because I had enough money, I wanted to order it from you now, but I can not find the product anymore in you shop, go figure!
Hi Virgie which item was it that you were looking for? Maybe I can locate it at another vendor or let you know it it comes back in stock?
This table is beautiful Jen, I love all your fall inspirations.
Hi Jen, I just wanted to say I love your table settings they are my favorite. Have a nice day
Would love to see more stuff like this all the time!
Love this table and all your tables in fact, you set such a pretty party.
This is such a pretty table as all your tables are I love to see them all!
This has been such an enjoyable post, filled with pretty pictures and entertaining stories.
What a great blog I would love to work with you in the future on projects!
Looking at the beautiful table with so many goals and aspiring to met these goals this year.
What a pretty table you have created for the holidays.
This is such a pretty table and celebration you have created you are so talented.
This is such a beautiful table you are truly talented.
What a great site, and your tables are so pretty.
Just want to say how much a have enjoyed your blog and your creative designs. The pictures are so fun to look at for holiday inspiration.
Hello Love this and We look forward to your success!
Good afternoon, I was just taking a back by your beautiful fall table, I am so ready to start decorating for the fall even though it is just July so I am gathering ideas now. I just wanted to say Thank you for all the great inspirations!
What a pretty table and holiday display you have created.
What a great website, you offer so much information and inspiration ideas for the holidays.
Hello, I was just checking out your website and filled out your contact form. The “contact us” page on your site sends you messages like this to your email account which is why you’re reading my message at this moment right? I am looking forward to seeing more and more of your work.
I am so glad you were able to sign up for our newsletter and designer updates thanks for the sweet note and following our blog!
Hi, I was just checking out your site and love your ideas for the fall.
This is a pretty table design, I am looking at more out of the box ideas this year.
Hello, I was just visiting your website and wanted to say how much I love this table and the centerpiece you have designed. It is so pretty with all the colors, and the way you kept it long and low for your guests. Great post!
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I just purchased a new dining table, and it is completely bare at the moment. Your post has given me some much-needed inspiration.
Your table looks like something out of a home and living magazine, I absolutely love the colors and what a pretty open space you have. Lovely post x
Wow, you created such a beautiful tablescape! I’m going to try and recreate this! So picturesque!
Just so beautiful! I love the color scheme:)
As always, your tablescape is beautiful! Love the unique DIY table runner! I had to do a double take! That is so creative!
Love your site and all your ideas for the holidays. I always find so much inspiration here.
You always inspire me with your beautiful tables and creative ideas, thank you!
You have such a great site, love this table!
What a beautiful table and holiday theme you have created, I can not wait to share your page with everyone I know!