thanksgiving decor

5 Thanksgiving Dinner Table Must Have's

5 Thanksgiving Dinner Table Must Have's

Decorating your Thanksgiving dinner table doesn’t have to be complex yet it still can be beautiful. There is something about setting the table that sets the mood for your guests and the tone of the night. In today’s blog post, I am sharing my 5 must-have elements to elevate your Thanksgiving dining table.

Last Minute Decorating Ideas for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is this week and guests are coming! Is your feeling home "party" ready? In today's #tiptuesday post, I will be sharing last minute decorating ideas for Thanksgiving and tips to help prepare your home for your feast.

A Warm Welcome

Create a warm welcome by decorating your Front door and porch of your home.  Cluster vibrant mums together for a fall touch. Update your welcome mat for guests to wipe their feet before entering.

Entry

(Image via placeofmytaste.com)

Craft a Fall Wreath

Feeling extra crafty? Welcome guests into your home with a DIY festive wreath. Learn how to create your own DIY Burlap wreath (it's easier than it looks).

Fall Burlap Wreath DIY

(Image via AMA Designs)

Prep Foyer for Guests

Prepare for guests by protecting your floors with an easy to clean area rug or add a mat near the door for muddy boots and shoes. Place an umbrella stand near the door so guests know where to store wet gear when they enter. Add extra hangers to your entry closet and make room for your guests coats.

Spruce up Your Guest Bedroom

If you are hosting out-of-town guests, tidy up the guest bedroom for them to stay the night. Put warmer blankets on the bed, make sure light bulbs work in bedside lamps, and keep a nightlight in the hallway to light the way to the nearest restroom. Guests will appreciate a cozy room while they are away from home.

Guest Bedroom fall

(Image via Better Homes and Gardens)

Fall Garland Streamers

DIY some festive fall garland streamers. String fall leaves together with invisible string and hang from your dining room chandelier for a "falling leaf" centerpiece that leaves the table space open for entertaining. You can also string magnolia leaves together with a ribbon and tape them up on a blank wall to create a backdrop for picture taking (and maybe a few selfies).

Bring the Outdoors In

Fall is the last big hoorah before the cold dark winter strikes and all the leaves die off. Bring the feeling of outdoors in by filling a small vase with flowers or fall foliage. I like adding faux branches to vases because they are no maintenance and fill up tall blanks spaces. Cranberry and maple leaf branches are a homage to fall and also add fall color to your space.

Fall Entry

(Image via savorhomeblog.com)

Get the Dining Room Ready

This tip goes without saying. Prepare your dining room for entertaining by taking out the "good china" and clean the silverware and crystal stemware that has been stashed away for special occasions.

Cozy up Dining Chairs

Sometimes style outwins comfort when it comes to dining chair selections. Create a comfortable seat by adding a comfortable and stylish seat cushion with a coordinating accent back pillow. You can find seat standard seat cushions from Pier1 or Bed Bath and Beyond.

Accessorize with Autumn Colors

Update your homes decor with shades of Autumn. Cranberry, Russet, amber, golden yellows, rich brown, and forest green. Add organic elements such as cranberry branches or maple leaves for simple pops of color.

Screen Shot 2015-11-23 at 5.45.21 PM

(Image via Pottery Barn)

Display Blankets

Display blankets in a basket for guests to grab and rest after their turkey dinner. At my house, we have "nap time" in between dessert. Run to the sofa and claim your spot...

A Doggie Bag for leftovers

Last but not least, create a goodie bag for your guests to take home a treat. Everyone knows the best part about Thanksgiving is the leftovers. Share the love with your guests with packaged favors.

I hope you enjoyed this last minute tips to get your home party ready for Thanksgiving. Wishing you a holiday filled with laughter, much love, and second helpings! Cheers everyone!

Want more decorating tips? Join "The Designed Life" monthly e-magazine which is filled with inspiration for the home. Plus, receive a free gift when you sign up.

Kick off the Holiday Season with STYLE!

In honor of Thanksgiving coming around the corner, I am surely in the holiday spirit! This year I will be visiting California and spending Thanksgiving with my cousins and family. I could not be more grateful to be celebrating with them this year! I am very close with my family but the distance hinders communication. I can't wait to spend quality time with them. Since I am not hosting Thanksgiving this year, I thought it would be nice to share gift ideas for the host to show my appreciation for having me. After all, it does take a lot of time, effort, and stress to be a host !! I feel they should be rewarded for their tremendous effort for putting together a wonderful evening. As it is the season of giving, I like to give gifts that are both functional and thoughtful.

Gift Ideas for the Host or Hostess

For the Wino (If you love wine say AYE! ..... Ayeeeee! ) - A bottle of wine with gourmet cheese, bread, and fig jelly spread. Or you can create this fabulous dinner basket with a pasta strainer and fresh pasta. Great idea for the couple who just moved in.

pasta basketwest elm stoppers

For the Tech Savvy - I have tech savvy people in my family. I found a list of cool tech gifts. I couldn't decide which gadget I liked most! Here is one of my faves. A charging case, which is totally needed for any person who is constantly on their phone (guilty).

Screen Shot 2014-11-13 at 4.36.17 PM

For the Dream Chaser - Okay, I admit. I even want one of these beauties for myself! I found these mantra bands on Etsy.

mantra band

For the Beauty - Create a beauty basket. It can be filled with nail polish, facial masks, or an amazing body scrub. Learn to make your own body scrub, here!

Screen Shot 2014-11-13 at 4.16.09 PM

For the Cozy - A fuzzy blanket from West Elm paired with a great read, a fun mug, or a starter log if they have a fireplace.

mugwest elm blanket

For those of you hosting the part, I've got your tables decorations covered! The focal point during dinner parties is always the dining table or wherever you are serving the food. Learn how to create the perfect table scape for your dinner party!

5 Steps to a Fabulous Table Setting:

1. Candles - Nothing sets the mood of your evening than some candles burning! Place a couple votives or hurricane candles on the table as a centerpiece.

candles

2. Linens - Add texture and interest to your table by layering linens. Add a table cloth to protect your table and to anchor the table with a basic color or pattern if you wish. Then add a table runner and contrasting placemats.

burlap 2

3. Glam Napkin Rings - I'm a sucker for some glamour! I am loving these brooches

thanksgiving brooch

4. Flowers and Naturals - I love fresh flowers but they don't have to be used for every holiday. Try using pinecones, white pumpkins, or gords for Thanksgiving.

glam table

5. Personalize It - If you are having a large gathering, sometimes it is easier to pre-determine where everyone is sitting first. This way you can avoid that awkward moment of people aimlessly standing around the table saying. "Where am I sitting?" or "I think I put my drink here...." Create decorative place cards or use Initial Ornaments that guests can take home after the party.

Initials