Thanksgiving might just be our favourite holiday. There are no gifts to buy, no cards to send, no trees to decorate or lights to put up, no religious services to attend, no pressure to do anything except gather around a table and share a meal with people you love.
All that said, we want to make some effort, especially when it comes to setting a beautiful table that celebrates the harvest. Here are just a few ideas that you can easily pull together in time for the big bird on Monday:
1. Fill simple vases, pitchers or mason jars with flowers in autumnal hues of red, orange and gold, then arrange them along the middle of the table. Keep them low enough that people can see over them, though.
2. Layer linens (tablecloth, runner, napkins) in textured fabrics and earthy tones.
3. Bundle the cutlery in linen napkins, then attach name cards with gold ribbon, raffia or twine tied in a pretty bow. Even better: Tuck pine cones, acorns or fall leaves under the bow.
4. Light beeswax tapers for a beautiful aroma and flattering golden glow. Plus they’ll clean the air while they burn.
5. Scatter cheery gourds and branches with fall leaves around the table; wind teensy fairy lights through them or tuck battery-operated tea lights among them.
6. Consider glassware — new or vintage — in fall colours like amber and cranberry.
7. If Thanksgiving is a big deal at your house, invest in theme-y dishware like vintage turkey- or pumpkin-patterned plates by Spode or contemporary ones from Pottery Barn. And be sure to add a few platters in versatile fall hues like gold or olive.
