A Thanksgiving Table to Remember

Tara

I am so excited to finally have a dining room table--just in time for the holidays! If you know me, you know that I love dishes, linens, and serving pieces, so you know I was just itching to set my new table for Thanksgiving! I pulled out my fancy things and went to work.

---

I shared a post earlier this year about using your special things to make an ordinary get-together a memorable event. Here's just one thought from that post:

“Take the time to pull out your fancy and special pieces to make your next occasion all the more exciting. A few extra minutes for clean up is well worth the result. Being expensive isn't what makes a piece special, it's all the memories shared over those pieces that will one day tell a story. I can't wait to add more memories to my things and have a home filled with all that love.”

I know that most people these days opt for the paper plates and disposable cups at Thanksgiving—but what if we really were intentional about our time spent with family and friends and created opportunities to love on, encourage and talk with one another? Yes, disposable items take the hassle out of clean up, but clean up can be fun! I can remember watching the women in my family all stay in the kitchen after a meal sharing in the clean up and talking all the while. What they talked about, I don't know—but I do know that they were together.  

Using your special things doesn't just look pretty to your guests, but it makes them feel special! The place cards we created and used are another way to make your guests feel special.
“Because of this day--a day when a heart full of gratitude meets a home full of love, laughter and a lot of food--we want to share a sweet and simple printable for you and yours.  This place card printable is a quick and easy way to begin your day being thankful for those that fill your home.  Take a moment to reflect on each name as you write it in.  Take this opportunity to thank The Lord for the place that each of these names hold in your life and heart.”

I am so thankful for Phillip and the family that came along with him. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people in my life and I hope that I can show them how much they are appreciated and loved this holiday season.

Now, have you been wondering what in the world is on my table?  Well let me just tell you.  I used my fine china, crystal glasses, vintage silver plate flatware and linen napkins--all of which were wedding gifts!  I scattered votive holders around the center tray to add a little sass.

Inside the tray, I temporarily "arranged" some of my favorite plants. (I literally "borrowed" them from my yard!)  I have fallen in love with ornamental cabbages this Fall and I can't get enough of them!  They love sunlight, cool weather, well drained soil and a moderate amount of water.  For these reasons, they must be planted outside and should not stay in my tray for long.  I also added a few varieties from my succulent garden to break things up a bit.  Who doesn't love succulents?  Finally, I gathered a couple of colorful acorn squash to add a harvest touch to my centerpiece.  

A few helpful hints:
The tray I chose to use was a wooden decorative one--so I was sure to line it with tin foil before I started.  The plant-filled tray should not be used more than a day or two since it is only for decorative purposes.  I made sure the soil was a bit damp before I started rather than feeling the need to water my arrangement once I was finished. (That could result in a mess!)  Be sure to return your plants to their happy place once your special occasion is over to ensure that they remain healthy.