While I realize that Thanksgiving is over and NOW EVERYONE is in Christmas mode, I still wanted to share my Thanksgiving table because the structure and ideas would translate perfectly into your Christmas table decor as well.
So, sit down.
Grab a leftover turkey sandwich and check out my table.
I had gathered some new materials, mostly from the Dollar Tree, but also from Hobby Lobby and Wal*Mart.
The "Thankful" blocks from Dollar Tree set the color scheme.
Buffalo check and traditional fall colors.
I have a gigantic roll of brown paper that I purchased from Amazon. (This roll has done so many different projects and there's still tons left!)
I cut two equally long pieces and placed them on my table.
I had to overlap because I wanted it as a "band" on the table and not a total covering.
Using a tape runner (but two-sided tape or a glue stick would work as well), I connected the two lengths side by side.
Doing this allowed me to work with the two pieces as one big piece.
It kept things even on both ends as well.
I made sure that I had about 6 inches overlapping on both sides of the table.
I wanted to turn my overlap into a scalloped edge, so I grabbed this small condiment cup as my guide.
I used a pencil to draw my scallop, moving the cup from the middle point down to the ends.
Starting the scallops in the middle of the paper allowed me to have an even number on both sides.
I took my scissors and hand-cut each scallop. It took no time to have both sides done.
I centered the paper on the table and made sharp creases on both edges.
Now comes the easy part...
Dollar Tree glass cylinders, candles, and black sand were easy to assemble.
I put about an inch of sand in first, dropped a candle in and nestled it down in the sand a bit, then added a bit more sand around the edges.
I laid the table runner perpendicular to the brown paper.
I added a short riser, the "Thankful" blocks, and the candle holders.
After that, I added the three floral arrangements and worked my new and old decor in and among them.
The wired burlap leaves from the Dollar Tree were a great addition especially because there were easily manipulated to curl up and give the centerpiece some height and texture.
All of the glass, burlap, and plastic pumpkins were from the Dollar Tree as well.
I scattered them around the middle floral arrangement, making sure to trail them out and around the candle holders.
I had grabbed 4 dinner and 4 dessert/bread plates from the Dollar Tree.
These are a pretty creamy-white with a gold band edging. I'm not a china girl, but for something formal like Thanksgiving, these plates are a great, affordable alternative to expensive, rarely used china.
If you purchase them, they can only be hand-washed and NEVER placed in the microwave.
I only bought 4 because if I have more than 4 guests I'm going with paper plates!
I made napkin holders from Dollar Tree napkin rings, some cooking twine, and Dollar Tree wooden leaves.
I created them similar to the ones I shared previously on this blog.
The full place setting looked like this.
The emerald green wine glass is from, you guessed it, the Dollar Tree.
The silverware is mine. I am not sure of the name since I've had it for years, but here are some similar styles.
When I was done, here was my table, ready for our Thanksgiving feast.
We were a small group of 4 this year, but we had a great time and dinner was a no-fuss, no stress experience.
I loved the views from all the different angles in my dining room.
For my two guests, I created some simple gift bags.
I created the turkey tag right on the computer with some free clip art images and added a ribbon from a Dollar Tree roll.
Each guest got some candy and holiday tea towels.
I would be remiss if I didn't share just a bit of the organization behind the scenes of dinner preparation.
The day before a big gathering where I'm doing the majority of the cooking I set up all my needed tools, serving dished and utensils, and recipes.
Yes, they are laminated, but when you are working with lots of food at one time you can make a mess of paper recipes that are not protected.
I make sure to write the time that I needed to get each dish in the oven, crockpot, or roaster.
Doing this lets me mentally plan the day out so I know when I have time to get myself in the shower and ready for guests.
Whether you are planning a big or small dinner, don't overlook creating a beautiful table setting.
Pick something as a theme - colors, decor items, season, or special occasion.
Look for affordable items that you can make look expensive.
There are no rules that it has to be over the top AND costly to boot.
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