Perusing the Pottery Barn fall lookbook, I was inspired to create a lovely Thanksgiving tablescape.
And then I started adding it all up.
My goodness. Second mortgage, anyone?
And, oh, yeah. There’s that little detail about how I’m trying to purge rather than buy more things.
Here’s something else I’ve been considering: Thanksgiving no longer seems to consist of one gigantic meal on Thursday afternoon (before Black Friday, of course).
These days, people celebrate Friendsgiving, gather on alternate days, or find different ways to enjoy a meal together. In our case, that might mean a casual brunch after the Anthem Turkey Trot.
Oh, and by the way, that banana bread I made last week turned out really good. Keeping that in mind for Turkey Trot fare.
So, as is my wont, I started thinking about how I could create a beautiful space for entertaining with things I already own—and just a minimal purchase or two.
Here’s what I came up with.
The Base
I used a linen runner my sister Monique gave me a couple of years ago. It’s neutral and casual, yet dressy all at the same time.
Just the sort of thing I love: something that works for more than one occasion.
The Greenery
Since Christmas has already taken over most retail shelves, I found eucalyptus garlands at Michaels for half off. Which, considering that everything there seems to be on sale, I suppose you could say I paid full price.
Oh, well.
I purchased three garlands to give my large dining table a fuller look.
These garlands could work in any season. They would be lovely at Christmas, too, so I can get more use out of them.
The Lights
I already had the beautiful brass candlesticks from Target that I added to my fall dining room (you can read that post here).
I paired them with battery-operated taper candles and wove two strands of fairy lights through the eucalyptus.
And I think we’re done.
Well, almost. The chandelier adds a little soft light, too.
The Layers
I added faux white pumpkins in three different sizes, purchased from Amazon several years ago, along with pine cones collected in the mountains and given to me by friends.
I also tucked in a few orange slices I dried last year.
The result is a neutral tablescape that feels autumnal without being stark. The different textures keep it interesting, while the restrained color palette lets the dark wood of the table shine.
The Place Settings
Using woven placemats I already own and plain white dishes from World Market, I had the foundation for my place settings.
Crystal water glasses add a little sparkle. For brunch, I could switch them out for champagne coupes.
And making another appearance are the Magnolia olive-green napkins from Target.
I tied each napkin with a piece of twine and tucked in a sprig of fresh rosemary and a cinnamon stick.
It’s a small detail, but I love how it brings together the colors and natural elements of the centerpiece. A little extra thought, without a lot of extra expense.
More layers, just a few colors, and nothing that requires another set of holiday dishes.
Ready for Guests
I think this look will take me through the holidays.
Whether I’m actually making a turkey dinner or serving a bowl of soup, this tablescape will make the meal feel a little more special.
I like making a gathering feel like an occasion!
I also love that I can change the food, add a few seasonal touches, and leave the basic table in place. Less decorating, less storing, and more time to enjoy the people around it.
Did I Achieve the Pottery Barn Look on a Budget?
I think so!
I’m happy with my autumn-inspired table, especially knowing that I didn’t have to buy a new set of dishes or add a collection of seasonal decor to my already-full cabinets.
It may seem a bit early to put together a Thanksgiving table, but if I wait much longer, there won’t be a thing left in the stores.
I’m not kidding when I say Michaels already has a New Year’s display out!
I know!
Thank you for joining me today. May God bless you and yours as we remember to give thanks in this season.
