I thought it might be helpful with Thanksgiving coming up to give you some fun ideas for a lovely dining table. If you’ve been with me for any period of time you know I rarely use flowers on my tables. Don’t get me wrong I love my flowers but I’m cheap! I’de much rather shop the house and let it evolve.
Last year we had just gotten back from our trip down south and that table was inspired by things we saw and things we picked up while sprinting across the south. I have to say that was one of my favorite tables ever.
When planning a table I do want to make it an event. The event is strictly for my own pleasure. I want to walk into that space and initially gasp and say to myself oh yeah this is sooo good. Do I always achieve this standard? No absolutely not, but that is what I strive for. Last year I managed it, so I thought I would share it and a few other tables to give you some inspiration.
The thing that inspired me with this table was the vintage Wedgewood bowl I picked up in Franklin TN, and the William Sonoma salad plates I had purchased the previous year. Usually I start by deciding on which dishes I will use. Then I start playing with table linens.
On this table the only linens I used were the embroidered napkins I made with pomegranates on them. My table runner became faux greens from my stash.
And again a nod to the vacation with this great piece of coral I picked up in Florida.
The key for me is to just keep playing. Adding and subtracting until you feel it is done. I’ve been known to start with an idea and completely strip it and start again. It’s just part of the process.
A simple brass lantern quite grand in scale is the centerpiece for my round table on the deck. Though this table is set outside in September it could be equally at home for Thanksgiving cozy warm with a fire going. Well maybe not in this house but I can dream!
Starting with a khaki and navy toile table square to soften the edges of the metal table I layered square rope mats. Adding in the blue and white dishes bought years ago for a song at Pottery Barn this very simple table started to take shape. Blue and white stripe napkins again with embroidery add a bit of softness.
Instead of placing pillar candles on the inside the lantern, I used some books, a small crusty pot with an apple, and sitting in a bed of rose hips is a hand carved wooden bird. Surrounded by “debris” from the falling leaves of the wisteria I think this table could absolutely work for Thanksgiving.
Moving around the table I added a beautiful porcelain pomegranate in a yellow ware bowl with more rose hips.
An amber colored bottle picked up in the Lewis and Clark Exhibit in St Louis, adds a punctuation mark and was the inspiration for adding the yellow apples.
Another very simple table that would work beautifully for Thanksgiving is this table I did in our kitchen.
A nothing special day. I just felt like setting a table, grabbing some things I had easily at hand.
I kind of liked this nothing special day table!
One thing I do religiously is sit at every place at the table. It is one thing to look down on a table and an entirely different experience to actually sit in the space. See how it is viewed, an equally as important how it functions from every chair.
I hope this gives you a few ideas and inspiration this Tuesday before the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. What will my table look like this year? I don’t have a clue! As soon as I know so will you. Stay tuned.
Thanks for stopping
Shelley
