Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Decor
I shared a formal Thanksgiving tablescape yesterday, but what if your Thanksgiving meal involves 14 kids under the age of 7? Or paper plates and napkins? Or 3 giant will-get-on-the-table-and-try-to-eat-the-turkey dogs? What if you just need a more casual approach that still creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere for your loved ones? That’s what today’s post is all about: 5 SUPER easy ways to decorate for a casual but memorable Thanksgiving.
Each of these ideas can be accomplished in about a minute and a half, so you can mix and match with plenty of time to spare. And remember, the first Wednesday of every month is the 10 minute decor series, so be sure to visit all the talented gals whose links are at the bottom of this page!
1. Stick leaves in a jar… any jar.
I know I used this tip as one of my 10 affordable ways to decorate for fall (who doesn’t love to save money?!), but it bears repeating. This holly branch I cut from my yard isn’t even a typical “fall foliage,” but it makes a lovely, warm atmosphere. And if your table is too casual for a big centerpiece, just put this on the buffet table; it will pull double duty: set the atmosphere and leave space on the table for the extra gravy and napkins. For lots of other ideas for putting leaves in jars, see my full fall tour.
2. Pile pumpkins in UNbreakable bowls.
Wood bowls like this one, metal bowls… anything that won’t break if the kids or the dog knocks it off the table. Just because it’s not fancy or fragile, doesn’t mean it can’t have class. Better yet, just pile pumpkins!
3. Make your decorations {mostly} edible.
This way, if your nephew (or my daughter 😉 ) decides to play with the decor, it’s no big deal. Fall is the perfect time to celebrate a real harvest, and the gorgeous pumpkins, squashes, pears, and pomegranates are some of God’s most beautiful handiwork. Pile them in a tray and enjoy! No styling necessary.
4. Decorate your entryway.
No elaborate dining room centerpiece? No problem. Put a touch of elegance in your entryway… Whether it’s a welcoming wreath on the door (like my diy eucalyptus wreath from last year) or a simple display where people place their purses and coats, adding a touch of fall at the opening can help set the tone for the whole day of celebration. (Psst… See my new piece of furniture?! Full tutorial and building plans coming later this week! 🙂 )
5. Don’t forget the serving line.
I have this little antique bottle carrier, and I love it. I originally used it for flowers, but I lately had the brilliant idea of using it to carry silverware outside for poolside dinners. Now that it’s fall, it’s perfect for a buffet line. The best part? There are extra places to put special touches. I filled those with rosemary clippings from my garden (love the smell!), but any real or faux leaves or flowers would be lovely, as well. And whether you have something similar or not, the principal remains: even a buffet line (and even if it involves paper and plastic rather than glass and silver) can be special. Some mason jars with plastic silverware and a flower, for example.
Coming from a big family, we rarely have formal, sit-down, china and crystal meals – even at the holidays… And add my three kids and their cousins to the mix, and you can imagine how casual we usually are. But casual doesn’t have to be ugly, right?
What tips do you have for quick and easy ideas for a casual Thanksgiving?
Don’t forget to visit my friends for more 10 minute decorating ideas for Thanksgiving!
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MORE THANKSGIVING INSPIRATION:
I love your ideas Rachel!
This is just beautiful, I love the simplicity of it all!
Lovely decorations, and helped by your downright stunning photography!
Rachel,
I NEED to follow your blog! Every once and again I find something of yours on Pinterest or another blog and I am enchanted every single time! Once again, I was looking and clicking around Pinterest, when I was brought to this fabulous post. I was thinking ahead to fall – wanting to change out the decor of the past few years – and as hostess of this year’s family Thanksgiving, wondering about a centerpiece for the dining room and accompanying room appointments. I STOPPED looking HERE! You have created everything I love and want! Thank you, your beautiful creative mind and spirit have touched me. Be blessed,!
What a kind thing to say, Judy! Thank you so much. I hope you found a good way to follow along. 🙂 You can sign up to get the newsletters in the sidebar on the homepage if you haven’t done so already! Take care!!
Hi Rachel, so nice of you to respond and send the link for the gorgeous Thanksgiving space! When I first saw this, I immediately signed up for your newsletter and I just bookmarked this page for easy reference when the time comes to start bringing Autumn into my home. I hope you and your family have a relaxing and enjoyable holiday weekend. Again, I’m so happy I found you AND your blog!
My best, Judy