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A Place to Gather

Hi, friends!

Well, my guess is that in a few short weeks, many of us will be hosting people for Thanksgiving Day. I am not sure about you, but I have often found that this holiday is sometimes glossed over, being sandwiched between a growing emergence of halloween and harvest festivities and an earlier and earlier onset for Christmas prep! All good things mind you, but they don’t exactly carve out the right tenor and tone for as special a holiday as Thanksgiving. After all, if there is one attitude in life we should all be pursuant of it’s an attitude of thanks.

So today, I am sharing some beautiful design ideas with you as you plan for your day and get ready to host guests. I think it’s important to create a space that draws people in and allows them to gather and be grateful together! To do this, I like to create a warm & welcoming atmosphere that has a few touches of nostalgia for my holiday gatherings.

Below, I have outlined, step by step on how to do this your home. And by the way, Step Four might just be my favorite part!

STEP ONE: GET INSPIRED

Below are two beautifully dressed tables set for guests to come, eat, and commune with one another.

STEP TWO: ASSESS TABLE & SEATING

Maybe you don’t need a new table and chairs, but in case you are looking, here are some ideas for you:

Custom Tables from FunCycled

You could also consider having FunCycled custom build a table that fits your style and needs exactly. I am sharing just TWO of SEVERAL that we have designed and built over the last several years. I encourage you to browse all of our options on our Custom Built Furniture page.

STEP THREE: TIME TO DECORATE

LAYER ONE: Table Runner & Garland

This layer should introduce some low texture to the table. I like table runners and garland for this job.

LAYER TWO: Place Settings

Some may choose to do this after creating a centerpiece, but I think it works better to understand the flow and space needed for plates, napkins, glasses, etc. first.

Placemats or Chargers

Napkins (cloth or paper)

Flatware

Glasses

LAYER THREE: Create the Perfect Centerpiece

Start with something large for the middle. I like to start with something vintage, like a vintage pitcher or vase and add fresh flowers or even dried florals. Adding touches of mercury glass or faux dried stems will help create this effect if you don’t have something readily available.

Candlesticks

Using a variety of heights, materials and textures adds warmth to the table.

Table Scatter

STEP FOUR: Time to Give Thanks

Set aside some time to remind your guests why everyone is gathered on this day. Here are some ways to do this:

  • Leave a personal note of thanks to each guest.
  • Add special quotes about gratitude and thankfulness at each place setting.
  • Provide a prompting question at each guest’s plate & then ask quests to share their responses with the table.

Notes and messages could be added to a napkin ring or out of a personalized cornucopia stuffed with greenery or even lined with parchment paper and filled with a small fruit salad. Have fun with this and make it your own!

Thank you all for following along! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture at the top of this page. 

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Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ;)

Note some of the the links provided are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from any qualifying purchases.