A Thanksgiving Table That Echoes Gratitude
As we gear up for the season of cozy, love, twinkle lights, and, of course, incredible food, I want to take a pause and savor one of my favorite holidays – Thanksgiving.
At the heart of Thanksgiving lies the spirit of gratitude, a sentiment we often find ourselves cherishing more during this special time of the year.
I love how Thanksgiving is a way for us to intentionally express our thankfulness towards our loved ones and God for all our blessings. In our rushed lives, we often do not say thank you enough. Or it's a 'Thank you' without much thought or genuineness behind it.
If you are hosting family or friends this Thanksgiving, add a touch of magic and make it extra special with a beautifully decorated table. It's a great way to really show your appreciation towards someone by spoiling them.
Who doesn't feel special and treated when sitting at a table adorned with beautiful things?! I know I do!
creating a special Thanksgiving tablescape
I usually decorate my holiday tables with things I already have in the house or items I can find around the farm. Natural, cost-effective, and eco-friendly is my motto when it comes to decorating! However, once in a while, I do like to get something new from the shops ;-)
This year, my table contained all the typical fall-inspired elements and colors you would expect, and I love how it turned out!
Find below all the elements I used to create a Thanksgiving tablescape that echoes gratitude.
Pumpkins: The Unofficial Mascot of fall
Let's start with the classics – pumpkins. These vibrant symbols of harvest and fall not only add a pop of color but also symbolize abundance and prosperity.
Arrange real and faux pumpkins in various sizes and colors and at different heights down the center of your table for an instant touch of autumn charm.
Add dried corn cobs for an extra harvest touch to your tablescape. Weave them between pumpkins or add them to the plates for a seamless blend of tradition and trend. Or, place them in unexpected places, like I did with our dining room chandelier!
Allium Allure: Garlic Bulbs and Red Onions
Ditch the traditional flower arrangements and opt for the unexpected beauty of garlic bulbs and red onions.
Not only do they add a rustic touch, but their earthy tones complement the warm hues of the season. Scatter them around your pumpkins for a touch of countryside elegance.
Orchard Freshness: Green and Red Apples and Citrus Fruit
Bring a touch of orchard freshness to your table by incorporating green and red apples alongside vibrant citrus fruits.
Not only do they add a burst of color, but their natural fragrance will infuse the air with a delightful aroma, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Blooms of the Harvest: Dried Hydrangeas
Dried hydrangeas, with their delicate blooms, capture the essence of fall in all its muted glory. Arrange them in small vases or scatter them around the table for a touch of understated elegance.
Glow of Gratitude: DIY Beeswax Candles in Golden Candleholders
Lighting is key to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. You cannot go wrong with too many candles!
Opt for DIY beeswax candles in golden holders to infuse your table with a soft, golden glow. Not only do they add a touch of DIY charm, but they also symbolize memories of creating something beautiful with loved ones.
Here’s how to make your own DIY beeswax candles
Mini Votive Candles: Tiny Flames, Big Impact
Enhance the intimate ambiance by incorporating mini votive candles. These small flames scattered across the table add a touch of magic, creating an atmosphere that encourages reflection and appreciation.
Nature's Touch: Dried grass and Grass-Woven Underplates
Add dried grasses in glass vases and complete the look with grass-woven underplates, bringing an earthy and natural element to your tablescape.
I love how these textured plates add a layer of depth and warmth, tying the entire look together.
A personal or traditional touch
Last, but definitely not least, I always include Tom, our turkey, in the celebrations!
He has been part of our family for such a long time, and it has become a yearly tradition to have him show off in our dining room!
I encourage you to add a personal touch or foster a tradition to make this holiday so much more special and memorable.
thanksgiving deliciousness
What is the holiday season without delicious treats and dishes?! It makes us feel cozy, warm, spoiled, nostalgic, and just good!
Here are some of my favorites to serve at Thanksgiving:
Cranberry orange pear jam (recipe from Ball Canning)
Arugula and spinach salad with apples, salted caramel almonds, and figs
As you gather around the Thanksgiving table with your loved ones, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the season, the warmth of shared laughter, and the joy of being surrounded by those you hold dear.
After all, Thanksgiving is not just about the food and the pretty tablescapes; it's about the moments we create and the memories we cherish.
Happy Thanksgiving, dear friends! May your tables be as full as your hearts.
Love, Annette
simple country living book
I have poured my heart and soul into writing my book, Simple Country Living. It has been a labor of love, and I am beyond excited to share it with you.
A look inside the book
The Natural- and Nature-Inspired Home
Create family traditions around nature, including strawberry and apple picking, natural egg dye, salt dough ornament making, and decorating your home with natural elements, plus some recipes too! Make DIY cleaning sprays, reduce food waste, learn self-sufficient laundry and bathroom tips, and share the bounty with nature-inspired gifts and gatherings.
Cultivating a Garden
Master the essentials for a healthy garden, including soil health, garden layout, raised beds, choosing your seeds, frost dates, crop rotation, companion planting, compost essentials, and ways to involve the whole family in the garden.
What to Plant in Your Garden
Decide what to grow based on your climate and preferences, figure out how much to plant, and garden through the seasons. Go further with home orchards or berry patches, and explore the benefits of natural pest control, greenhouses, and animals in the garden. There are also activities for the family inspired by the garden.
Preserving the Harvest
Learn everything you need to can, freeze, dehydrate, and save seeds—including plenty of recipes, from salsa to fruit spreads. Have the whole family join in and create memories together.
Mastering the Home Kitchen
Embrace garden-to-table eating with seasonal recipes. Learn how to stock a resilient homestead pantry and find a selection of tried-and-true recipes the whole family will love (and love to cook!).
No matter where you live or what skills you already have, the simple country life can be more than a state of mind. Start growing more, cooking more, and living in rhythm with nature.