Thanksgiving Table 2009 and the Kid's Table too!

I recently posted a little peekaboo here of the supplies I gathered to make our Thanksgiving Day table. It's now finished and ready for Thanksgiving 2009!

Take a look before it gets messed up with turkey gravy and cranberry sauce!


My intentions for this year's setting were to have a Natural Rustic tone with a hint of elegance. I decided against using all the pillar candles and just used two candles instead. I DID use everything else previously mentioned though.

The table has all muted colors to carry peace and a calming atmosphere to the table. I really focused on bringing a lot of texture to the table for these colder months. I also worked to maintain the simple rustic feel, borrowing nature and taking it in.

I used burlap to keep the table current and updated, while the candles gave a classic timeless look.

I made a bow and tied the long burlap table runner off with an aqua-sage wired ribbon and let the burlap and ribbon pool on the floor.

I did a subtle fold on the napkins to maintain the simple look I wanted to achieve. I special ordered the color of these AMAZING tags from etsy.com!
LOVE LOVE them!
I used them to embellish the napkins. Every guest can take a moment to reflect on what they're thankful for and take the tags home.

They read "Count Your Blessings"

I made this wheat bouquet using inspiration and a tutorial from Martha Stewart. Once again, this brought the nature in...

I wrapped and glued twine around a couple of candles.

For an easy way to post the GRAND Thanksgiving menu I took a photo frame and typed out the menu. Then I easily traced some leaves onto it.

etc, etc, etc...

The kid's table was {extra} fun to play with. I found this table from Pottery Barn Kids several years ago and it has always been the boys' special table.

I've used these adorable placemats (also from Pottery Barn Kids) every year. It's a little tradition.

I spent a bit of time brainstorming a fun centerpiece and came up with nothing! Then a GIANT size thank you to Beth for inspiring me to make this CUTE Mayflower ship! She has a special talent with decorating that always excites me. I also used some inspiration from Martha Stewart too, although I will say my first attempt at making a ship was a huge failure! But I'm happy with the big basket choice.

I filled the ship with various nuts and pears.
I used burlap for the sails, sticks to keep my natural theme, and a Longaberger basket for the ship. (see this post for more of my Longaberger love affair!)For their placecards I used pears and pinned in their names.

And that's a wrap for Thanksgiving Tables 2009!

Curious minds ask me, "why go to all the fuss??"

I want a corner of comfort and warmth

A few moments in time to escape the frazzle of rushed living

A chance to still the race in our heads and calm our eyes

I want to create a haven for hearts to rest and feel loved

I want an atmosphere that captures the minutes of our holiday
creating forever memories

A place for loved ones to gather 'round with warm chatter lifting up to the ceilings

A home sweet home for the holidays

This post is linked to:
DIY Thanksgiving

DIY Holiday Highlights

Today's Creative Blog

Sharing Thanksgiving

Tablescape Thursday
Works for Me Wednesday
Show and Tell
Dare to Entertain
DIY Day