A tablescape from an early Thanksgiving family gathering.

My son and his family flew into town this weekend to meet the new babies, and so we celebrated an early Thanksgiving together.

(It's so fun, with all of the grand babes these days!)

I wanted to follow up and share what I ended up doing with the fabulous (and super cheap) CHristmas ornaments I got at my local WalMart.

As you can see in my top photo, I used the two ornaments together with asimple satin ribbon as place markers for all of the guests.
I used white pumpkins (Some faux ones from year's past, and some real) as my centerpiece, along with candles.

Oh, how I adore candle light.

The thing is, it really doesn't take a lot of money, or time to create a charming table that looks inviting and makes your guests feel special.

**Edited to add: Sources for items on my table:

Glasses: LIBBY Water Glasses (My daughter has them and so do I- each slightly different) from WalMart- sold in 4 packs
glitter letter- Christmas section of WalMart with ornaments $1 each
Faux Mercury Glass Leaf Ornaments- WalMart Christmas Section $1.97 each
White pumpkins- some real, from the grocery, some fake, from Michhaels Craft Store AFTER Thanksgiving 75% off
Glass Candlesticks- from various thrift stores, usually a $1....trust me, they ALWAYS have these kinds of ]candle sticks.
Faux Mercury Glass Candle sticks- my daughter's- she got them most likely at WalMart or the Craft Store.

The look and feel I was going for was kind of a rustic-vintage-elegance, and I think I came pretty close, don't you?

What about you? Do you have atraditional table setting for Thanksgivng each year. or do you do a different look each time? Do you use place mats, chargers or tableclothes, or do you prefer to showcase the bare wood of your table? I'd love to hear what all you do!

Comments

[Dawn Edmonson]

Just gorgeous sweet Tracey!!! Understated elegance....I know you all must have loved being together ~ hugs and love, Dawn

[Ellen]

Absolutely gorgeous! I have gotten so much inspiration from you over the years... thank you! A small, probably silly question- do you usually remove all the pretties before serving or do you leave them on the table during the meal?

[Jeni]

So pretty!! You always come up with the best ideas...love the special settings for each guest. Was wondering if you keep them or do they take them with them? We kind of eat buffet style with all food on the island and everyone makes their plate and then sits at the table. Usually the centerpiece is rolls, butter, veggie tray and dip... the kinds of foods you might still pick at after eating and just setting at the talble talking. Not the prettiest but practical for our family. Jeni

[Tracey Buxton]

Thanks Jeni!!
This particular time everyone left the glitter letters and leaf ornaments...not sure why, it just happened that way. The good news is that now I can use those glitter letters on Christmas presents!
We also do buffet style, and we do put the rolls and butter on the table, but the rest of the food stays on the kitchen counter.....
Tracey

[Lori]

I LOVE those leaf ornaments! I HAD to get some! I agree..they look so "Pottery Barn-ish" Thanks for sharing!