Size and shape are important things to think about when setting up a beautiful Thanksgiving table. Buffy Hargett Miller, a floral expert and craft genius, explains how to set three different table shapes: rectangular, square, and oval. A color palette comes in each package, as well as a linen selection, setup style, and floral centerpiece that is tailored to the shape of the table.
To ensure that the proper height of your tablecloth hangs from the edge of the surface of the table to the bottom of the draped cloth, it should be 12 to 15 inches. That way your tablecloth is not too short or lengthy. Miller also demonstrates how to make a lovely flower centerpiece to serve as a focal point for the tablecloth. With these simple ideas and methods, your table will be set for a lovely Thanksgiving feast.
Setting a Rectangular Thanksgiving Table
The Color Scheme: A color scheme of blue and white sets the tone for this table, which is covered with rich autumnal tones and textures. The monogrammed silver goblets and silverware add a classic touch to the ensemble.
Linens: Use layers to highlight an appealing wood surface. A runner was created from fabric purchased from a craft store that was inspired by the color scheme. TIP: Purchase extra fabric to extend the runner 12 to 15 inches beyond both ends of your table.
The Style of Setup: If your hosting mentality is the more, the merrier, your benevolent spirit will appreciate the extra square footage. A long table seats a lot of people and may be dressed up with formal dinnerware and your best silver for a more formal setting.
Setting a large table is a balancing act: the layout should run the length of the surface. To make a traditional cornucopia, we chose a variety of fresh fall fruits, flowers, vegetables, and greens.
Rectangular Table Centerpiece Instructions
Materials: Gather things like a rectangular galvanized-metal basket, Fuji apples, aspidistra leaves, golden beets, florist picks, crabapples, acorn squash, radishes, mini Callas, sorghum, fall foliage, and glass pumpkins.
Step 1: Select a strong container that is large enough to hold a vast bounty. This galvanized-metal basket is a contemporary alternative that complements the silver objects on the table.
Step 2: Line the interior of the metal basket with florist foil to keep water from dripping onto the table. Make a base out of moistened florist foam blocks, covering as much surface area as possible.
Step 3: Use natural things, like aspidistra leaves, to decorate the florist foam and foil. Then use florist picks to fasten it.
Fill the basket with layers of fruits and veggies, beginning in the center. Hold loose flowers, sorghum, and greenery along the length of the table with florist picks. Around the container’s edges, insert extra vegetables and glass pumpkins.
Setting a Round Thanksgiving Table
The Palette: Your style will be influenced by where you place your table. The geometric two-tone carpeting in this area inspired the earthy tabletop color scheme of copper, golden yellow, and teal.
The Bedding: Choose a rich autumnal shade instead of the traditional white tablecloth for Thanksgiving. The use of contrasting linens, such as the warm and inviting appearance of marigold and teal on the table.
The Style of Setup: A round table is ideal for an intimate gathering focused on family, friends, and food. The room feels celebratory but not stuffy when you add gold-tone goblets, stemless wine glasses, and natural bone flatware.
The Centerpiece: All of your guests’ attention will be drawn to the center of a round table. The idea is to create a lovely, low-key arrangement that promotes dinner discussion.
Round Table Centerpiece Instructions
Materials: This arrangement includes purple onions, green and purple cabbage, cranberry gerbera daisies, Brussels sprouts, florist picks, antique hydrangeas, sedum, and yellow billy balls.
Step 1: To get a unified effect, select a dish that is near the color of the table linens. A circular ceramic bowl with golden undertones was our choice.
Step 2: Place for a longer period of time a block of soaked florist foam inside the container to secure your flowers and keep them fresh.
Step 3: When filling a round bowl, put related items together to give the appearance of order. Begin with the cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and onions in the center and secure with florist picks. Then add large-headed blooms (hydrangeas) and fillers like daisies, sedum, and billy balls.
Setting an Oval Thanksgiving Table
Setting the Palette: Allow the china pattern to guide the table design. The purple, red, and green color scheme was inspired by location settings such as Forest Walk by Juliska. Lavender accents the deep brown wood of the table, showing its warm undertones.
Linens: Placemats can feel casual, so if your naked table is lovely, build around that. Small, colorful accessories, such as these lavender napkins, add stylish pops of color.
The Style of Setup: When you start with a neutral wood base, the possibilities are unlimited. First, decide on the level of formality for your event. Even fine dishes need a focal point, such as the gilded flatware and gold napkin rings used here.
Instead of a traditional vase, select a conversation piece, such as a family treasure. Flowers of different heights are placed diagonally in the silver bowl for a surprising touch.
Oval Table Centerpiece Instructions
For an Oval Centerpiece, use a silver dish, florist foam, dark purple dahlias, pale purple mums, green and pink roses, hanging Amaranthus, chartreuse pears on branches, scabiosa, and poppy pods.
Step 1: Starting with the basics, a formal tablescape necessitates something especially exceptional. You may want to look through your or your mother’s silver collection for something unique that conveys a family story during the holidays.
Step 2: Fill the vessel with water-soaked florist foam, which will help your flowers last longer and act as a solid platform for inserting, modifying, and shifting stems.
Step 3: Begin in the middle of your arrangement and fill it with eye-catching blooms like dahlias, mums, and roses. Then, add overflowing “spillers” like hanging Amaranthus and pears on trees. Fill in the gaps with scabiosa, poppy pods, and other roses.