Thanksgiving Table Tips

The Thanksgiving Table is one of the first welcoming sights of the holiday season. No matter how simple or grand here are some must consider tips for your table.

I interviewed a dear friend and entertaining expert, Tina Schaible of to_mimishousewego to gain insight into creating a memorable Thanksgiving table. We’ve even added some ideas on being COVID careful!!!

This week Tina and I will cover how to create a celebratory and memorable Thanksgiving Table.

Celebrate the Season

Regardless of the size of your gathering, decorating with harvest inspired elements is a great way to add elegance and fun to your table. Taking ideas straight from mother nature is one of my favorite ways to be inspired for my table. The table decor doesn’t need to be grand or expensive, the care and thought you take in creating a beautiful table is what matters most.

Tina’s Tip: I love to layer! I always start with a fabulous table runner or table cloth. Then I place a charger, and plates of various sizes on top. In between the plates I’ll sneak in a napkin. The layers add texture and create depth. Top it off with pretty glassware and silverware!

Consider the Seating

As you consider how to celebrate with family, it’s important to keep everyone in mind. Sometimes one table makes sense other years a second is a smart idea too. The kiddos may enjoy a special kid themed table too! Also keep in mind, with COVID, plenty of elbow room for out of town company.

Will you have little ones at your celebration? Keep them busy with making table cards, placemats, or helping cook something easy and fun in the kitchen.

Tina’s Tip: At every seat I include an unexpected treat for each guest. It’s festive and thoughtful. I call these little gifts a sussy. It adds to the celebration and decor at the table.

Thanksgiving Table Centerpiece

Let’s be honest, the food is really the star of the show on Thanksgiving. So as you place your centerpiece down the table keep in mind how you will be filling your plates as well. Will you eat family style, or begin at a buffet then move to the table? Where will you fill your drinks? Keep these dinner elements in mind as you design your centerpiece.

Once you have the centerpiece in place keep in mind it’s height. Can your guests see across the table to talk, visit, and celebrate? Is anything obstructing their view? This is largely personal preference. I always like to keep in mind the purpose of our gathering, to celebrate our blessings and each other!

Tina’s Tip: I always use candles in my centerpiece. It adds just the right finishing touch to any table.

COVID Careful

Covid is on everyone’s minds as we enter the holiday season. We can still have beautiful and careful gatherings with our loved ones by keeping just a few things in mind.

• Stock your bathroom with fresh linens and sanitized items.
• Deeply and throughly clean all cooking and dining surfaces often.
• If guests are wearing masks, consider buying some for your company as their party favor or take home gift.
• Separate out utensils with silverware pouches like this.
• Create individual appetizer samplers for each guest. So everyone just takes their own serving of delicious starters.
• If possible give a little more space between each person’s place setting.

Tina’s Tip: Set up one or more thoughtful hand washing stations with hand sanitizer. Make sure these areas are visible and accessible to everyone. It’s such a small idea but goes a long way to being conscientious of everyone.

A Welcoming Thanksgiving Table

The goal of any Thanksgiving table is to welcome your guests. Thoughtful layers, height, color, decor, and sussies will easily gather your family and friends around their places with excitement. Add to these ideas a few conscientious tips to make your 2020 holiday celebration safe and healthy, it will be a day to remember!

I’m so grateful to Tina for lending her words and expertise to this week’s post.

Follow her creative and inspirational journey on Instagram and Pinterest. Her home decor, entertaining, cooking and gift giving ideas will keep you inspired all year round.

With hope for you and your intentional home,