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Thanksgiving Tablescape 2013

ByAnn Drake

Classically Vintage Tablescape using neutral colors and natural elements.I can’t believe Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away. I don’t have a crowd coming but I thought I had better put together my Thanksgiving Tablescape for 2013. I kept things simple, neutral and natural. 

Neutral Thanksgiving Tablescape using Natural ElementsAs always, I started with the linens. I looked at what I had and honestly, it all seemed sort of tired and old. I don’t mind old at all and love pretty much anything that’s vintage. There’s a fine line between old and vintage though…and some of my linens fall into the old category!

DIY place card for Thanksgiving TablescapeSo off I went to Pier 1. These place mats and salad plates were the inspiration I needed to put together a neutral yet welcoming table. Oh…and they were all on sale. I made the napkins from linen I already had. I cut 18 inch squares and frayed all the edges. After being washed they turned soft and the frayed edge was lovely. Here is a detailed tutorial on how to do the napkins: No Sew DIY Linen Napkins.

Linen, Rosemary and Twine DIY napkin for Thanksgiving Table SettingI picked up pears to use as place card holders. I wanted to use Bosc pears because they are my favorite…but I couldn’t get any of them to stand up. You should have seen me in the Kroger store trying to find four with a flat bottom. I finally gave up and got these Anjou pears which in the end was a better choice because of the color. They pop right off the plates.

DIY Place Card for Thanksgiving DinnerThe brown tags are from Hobby Lobby and I stamped them with our names. I cut boxwood from my bushes and filled four little stoneware pitchers. I added a sprig of Rosemary and placed them at each setting. 

Natural Elements like Rosemary and Pears make for a perfect Thanksgiving Table SettingThe centerpiece is more boxwood with pine cones nestled on top. I will be back tomorrow to show you how I put this together…it was so easy and quick. If I remember to add water it just might last until Christmas. That’s the plan anyway!

DIY Boxwood and Pine Cone CenterpieceInspiration for table settings can be hard…sometimes you see something you like but don’t have any of the components. I’ve got just the thing to help you find something that will work for you. I’m joining 19 other bloggers and we’re sharing our Thanksgiving tablescapes over 4 days. All the links are below.  These bloggers have fabulous style and I’m very glad to be listed among them. 

Monday, Nov 11th 

Marty’s Musings

Sophia’s

Celebrating Everyday Life with Jennifer Carroll

On Sutton Place

Making Lemonade 

Tuesday, Nov 12th

Worthing Court

Home Is Where the Boat Is

Backporch Musings

Stone Gable

Kirb Appeal

Wednesday, November 13

The Everyday Home

At The Picket Fence

Between Naps On The Porch

Craftberry Bush

Cedar Hill Farmhouse

Thursday, November 14

The Lilypad Cottage

Atta Girl Says

All Things Heart And Home

Top This Top That

Town And Country Living

Thanks for stopping by…have a beautiful week!

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40 Comments

  1. Keeping It Cozy says:

    Simple, beautiful and just perfect… I love it!

    Reply
  2. Atta Girl Amy says:

    Bloggers are a weird breed, aren’t we, feeling up the produce for our decorative purposes. I just had a similar moments with apples at the store, and I’ve informed my family that they are hands-off!

    I love your lovely neutral and natural Thanksgiving table.

    Reply
  3. Heather @ French Press says:

    what a gorgeous table! I love the vintage linen napkins

    Reply
  4. Marty Walden says:

    Love the simplicity of this Ann. Your tablescapes are always amazing! Thank you for joining us on our tour!

    Reply

  5. I love this look! Did you put a seam around the edge of the napkins?

    Reply
  6. Leigh Powell Hines says:

    Lovely tablescape

    Reply
  7. Richella Parham says:

    Simple, beautiful, and elegant! I love this table setting, Ann. I pinned it and I’m featuring it on my Imparting Grace Facebook page–it’s so inspiring! :)

    Reply

  8. Oh Ann! Just gorgeous, as always. Those pears…oh my! They truly do pop off the plates. Well done!

    Heather

    Reply
  9. Katherines Corner says:

    I love the use of the red pears and rosemary. It brings such a fresh and new addition to this gorgeous setting. Shared on facebook ♥

    Reply
  10. Yvonne @ StoneGable says:

    Oh Ann! You have such a distinct style! I could pick out your beautiful table anywhere. Clean lines, tasteful and just a hint of vintage. I love all you do… and this wonderful tablescaape is no exception!

    Reply

  11. Ann, this is so beautiful! I love the simplicity and the fresh greenery… Using natural elements is my favorite and I just love the color of that pear! Glad to have been part of another tour with you!

    Reply

  12. Ann everything looks so beautiful!

    Reply
  13. Glenda Childers says:

    Love the pears.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

    Reply

  14. Love the simplicity… it really shows off all the elegance of your Beautiful Fall Table.

    Reply
  15. Jessica @ Decor Adventures says:

    Hi Ann, Your table is just lovely. I adore the natural elements and the classic elements. I hope you have a wondrful holiday!

    Reply

  16. This is so much prettier than the fake leaves I keep seeing on other blogs. I bet it smells nice too. Thank you for the inspiration-

    Reply

  17. Lovely table. Love the boxwood. A very special Thanksgiving setting.
    Barb F

    Reply
  18. Grace @ sense and simplicity says:

    So pretty with all the neutrals and the pears just claiming centre stage. I was wondering if you put a seam along the frayed edge of the serviettes or if you just hoped for the best and that they wouldn’t unravel too much.

    Reply

  19. Hi Ann,
    Your thanksgiving table looks marvellous, I love the linen napkins and placemats. They fit perfectly into your home.
    I keep putting off making the apple cake recipe that you gave us. One day…
    Hugs, cindy

    Reply

  20. Simple, neutral, natural…perfection. The table has a beautiful, classic look. I love the tags on the pear and may try that this year. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  21. Ricki Jill Treleaven says:

    Simply perfect. I bet your dining room smells lovely with the rosemary!

    Reply
  23. laura@Top This Top That says:

    Ann- you style is always so fresh and beautiful… your table is no different.

    Reply
  24. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says:

    Ann, I just love that frayed edge on your linen napkins with the piece of rosemary tucked into the twine! How much simpler can it get, but the effect is pure elegance! You just have the magic touch! Pinning and sharing!

    Reply
  25. Mary Alice Patterson says:

    Lovely, Ann!! I like simple.
    Mary Alice

    Reply
  26. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says:

    Simple elegance! Love this look!!

    Reply

  27. I’m so in love with your tablescape. It’s simple yet stunning. The meal will SHINE among such a lovely setting!

    Reply
  28. Barb @ The Everyday Home says:

    Ann – this simplicity speaks to me. I love that the elements of the boxwood and pinecones and rosemary take center stage. And even though there are simple touches, it just speaks of elegance and a classic style. This may be one of my favorite tablescapes you have ever done. Thank you so much for joining in the All Things Home Tablescape Tour. xxoo

    Reply
    1. Ann Drake says:

      Thank you for having me Barb…we’ve all said it but I truly mean it from my heart. I appreciate your kindness and support so much. I’m beginning to think that just maybe this blogging thing might work out!

      Reply

  29. What a pretty setting, Ann! Very simple, yet classic and elegant. Love the natural elements!

    Reply
  30. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says:

    Very pretty, Ann! I love the simplicity of this tablescape and that you used natural greenery from around your own home. The pears look great! I think the red ones add such a great color here. Love the tags, too.

    Reply

  31. Gorgeous Thanksgiving table, Ann!

    Reply

  32. I love the sprig of Rosemary on each napkin. Your tablescape is beautiful.

    Reply
  33. debbiedoos says:

    Pardon my reading, it’s a pear LOL!

    Reply
  34. Nana Diana says:

    Ann-That is just absolutely GORGEOUS. I love the sweet simplicity of it. Love the place card idea. I hope you have a wonderful day. xo Diana

    Reply
  35. Jennifer @ Celebrating Everyday Life says:

    Oh Ann – I love this soothing palate! The napkins are particularly inspiring to me – that frayed edge is delightful. I want to go make some of those pronto!! I’ve too have become obsessed with cutting boxwood and keeping it vases in my house, I love its simple beauty. Thank you for inspiring me!

    Reply
  36. Suzy @ Worthing Court says:

    Ann – I love the classic beauty and simplicity of your tablescape. It really is gorgeous! What a great idea to add a sprig of rosemary to each napkin. I bet it will give off a wonderful aroma.

    Reply
  37. debbiedoos says:

    Stunning Ann! Love the apple, what a nice touch for a place card setting!

    Reply

  38. I love the fresh rosemary at each place! I will be borrowing that idea, thank you!

    Reply

  39. Love the Boxwood with the pine cones centerpiece. Saving that inspiration for a Christmas dinner. I have never used place cards for our Thanksgiving dinner, but after thirty-two years, I guess it’s never too late to start. Treating my special veteran to a Cuyahoga Valley train ride this day.

    Reply