Bring the beauty of the fall season indoors: Use autumn colors and the foliage and fruits of the season to set a spectacular Thanksgiving table.
Tips:
- Keep nuts in the shell if using them as part of the centerpiece or for table decoration.
- Keep your centerpiece small if your table space is limited. Remember that you'll have to leave room for serving platters, dishes and condiments.
- Keep the centerpiece at a height that will allow diners an unobstructed view of each other.
Steps:
- Make or purchase an appropriate autumn-themed or Thanksgiving centerpiece. Use a traditional cornucopia centerpiece or an autumn floral arrangement. Scatter fall leaves and nuts around your centerpiece.
- Use autumn-colored candles set in wooden or rustic metal candleholders to decorate your table and to use as a centerpiece. Arrange fall foliage, wheat sprigs, clusters of berries, nuts, and mini pumpkins and other seasonal vegetables around the base.
- Use a large, hollowed-out pumpkin instead of a vase to display a fall floral centerpiece. Scatter sprigs of wheat, clusters of berries, nuts and autumn leaves around the base of the pumpkin.
- Set your table with a tablecloth, table runner, place mats and napkins done in autumn-themed prints and coordinating solids. Use prints sparingly to avoid giving your table a "busy" look and to keep attention focused on your centerpiece.
- Use napkin rings that reflect the season as well. Hand-paint leaves onto plain wooden napkin rings or use purchased napkin rings that have a similar motif.
- Use your good china or dishes done in autumn motifs and/or colors that coordinate with the colors used in other elements of your table's decoration.
- Use clean autumn leaves as place cards. Rinse leaves and pat dry. Write each guest's name on a leaf with a black or gold felt-tip pen. Place one leaf in the center of each plate.