Can you believe it? Thanksgiving is happening next week ushering in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. There is so much to do to get ready for holiday entertaining and if you’re like me you find yourself fawning over the gorgeous tablescapes that would make Martha Stewart proud. But between careers, family time, social gatherings, and laundry just to name a few who has the time to arrange such sophisticated décor?   

Well, I am here to say that creating an elegant Thanksgiving table need not be a time-consuming endeavor. You can transform your dining space into a stylish and inviting setting with easy, budget-friendly decorations.  Below are some of my tried-and-true tricks for crafting effortlessly chic centerpieces using everyday items. These are so easy that you can happily get the kids involved scavenging for supplies and/or assembling giving bored kiddos something fun to do while you enjoy a glass of wine… I mean cook the turkey.

1.      Festive Table Runner: Choose a Thanksgiving-themed table runner or create your own using fall-colored fabric. You can also use brown craft paper and let guests write down what they're thankful for directly on the runner. A runner is wonderful alternative to a full tablecloth especially if you have a wood table you like to show off. The runner adds a lovely decorative element without covering up the beauty of the table itself.

2.     Mason Jar Vases: Flowers are always a welcome touch to any centerpiece, but let’s face it professional floral arrangements while gorgeous are quite pricey. And with grocery prices still being so high, flowers might be the first thing to be axed from your holiday list this year. Don’t despair you can easily create a stunning centerpiece that’s budget friendly by using common items and greenery from your yard.

First, you will want to gather a few mason jars. You can find jars at local thrift stores, anywhere that sells canning supplies or some might be masquerading in your pantry currently holding spaghetti sauce. Fill the jars with fall leaves, branch clippings I like to work with small olive branch twigs and seasonal flowers, such as sunflowers, mums, marigolds, or alstroemeria in mason jars and scatter them down the table.

The size and number of jars will depend on your table. For example, if you have a round table seating six guests you could go with a large jar in the center or a collection of smaller jars gathered together in the center. Whereas three medium sized jars (16 oz) would work best on a rectangle or oval table.  Tie twine or ribbon around the jars for a little seasonal pizzaz. This simple arrangement brings a touch of country charm to the table.

3.      Candlelight:  The soft glow and flicker of candlelight can transform a warehouse into an enchanting space. Imagine what a few candles can do for your dining room! Place candles of varying heights and sizes down the center of the table. Consider using candle holders in fall colors or metallic tones. If open flame is a concern, choose battery operated options for the same effect. The warm glow will create a cozy atmosphere for your Thanksgiving dinner.

4.     Mini Pumpkins: Use small pumpkins or gourds as place card holders. Attach a name tag to each pumpkin and place them at each setting. This adds a personalized and charming element to the table.

5.    Rustic Charger Plates: Wooden or woven charger plates add a rustic touch to each place setting. These can complement a variety of table settings and add texture to the overall look.

Use one or a combination of the suggestions above to serve up a simple yet stunning holiday table. The effortless charm of these décor ideas allows you to focus on what truly matters – enjoying delectable food, delightful company, and of course great wine!

Speaking of wine, there’s still time to find your Thanksgiving wine.  Check out the featured tasting rooms below to help you hunt the perfect turkey wine.

Featured Tasting Rooms

Enjoy a weekend in wine country hunting for Thanksgiving wines to share with loved ones this holiday...

Festive Events

To make your holiday spirits bright