Houzzers' Tablescapes Capture the Thanksgiving Spirit

We put out the call, and Houzzers answered, sharing their Thanksgiving tablescape traditions and twists. Here's a smattering of what these clever table setters are up to.

Becky from the blog This Is Happiness keeps things simple but adds special touches to remind her guests what the day is all about. "My kids are 7 and 4 1/2," she says, "so I included a simple note with the words 'I am thankful for' so they could think about and write down what they are thankful for this holiday season."


"I kept my Thanksgiving tablescape simple using an old reclaimed wood plank as my center runner," she says. "I added burlap and jute ribbon on top to add texture and layers. My centerpiece basket contains pinecones that my daughter collected, and the greenery is from our landscape." White plates and glass candleholders finish off the look.


"Pumpkins, fall colors and candles abound in our Thanksgiving tablescape," says Houzz user christiebishop.


Her stunning arrangements set the fall color palette. "I fill gold rectangular vases with an assortment of flowers in fall colors — off-whites, burnt oranges and cranberry," she says. "I even add a stick of two of ornamental eggplants, otherwise known as 'pumpkin on a stick.'" Then she scatters mini pumpkins, more gourds and white votive candles around the table.


"I have the great pleasure of hosting Thanksgiving at my house this year," says Houzz user melissaskidmore. "I will set three tables, but this is the most formal one in the dining room. I can't wait for a day of family, food and fun!"


Houzz user minasteen continues family traditions that go back for generations while adding new traditions as well. "My grandmother had great linens, and my mother had great English sterling silver; Thanksgiving is a time when I most often think of them," she says. "In tribute, I created this table setting and will use Mom's china and crystal next week. The fabulous turkey is my new acquisition and a real prize!"


Blogger Kim Nichols is joining in on the fun even though she isn't hosting Thanksgiving this year. She used all of the beautiful blue and white pottery she already had in her dining room to create a gracious table to admire every day. "I would not do a tall centerpiece if we were actually eating here. This is strictly for looks," she says.


Houzz user clevor1 has so many guests coming that her tables will span several rooms in the house. "This year, 30 of us will sit together at one table ... the tables span a dining room, foyer and living room," she explains. "It's fun to have everyone eating at the same time. The tables, tablecloths and plates are a variety of sizes and colors. The centerpieces have to be simple and slim for the center of the tables. Not too formal but very fun!"


Ornamental pumpkins, a horn of plenty and fresh flowers adorn this sophisticated table dressed by Houzz user sellis854.


Houzzers make sure the kids' tables are special too. Nikilamo ensures that the kids are happy beyond turkey time. She found the instructions for a paper bag popcorn turkey on MarthaStewart.com. "I did a kids' table where we created a paper bag turkey filled with popcorn ... the kids had their own turkey they could tear into for carmel corn and popcorn for snacking on after the big meal," she says.


"I made a turkey cookie bouquet for a centerpiece," says lisasplace07. "It would be great for a kids' table."


Houzz user lolabullock left crayons out so that guests could draw on the paper tablecloth, a move that keeps little ones happy. "I ended up with lots of great table art!" she says.


Moving back to grown-up land, Houzz user pursue starts off with an antique linen tablecloth and then adds layers of textiles, china and glass, including glass chargers, Fioriware dinner plates and Gien salad plates.


Princicrib sets each place with wedding china, crystal and silver, then adds Mackenzie Child napkin rings and velvet pumpkins.


Tapcag1 pulls out her favorite Thanksgiving tablecloth to inspire an elegant table.


Gschneider wanted to keep the table "simple but warm, so we filled wooden trays with lots of candles and layered with red and brown leathery leaves," she says. "It went well with the wooden tables, ivory ironstone and some vintage silver pieces."


She dressed the food and drink serving areas with more leaves from the yard.


Houzz user twilcox's Pottery Barn table runner inspired her to try something new with her centerpiece. "I'm not sure if you can see the ceramic turkey salt and pepper shakers, but they are hand-me-downs from my grandmother," she says. I cherish them and use them every year!"


Kathia Emery of Emery & Associates Interior Design says, "Blue and white china always makes me happy!" The china is layered atop a vintage linen tablecloth with lace inserts, and someone special watches over the festivities. "An antique watercolor of Lao Tzu looks down on the table as if giving a blessing," she says.


Elisespeaks searched all around the house for centerpiece items. "I used a combination of organic materials, glass, candles and stuff I found around the house to put together this sprawling centerpiece," she says.


Viktoria Proctor finally felt settled in a new home thanks to Thanksgiving. "Last year we went through an extensive house remodel and moved back in early October," she says. "Thanksgiving was the first time we sat back and got to relax a little bit. You can see all the boxes and toys on the picture ... I had to pull out my Johnson Brothers Heritage Hall china that we use every year."


Szpinky honored the pumpkin last year with a pumpkin-embellished tablecloth, pumpkin dishes and pumpkin place card holders.


The warm accent wall in dbennett5's dining room lends itself well to a cozy dinner gathering.


Nikilamo integrates a favorite color into the Thanksgiving tablescape, saying, "I love robin's egg blue, so I will do anything to make it work into any holiday!"


Finally, Houzzers like to honor the history of our American holiday. "I bought these pilgrims several years ago but just purchased the mercury glass this year," says kimscouncil. "Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday."

Share your own fall decorating photo below — and be sure to take pictures of this year's Thanksgiving table. Then keep your eyes open for the Houzz Call for your Christmas decorating ideas!

URL: Houzzers' Tablescapes Capture the Thanksgiving Spirit http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-25091.html