If you want a refined elegant fall look without a lot of hassle or spending a ton of money, have I got a plan for you. This year’s fall tablescape came together so quickly it made my head spin. And I’m bucking traditional colors and going with my decorating go-to…blue.
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While admittedly we are accustomed to large family gatherings with lots of aluminum foil and paper plates; I still love to set a Thanksgiving table. Even if it is just to look at.
But I don’t like storing a ton of fall décor because my home simply doesn’t have the space. I have ONE bin of fall stuff. That’s it! If it doesn’t fit in the bin, it can’t stick around. That requires a bit of resourcefulness as well as the need to use everyday staples for any seasonal decorating I want to do.
(I have a free checklist in my Free Decorating Library to help you keep the essentials here). To help with keeping within budget, I suggest investing in quality pieces over time. Don’t attempt to purchase your whole buffet cabinet needs at once!
Much of my décor comes from clearance aisles, couponing coups and thrift. stores.
RELATED: How to Conquer Thrift Store Shopping for Home Decor
How to Set Up Your Blue Thanksgiving Table Decor
Start with a base tablecloth. I used blue because it’s my go-to. A simple polyester table cloth that I can throw in the dryer—no ironing for me thank you very much.
Add the centerpiece base (similar) for spacing, but don’t get into doing the centerpiece just yet. I threw on some Gold Vinyl Place Mats . You can get these just about anywhere.
The key to beautiful blue thanksgiving table decor is layering. LOTS of layering-especially the place settings. Back in the day when I decorated for events, I used to have a mantra that the guest tables should be so full it was borderline junky.
Full tables are yum!
So on top of the placemats, I layered on basic chargers. I picked up these Silver Plated Chargers at the thrift store, but Dollar Tree chargers would be perfect.
Next a basic plate and a basic napkin folded in a BASIC fold. Are you getting that? BASIC!
Girl, glam and beautiful does not have to be fussy. Easy is where it’s at!
My extra? The show-stopping gold porcelain pumpkin plates. They were my ‘fall splurge’ at 3.99 each. I bought four last year at Home Goods and pick up two more this year. They are the only real wow on the table. The set comes with dinner plates and coffee mugs, but I opted for just the saucers.
Now I’m going to give you the link to these, but beware: I could only find them on eBay and they are NOT Cheap. Luxe by Ciroa Pumpkin Plates. I found them two years in a row at Home Goods, so chances are they’ll be back next year.
The blue thanksgiving table décor is really set off by the great combination of the tablecloth and the pumpkin plates. They are the stars of the show. Everything else is just a supporting accessory. The centerpiece even takes a back seat.
TIP: Buy seasonal and decorative saucers instead of plates or full sets. you’ll save money and storage space, yet add the decor flare you’re looking for.
Finish off Your Table Setting with an Easy Pumpkin Centerpiece
My simple thanksgiving centerpiece is a combination of a wood platter, a few fall berries and the easiest fabric wrapped pumpkin you’ll ever make. I scattered on a few dollar pumpkins for fullness and a pop of blue. A also added two thrifted candlesticks and some Dollar Tree candles.
Just because it cost you pennies, doesn’t mean it has to look cheap!
For an even fuller look, go ahead and spread your silverware. Use your basics or upgrade to gold, copper or black. Just make sure you can use it in several tablescapes. I’m not a fan of buying products for one-time use.
Next, I added my Dollar Tree gold-rimmed glasses. Setting a complete table gives the wow factor you’re really after.
Look how much style creeps in on that table when you set the silverware and glasses in place?
Crazy right?
I told you this table is pretty effortless but it’s still drop-dead gorgeous for fall and sigh…even though yet again it won’t see a Thanksgiving sit down; I still adore just looking at it.
No cute pumpkin plates? No problem
Ok so what if you don’t have those amazing pumpkin plates? You can still get a gorgeous look using dollar tree leaves on the napkin.
Here’s a basic greenery stuck in the napkin ring. I even simplified this one by removing the vinyl placemat and went with a basic gold dollar tree charger. Still beautiful.
Change the look by making minor adjustments. No fuss!!!
Shop the Look: Blue & Gold Thanksgiving Table Decor
Blue Table Cloth | Gold Vinyl Place Mats | Wood Serving Platter |Silver Plated Chargers |Luxe by Ciroa Pumpkin Plates. | Gold Rimmed Glasses | Gold Servingware
Thanksgiving will be stressful enough with timing the turkey and the mac and cheese, managing the kiddos and wondering if cousin such and such is gonna mess up the sweet potato pies. Set an easy table with the blue décor as your wow and call it a day!
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