Thanksgiving is right around the corner and whether you’re enjoying Thanksgiving dinner at home with immediate family or joining friends and extended family via Zoom, you can still make this year’s tablescape beautiful.
Your tablescape will elevate the entertaining experience and make the meal that much more special.
In this blog, we’re sharing four tips to help you create the perfect tablescape for this year’s feast.
Pick a Theme
There are many routes you can take when choosing decor so the first step in creating a beautiful tablescape is to pick a theme.
For example, if you opt for a more modern theme this year, you’ll want to keep the traditional basics but add a twist to the details like using white pumpkins and florals rather than the classic earth tones.
If you want to keep the cozy, traditional feel, consider using colorful plaid throws as table runners to add texture and warmth to your display.
Whatever you choose, use your theme as the guide for all your decoration decisions, but matter the style, don’t forget the basics that include:
- Dishes
- Silverware
- Glasses
- Napkins
- Tablecloth
Add Varying Height and Textures
Now that you have your theme, an important step when designing your tablescape is to include decorations of varying textures and height.
A good base for any tablescape design is a neutral tablecloth. This is the blank canvas you’ll build on. From there, as we mentioned before, you can use anything from a plaid throw to burlap for the table runner.
Intermixed foliage and greenery, woven placemats, and wooden chargers are great ways to add texture to your tablescape as well.
The decorative features you add next such as candles and cake stands should vary in height with the tallest item as your focal point. Varying heights create variety and visual interest to make the arrangement feel more full and finished.
Don’t Overdo It
It can be tempting to keep adding to your design, but when it comes to tablescapes, it’s all about proportion.
Your arrangement should be proportionate to the size of your table and leave enough room for place settings and of course, food.
Too many accessories on a small table can make things feel cramped and cluttered.
Choose a few main pieces and accentuate them with a handful of festive accoutrements.
Take and Share Pictures
Include your family and friends in the day’s festivities by sharing pictures of everything from the food to the tablescape.
But, before you pick up your phone or camera, here are a few picture pointers to consider:
- Focus on the details – Whether it’s a beautiful flower arrangement or the unique napkin rings, take a close-up picture of your favorite details.
- Full tablescape – Take a step back from the table and snap a picture of the entire tablescape. You’ll likely want to take a horizontal shot or if possible, a panoramic picture to get the entire table in the frame.
- Natural light – The best lighting for photography is natural light and if your dining room windows have shutters, make sure to adjust them to allow as much natural light in as possible to illuminate your masterpiece. For best results, make sure the flash on your camera is turned off.
Though Thanksgiving will likely look different from years past, keeping traditions and getting creative with your tablescape design will help make the day special.
Happy Thanksgiving from our family at Avalon Shutters to yours!
