Thanksgiving Tablescape
November 18, 2020
We believe strongly in tradition and passing those traditions on in a way that makes sense for future generations. This is why when our family’s matriarch offered to pass down her Thanksgiving table to me when I moved into my new home, I was humbled and honored. This table was the setting for countless Family Thanksgivings all filled with full stomachs and incredible memories. We consider it a true honor to be able to carry on this history and set the stage for the next generation of Thanksgivings. How do you go about creating a Thanksgiving dining experience as special as your meal? We turn our attention from the kitchen to the thanksgiving table.
Although it may seem complicated, the anatomy of a Thanksgiving Table centerpiece can be broken down into simple pieces and adjusted to your taste and style. For us, we typically pick traditional colors and shapes to go with the traditional tone of our Thanksgivings. We also like to pick out neutral dinner plates, napkins, and flatware that can be mixed and matched for all holidays and centerpieces. This not only allows us to easily elevate our basic tableware but also prevents us from having to purchase a new set of dinnerware every holiday season. The rest is up to you. If you follow our simple rules for creating a Thanksgiving centerpiece, you won’t only enjoy the food, but the time you get to spend with your loved ones on this joyous holiday. Here are our simple tips for an incredible centerpiece:
1. Use Natural Products: We just can’t get over the incredible variety of fall produce that is available these days. Remember Zittel Farms from our Porch Decorating article? They always sell the most marvelous pumpkins and gourds in astounding shapes, sizes, and colors. Every year when we visit for our annual Halloween trip, we pick out a variety of pumpkins to decorate for the fall season. This includes consideration for the Thanksgiving Table. Not only is this easy and relatively affordable but gives you an incredible variety of options for table themes. Color family, shape, and scale are all up to you. Keep in mind this doesn’t only have to be pumpkins or gourds. Any produce can make an incredible centerpiece. Bowls of citrus, cake stands with apples, baskets of pomegranates, etc. are all fall options for creating a colorful, natural, bountiful centerpiece. Grounding our pumpkins is a simple burlap runner to continue on our natural theme and bring some dimension to the table. A runner also ensures the centerpiece has bounds and will surely not be in the way of any plating.
2. Incorporate Varying Textures: We always like to pick a variety of colors, shapes, and textures to give our Thanksgiving table some interest. This year we incorporated natural, glass, and metal pumpkins along with some greenery to give the centerpiece some richness. This can be done simply by a tablecloth, or runner with a different texture. Also don’t be afraid to go out in your yard on the day of and cut some basic greenery to give the centerpiece that lively texture.
4. Height: Remember this is about spending time with family and friends. We love to add height to our centerpieces but there is nothing more frustrating than leaning this way and that trying to make eye contact with the other side of the table. This year we added some height with tapered candles that do not obstruct too much of the view. It adds a new dimension that doesn’t interrupt the fun.
5. Think Light: There is just not enough hours in the day to talk about the importance of candles. Candles add a magic touch to any special occasion and Thanksgiving is no different. Although we could go on for days about candle options here are the basics. Pick candles that are unscented so they do not overpower the food. Don’t be afraid to use various types. We used both tapered candles and votive to add dimension to the light. Lastly if you are able to pay a little more for quality candles, please do so. Candles that are made properly do not drip, do not give off offensive odors, and do not give off toxic chemicals. It is generally worth it and the candles will last through multiple dining’s. The candles we use that check every box in the book are the Northern Lights 12” Tapered Candles.
6. Don’t Over Complicate It: Keep it simple and don’t get overwhelmed by this part of the dinner. We have done everything from elaborate multidimensional lighted centerpieces to a table with one type of pumpkin. All that matters is that you put in effort and care to the table and to the experience overall. That is enough to be grateful for.
Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Erbe Living.