Fall Tablescapes
It’s fall, y’all, and that means I get to celebrate my favorite holidays! While I enjoy Halloween for its whimsy, I truly cherish the quality family time spent on Thanksgiving. I like to jokingly say, “Thanksgiving is my thang.” My door is open for all, and I’m grateful for a home with beautiful space to host.
Thanksgiving should be simple yet beautiful. Living in the mild Southern California climate allows us to enjoy our meal al fresco, which inspires me to draw the table design from my yard. Pulling in greenery and wood elements creates an organic and natural aesthetic. I’ll often combine purchased flowers with items found in my yard, but I insist on keeping the table decorations low. There’s nothing worse than contending with a large plant when you’re trying to converse with Pops and his hearing aid!
Because family time is so important to me, I prefer to have everyone at one table—no kids’ table here! I accomplish this by renting tables and chairs to accommodate my large family. I use my own Thanksgiving tablecloths for tradition. Then, I pull from my large stock of napkins and table runners to create a new setting display each year. The tablescapes feel warm and interesting with the freshly collected greenery and a fanciful touch. To complete my table, I added Scandinavian party crackers and personalized place cards. Adding place cards to mix up couples and ages curates unexpected conversations and creates amazing memories!
Our festivities generally start later in the afternoon, and we like to dress up. As guests arrive, rather than with football or a parade on the TV, they are welcomed with the sound of family and the scents of the delicious meal my mom and husband are preparing. I ensured the ambiance was right and took several photos to document our memories. After everyone is seated, we alternate, telling everyone gathered around the table what we are grateful for this year. As the sun sets and our market lights twinkle overhead, I know I can count on two things to close this cherished holiday: the warm hug and sweet words from my father-in-law and the feeling of my heart bursting with gratitude for this special day.