Today I’m sharing how to create an easy Thanksgiving tablescape using gourds and plaid. I’m also sharing some helpful tips on setting a pretty table, so you can concentrate on that holiday to-do-list.
Around the holidays we’re always trying to find ways to save time and money. Secretly I enjoy creating the tablescape more than anything else, and strive to come up with a new look every year. Once the table is set, I’m free to plan the menu, shop for groceries and prepare a few dishes ahead of time.
Shop Your Home
The inspiration for the color scheme started with my grandmother’s dishes. I scrounged around the house looking for something to pull in those navy, orange and yellow tones.
Vintage orange books and flannel fabric with navy, blue and brown do the trick to create a base for the table arrangement. All it takes is a yard of fabric and plaid is the perfect pattern to bring in lots of colors.
Note the edges of the fabric. The frayed edge is easy to create by pulling threads and it’s a huge timesaver not having to hem.
Reuse Fall Decor
Why buy more pumpkins and gourds when I can reuse what I already have. All these natural elements echo the colors in the dishes that I’m using and really pull the tablescape together.
For this simple arrangement I’m using seven pumpkins in various sizes and six orange gourds. The plaid flannel fabric looks a lot more interesting pushed to the center rather than laying flat and I like the random folds.
Remember my mini dried gourd garland decorating my chalkboard? Well I’m reusing those same mini bottleneck gourds at each place setting to hold place cards.
Using heavy paper for the cards, I added a hole for cotton string with a hole punch and tied a card around each gourd. You can personalize the cards or make them all alike writing thankful or gather on each one.
If you missed the mini gourd garland click Transitioning Summer to Fall Kitchen Ideas to view the post.
Mix And Match
Mix and match with vintage and modern is the name of the game. I’m using my everyday large white plates with my grandmother’s dishes. The china patterns have enough of the same colors that they coordinate really well.
I’m also using a mix of wine glasses and cloth napkins but I don’t think anyone will notice. We will all be too busy talking about the delicious turkey.
Add Candles
I love using candles, even if our Thanksgiving dinner is at two o’clock in the afternoon. Candle light sets a cozy mood and I can squeeze in votives anywhere down the center of table.
Remember to use unscented candles. You don’t want competing scents mingling with the meal, and never leave candles unattended. Safety first!
Fresh Greenery
Fresh greenery is totally optional, but I think that fresh touch of nature adds so much to the arrangement. I’m using a few clippings of pepper berry branches but seeded eucalyptus works beautifully as well.
Autumn branches and leaves are a great option too, and would certainly bring in lots of bright colors.
Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with seasonal inspiration that you can use right now!
I hope my easy Thanksgiving tablescape using gourds and plaid will inspire your cozy table setting this holiday. Be happy and safe!
Cheers!
Michelle
©2019 Easy Thanksgiving Tablescape Using Gourds And Plaid post first appeared on Thistle Key Lane™
Very pretty. I love a good tablescape. Haven’t pulled in any plaid yet…may have to give that a try. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you Denise! Plaid is always a fun addition for me and I like it’s masculine feel.
So pretty Michelle! I love your grandma’s dishes, and the plaid & books are such clever ways to incorporate the colors.Plus, the gourds for place card holders are inspired – I’m so going to copy that! Another lovely table my friend! 💗
Thank you Barbara, I hope the family will enjoy it too. The mini gourds are my favorite! 🙂
This is absolutely stunning Michelle! I adore plaid and pumpkins, and vintage dishes of course. Your pepper berry branches are just beautiful mixed in with the fall fruits. I will be featuring your lovely table at TFT this week.
Happy November!
Thank you Amber, you’re so sweet. I appreciate being featured so much! Happy November my friend!
Oh my, Michelle. Your table is absolutely stunning with gorgeous photography too. I really love the color palette you chose and the way you’ve styled your table. I need some of those dried gourds in my life.
Thank you so much for your sweet comments Crissy! I tried not to go overboard on the dried gourds but I imagine they will probably make a reappearance next year.
Hi Michelle!
Your table setting is stunning! I love the blue/rust flannel fabric, and what a great idea to fray the edges. I also love the idea of mismatched wine glasses. Thanks for sharing at Homestyle Gathering!
>>> Kim
Thank you Kim, this table has all my favorite feels for autumn and Thanksgiving!
Not surprisingly this tablescape is STUNNING! I love the plaid, the gourds the table settings you chose…it’s all totally gorgeous. You nailed it! Hugs, CoCo
Thank you CoCo! All I need now is pretty brown and white transferware like yours!
Michelle, this is such a beautiful table! I love how the colors of the throw blend so nicely with the china and the pumpkins in center!
Thank you so much Rita! The plaid really helps to highlight those blue colors that I love so much.
I’m so glad I got to see last years tablescape! I love the plaid with the plates and the gorgeous silverware with the most adorable gourds! Got some fantastic ideas for this year. Thanks so much for sharing it again. Pinned!
I’m looking for new ideas too, so thank you for including mine in your round-up! Good thing I added a new pin! 😉
Such a beautiful tablescape! I popped over from Cindy’s roundup. Such a fun idea and so glad to participate with you.
Rachel.
Thank you Rachel, I love having any excuse to use plaid!
Gorgeous table, Michelle! I love everything about it, especially your china and silverware.
Thank you Paula, they are treasured family pieces.
The plaid looks beautiful with your dishes, Michelle! Love all these colors of Autumn.
Thank you Lora, the plaid fabric has all my favorite fall colors!
I love how you’ve added plaid to your tablescape! For some reason plaid just feels like Thanksgiving and the holidays… well done!
Thank you Kori, I’m a plaid lover through and through!
I think I may have totally missed this post, Michelle! What a lovely table! So glad that Cindy shared it and I was able to see this pretty tablescape for Thanksgiving. Love all the blue and the gourds are so pretty, too! Pinned!
Thank you so much Julie! I’m still in love with these gourds this year…just can’t get enough!
Michelle, I really like this setting and the way you pulled in your grandmother’s china, the pumpkins and the plaid cloth. Pushing it into the middle is a good idea that I need to try!
Thank you so much Rachelle! I’m starting to plan our Thanksgiving table for this year and I’m sure it will include plaid again! 😉