I have the most fun shopping for my centerpiece . . . in my house and yard! It’s fun trying to come up with an easy, low-cost Thanksgiving tablescape.
And don’t be hatin’ because I live in the south and have hydrangeas, roses, and gardenias in full bloom! Instant centerpiece.
Last Thanksgiving I went with a traditional pumpkin, gourds and branches theme. Click here to read about that tablescape.
This year I decided to go with a completely different theme. I’m calling it rustic chic. Remember the cute little pears I made with light bulbs a while back? You can find them here! I knew I wanted to use them in my table decor for Thanksgiving.
And since I have an entire stack of those $1.00 gold chargers that I used for a project years ago, I added some jute rope. My trusty glue gun helps turn these into chic rustic chargers.
Helpful Hint: You only have to glue the rope to the area that will be seen. Here’s how it looks before you begin the layering process. This was before I pulled the glue strands off. Oops. 🙂
I always have a large crowd for Thanksgiving dinner and I wouldn’t have it any other way. So, I always try to find a way to present the silverware without having to take a lot of time to set the table. Here are my tips on setting a formal table!
Last year I placed the silverware in the cutest little envelopes. This time around, I found some rustic little burlap bags to use for the cutlery. I can assemble the bags while watching TV a few nights beforehand.
I also like to mix and match china! The green bowl brings out the green in the plate. It belongs with a set of dishes that were passed down from my grandmother. Flowered-patterned china was given to me by my aunt. The colors pick up the purple and blues from the hydrangeas. These flowers are freshly picked from my flower garden.
To show you how easy it is to mix and match, here’s another look using the same centerpiece, just using different dishes and a $1.00 pumpkin I glammed up with white spray paint and some gold thumbtacks. It’s a more traditional Thanksgiving tablescape, staying with the rustic-chic vibe.
I used my hobnail milk glass pitcher and two smaller white bowls for the centerpieces. The runner is burlap with metallic threads running through it. The purple tablecloth is an overlay from my daughter’s wedding. I have lots of those babies hanging around. The napkins are from my linen closet.
Helpful Hint: It pays to shop your house, your yard, and your mom’s house when hosting a dinner party. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns, dinnerware, etc. If you do need to shop for china, head to your local thrift store. You’ll probably find a great bargain!
And don’t be afraid to step away from the traditional Thanksgiving table. You’ll give ‘um something to talk about!
No flowers in bloom? Here are some more great ideas for DIY centerpieces.
And if you missed my kid’s Thanksgiving table, find it here!
Do you host Thanksgiving at your home?
39 comments
LOVE your tablescape!! I especially love the jute on the chargers…super cute!!
Thanks, Ricci! I love when an idea pops and actually turns out like it did in my mind. 🙂
I’m gonna go to Goodwill this week and look for some beautiful diningwear. I’m thinking the traditional gold and burnt orange with a pop of color…maybe pink? Thanks for the inspiration!
Yes to pink! I love pink at Christmas, too! And I love to see a non traditional twist on a traditional Thanksgiving table. Take lots of pics!
It is so beautiful, Alli! But I was hoping for lots more pictures (like last year’s)…smile. I love the rustic look and how you used those pears you made to put name tags!
Sorry to disappoint, Zan, but last year I had to set it up twice (lots of work) and this year I cheated and used my round table on the deck for my photos. 🙂 I’m off to check out your place mats. I bet they are awesome!
Very pretty! My hydrangea’s are no longer blooming, that cold snap took care of them. I do love hydrangea’s as a centerpiece!
Thrift stores are so much fun when shopping for mismatched china and that makes such a pretty table.
Let me just say that it’s a good thing I set this up last week. Mine are gone, too, but I’ll find something in my yard or the surrounding woods to put in their place. 🙂
Love these ideas! I’m hosting at my house for the first time in several years, so I’ll be using some of these when I set my table.
It’s so much fun to plan and host Thanksgiving. Lots of work, yes, but so much fun.
I love the addition of the jute to the chargers.. You have given me some great ideas.
Thanks, Christy! I was trying to dress those ugly things up a little bit and the idea popped in my mind. I used all of my jute, so I’ve got to buy more. I find all kinds of stuff to do with it.
My great grandmother use to have the most gorgeous hydrangeas in her front yard. They would bloom in that very color. I don’t see that hue often. The tablescape that you’ve created is quite nice. Thanksgiving is my favorite and only time I prepare a huge meal but rarely decorate the table. One day….
Hydrangeas are probably my very favorite flower. They are such a picture of the south. 🙂
Beautiful table! I love hydrangeas and they look beautiful as your centerpiece. The pop of purple with the traditional colors of fall is gorgeous!
Thanks, Paris! I love hydrangeas, too. It’s strange that mine didn’t bloom at all during the summer and then a few weeks ago, wow, they went crazy with big, beautiful blooms!
Beautiful tablescape. It’s so fun to be creative with the things you already have right at home (or in the yard). And the small details make a big difference, love the burlap sack for the utensils.
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
I love those little sacks, too. You could also use them for place cards, as well, by stenciling an initial on each one. 🙂
I shopped my mom house a few years ago before she passed and took some stuff do you know she came to my house that Thanksgiving and took all her stuff off the table saying I didn’t ask so my table was bare….I was quite upset lol. I am going to go to the dollar store and see what crafts we can get out of there but I agree no need to make a big fuss you can find beautiful things already in your home and outside.
I find the most amazing things at the Dollar Store! You just never know what you’re going to find there. Also, thrift stores are fun places to shop for dishes.
Wow I love love love this idea of the twine around the larger plate. Thanks for the idea, shooting it to my sister who will be hosting!!
Thanks, Erin. It’s super easy and can be used over and over and really dresses up those ugly, fake chargers. 🙂
I am LOVING all the mixed patterns and textures! great job!
Thanks, Chelsea! I enjoy coming up with a “new” tablescape from dishes I have on hand.
Just beautiful! And I love to see your enjoyment in doing it, isn’t that a big part of it! Love the colors you have choses.
I do love to create an inexpensive tablescape. 🙂
No hosting Thanksgiving at my place, I usually go to my children’s grandmother’s house. Great ideas Alli! I can always count on you for home decor and food ideas.
Thanks, Louida! We usually had Thanksgiving at my mom’s until my kids grew up, got married, had their own kids.
Love this! So elegant!
Thanks, Debbie!
I love these ideas! I’m having a Friendsgiving next week, and I may have to utilize these ideas!
A friendsgiving sounds like loads of fun!
That’s so pretty, Alli! I love that it’s a little non-traditional!
Absolutely beautiful. You’re so talented, Alli!
I am a color girl and I love those dishes! So much fun on your Thanksgiving table!
Pinning and sharing!
~ Ashley
Thanks for linking up to Pin Worthy Wednesday, I have pinned your post to the Pin Worthy Wednesday Pinterest Board. Love the chargers such an effective upcycle and I love hydrangeas.