I wasn’t even gonna post about my Thanksgiving tables because let’s be honest, y’all have moved on and are knee deep in Christmas decor. But then I remembered that the beauty of using non-traditional colors is that you can use them for any occasion. I think I may just use the same ideas for Christmas. And dinner next week. So, here goes a bunch of holiday tablescape ideas!
We had a sit-down dinner for 34 people on Thanksgiving night. Mercy. It was wonderful and chaotic and beautiful. I do believe that every dish and cup and piece of silver ware I own was used that day.
1. Use non-traditional colors
I was determined to have deep pink napkins and couldn’t find any that color—-so I bought some wonderful fuchsia cotton fabric at Joann’s and made my own.
This was the only table I had envisioned before the big day. I love the nontraditional colors and the pink napkins just make me happy.
2. Use natural items
Not only did the artichokes make for beautiful table decor but they also made for hilarious table conversation.
I’m not gonna mention any names but a few people wondered if they were pomegranates—-which we thoroughly ‘discussed’ and kept bringing up at random times.
3. Everything is more fun with help.
I totally winged the other three tablescapes. But setting tables is fun so don’t be afraid to let your guests help!
With a lotta help from my eager staff, (the poor girls stuck with helping me) they turned out cute too!
I bought this chevron fabric back in the summer from Hobby Lobby. It was used the Better Homes and Gardens photo shoot when the darling stylist, Elizabeth, duct taped it together. (The January issue should be out in a couple weeks!)
For Thanksgiving, I cut (or rather tore) the fabric into 3 equal pieces (the girls looked at me like I was performing sacrilegious acts on the fabric) and then draped them across a huge white king duvet cover (which I pretended was a table cloth) and voila!
It nearly looks legit. And now, the girls will never wonder where to find a huge white tablecloth. They’ll immediately think king duvet.
4. Make it personal
Name cards make so much sense. Noone has to wonder where to sit. And let’s face it, everyone loves their name, whether it’s in print or out loud. Names are important. Use ’em!
I subscribe to Emily Jones’ monthly printables and I think these bird cards were in one of the past month’s subscription. Then, I printed the names in the Albemarle swash font and taped it the bird cards. Easy as pie but packs a punch!
Then I sweet talked these two little ladies into printing and cutting and hole punching and assembling all the menus and name cards.
I used this tutorial to make the menus.
They were happy to oblige, for the most part. I kept adding people and running out of paper so they became a little flustered with me.
I’ve always liked having little individual menus and that-away, if someone doesn’t recognize one of my concoctions, they can consult the menu in the privacy of their own place setting.
This year’s mystery item? Mashed potatoes. They looked like hominy or grits or something. But not mashed potatoes. I can’t even explain to you what happened but they looked funny.
So, to accommodate a sit down dinner for 34 people, we moved some of the furniture out of the living room and set up two tables. I pulled chairs from everywhere. And then told my trusty helpers, Jordan and Ali, to find something to add to the plates. The oranges were perfect and it ended up looking like I planned the whole thing out.
Edie is my name; Helter Skelter is my game.
from the front door and featuring my cute little momma:
We even pillaged around and found enough stuff to set the young adult table. The weather was beautiful (if not a little chilly) for outdoor dining. And noone was impaled by the driftwood.
And see JamieKnoxville over there by the fire? That was her happy place. We spent as much time as we could squeeze in huddled by the fire. I think I’ve built one nearly every day since Thanksgiving and the girls and I sit out there to read our Greek mythology.
The kids table was cute too, in its own little way.
Nothing like dinner in the laundry room. I can tell you that the only thing these wee ones were concerned about is whether Aunt Gina was making mac and cheese.
There was a big sigh of relief when she walked in with the Velveeta. They were saved from brussel sprouts and broccoli casserole.
(Polka dot napkins from Hobby Lobby.)
And the labor of love to set all this up and take it all down was provided by my two lovely helpers, Jordie and Ali.
I just had to snap their picture when I saw them take a much needed break on the screened porch.
Thank you, girls!!!! You were awesome and so much fun!
More on Thanksgiving soon.
For now, we’re headed out to see our first Nutcracker performance of the year, followed by lunch and antiquing with my girls.
Now, go make some pretty tables!
Happy Day!
Fun, fun, fun!!
LOVE this, Edie. Love everything about it!
I LOVE how each table is different! A seat by the fireplace looks wonderful. I think I might spend my days there too.
BTW – Please share the source of your paper cutter in the “laundry room” photo. I was thinking last night that I need a paper cutter for homeschooling purposes, but I have only seen the industrial sized type.
I love every bit of it, from the pink napkins to the king duvet cover tablecloth and that fabulous driftwood. And when your laundry room is that gorgeous, dinner there is a treat!!
Nutcracker, lunch & antiquing sounds heavenly, how I wish I was there.
Ruth
Oh Edie! This is why you are so fabulous. You can take anything at all and make it an amazingly beautiful table scape. It is inspiring to see the many different tables you set for Thanksgiving and I will agree that these can be used at Christmas or any time. They are stunning and fun and happy and everything you! I hope that you and the girls have such a wonderful time at the Nutcracker and antiquing. Those two beauties are growing up fast! xoxo!
thank you, sweet amy! you’re gonna have to come visit, my dear!
xoxo,
edie
I love all of it! Thanks for sharing. Here’s my questions; what is your flatware. I love it also and am a flatware freak, especially old, vintage and farmhouse.
well, nancy, that’s a loaded question because i believe there are three different sets! but you’re probably talking about the ones with ‘fork’ and ‘spoon’ written on them? those are from pottery barn. and i love them. they age with a great patina. my husband on the other hand thinks they always look dirty:)))
This post makes me want to buy more plates. Thanks for that. 🙂
sadly, it makes me want more plates, too :)))
xoxo,
edie
Beautimonious.
and when are you coming to dine with me, miss shannan? bean station is calling your name!
Please share where the blue and green glassware came from! Such a creative person you are. Great ideas.
thanks, kelly! those are from a local antique store, which is where i buy most of my glassware. and usually you can only get 6 or so in a set but if i love them, i grab them, no matter how many there are!
I had 28 people at my house on Thanksgiving Day. I don’t know how you do it. We were crammed. I used paper plates and paper napkins. It was still nice, everyone got fed and the day was enjoyable, but this is amazing! Seriously lady, I bow to thee.
paper is genius! and i had LOTS of help! i also may or may not have nearly OD’d on motrin.
:)))
edie
I love how bold you are with colors and patterns!
Wow! All I can say is wow. This just blows me away. What a fun setting for a
lovely family day.
Edie–I so want to be a guest at your house and dine with you for the holidays! You make everything so special, I am sure your kids will and do have wonderful memories surrounding these special dates and all of the effort you put forth. I don’t know how you do it! BTW, adore your house–will you also decorate mine:)
nutcracker, lunch and antiquing….is there a more perfect day? Enjoy! (and what I wouldn’t give to have been an Ali or Jordie and helped you with such a wonderful occasion!)
you can come anytime, andrea! ali and jordie will be glad to relinquish their duties:))))
Beautiful, both inside and out. I love the different table settings, the non traditional stuff, and the mix of furniture. It looks downright deliberate, not necessary. And so happy. I also use sheets or duvet covers for table cloth bases! Then dress em up. How fun for the kiddos to have coloring utensils at dinner!! xoxo happy Christmassing with your girls!
I love this! Totally 100% love this! The colors are GREAT! Plus, I adore your blog… all of it. Every ounce! <3 Thankyou.
always so inspiring! LOVE!
Hi Edie. I love pretty tables and I <3 your pretty tables! So glad you shared, you busy gal!!! xxx ooo
Love all your layers of dishes and fabrics and nature.
Fabulously creative! That you “winged it” makes me like you even more (that, and the fact that you say “Mercy” 🙂
Edie, I love your fun style and your home is so beautiful and welcoming! Thanks for sharing your Thanksgiving tables — loved it all!!
Love, Love, Love….like I keep saying, your blog makes my day! I have used quilts and sheets, but never a duvet cover to cover tables….it is such fun to do the unexpected!
all fabric yearns to be a tablecloth!!!!
thank you, dear for the smiles!
Care to share the source of your tablecloth on the young adult’s table — it’s beautiful!
it was from kohl’s about a year or two ago, jackie!
i love it too and we’ve had it on every table in this house:)))
Your tables look amazing- a perfect balance of glamor and whimsy. What a feast you must have prepared to serve that crowd too! I am in awe!
Lovely, inspiring, and FUN! In perfect Edie style… 🙂
xo Heidi
Love it!! Totally screams “Edie”. Beautifully done 🙂
So gorgeous! I love the fact that you used the non-traditional colors. That is such a difficult thing for me to do. You pulled it off beautifully! Thanks for sharing!
Awww that is such a joyful bunch of tables! It really does make your guests feel special. I missed hosting 40 back in Chicago…but was so happy to decorate a wee bit for the 7 of us including 3 family from back home. It is always worth every bit of effort and I know my kids will always remember happy thanksgivings! Thanks for sharing.
It is so fun to use what you already have. And artichokes and oranges … perfect. Centerpieces you can eat later. You don’t have to store them. 🙂
Fondly,
Glenda
You inspired me last year, so, YES, I used non-traditional colors! Love, love, love the peeks into your home and life:)
edie. you are one stunningly talented lady. so blessed to know you!
I’ve made cloth napkins before but haven’t been happy with the corners…Do you have an easy way to do them? I’ve tried to mitre them but wonder if there’s a quicker way. Thanks! Yours look so happy!
This design is incredible! You most certainly know how to keep a reader amused.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well,
almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that,
how you presented it. Too cool!
In 2012, holiday tablescapes embraced themes of rustic elegance, featuring natural elements like pine cones, berries, and burlap alongside traditional motifs. Rich color palettes of deep reds, greens, and golds adorned tables, creating inviting settings for festive gatherings and celebrations.tredizzick cornwall