Table Inspiration

It’s that time of the year.  The days have gotten shorter, and there has been a shift in the seasons.  That means the holidays are upon us.  Many of you may have spent this past weekend travelling to see family and friends for Thanksgiving.  Or maybe you hosted this meal at your house.  Although this month can be stressful with hectic holiday schedules, Thanksgiving is a great way to kick it all off, because the true essence of this day is to take a moment and appreciate what we have.

I love the act of gathering around the table with family, and feasting on a meal that was prepared with love.  And when I host, one of the things that I spend special attention to is not just the meal, but the table.  Of course, it is important to have ample seating and a comfortable place for your guests.  But what I truly love is setting the mood, and I do this by creating a unique table setting that leaves a lasting impression.

You may be surprised how easily you do this by collecting things from around your house or second-hand stores. The food should steal the show, but it is always nice to provide a lovely background.  If you aren’t sure how to achieve this, the following ideas and sites can provide some inspiration for your next big (or small) event.  Remember, it is all in the details.

Tip #1:  Using food as part of the décor is an affordable way to spice up the table.

 www.hgtv.com

 Tip #2: Floral centerpieces can be real showstoppers.  Think about using pumpkins or gourdes as vases, and mixing in fall leaves with the autumn colors.

 

www.housebeautiful.com

Tip #3:  Personal touches such as name cards are a great way to create an elegant and inclusive atmosphere.

 www.elledecor.com

Tip #4: Don’t forget about the kiddos.  Creating an interactive space for the younger ones is beneficial to both the adults and kids.

 www.hgtv.com

 Entertaining doesn’t always have to be stressful.  Most of the time, the little things that you obsess over aren’t even noticed by your guests.  But this year, instead of just spending all your time focusing on the food, get creative and try to spice up your decoration game.  A few simple tricks and techniques can really wow your family and friends.