Anatomy of A Thanksgiving Table

When it comes to planning my Holiday tables I try to start early enough so I can, "Enjoy the Process!" I am about to show you how I begin, and the steps I take to come to my final product.

The following plan is from a table I did in 2012....

Trust me this is not a technical, or a particularly artistic way to do things, but it works for me. 

I use my loyal 3X5 index cards, and scribble my notes when they pop into my head.

I do a stick figure drawing(I use the word drawing loosely). I take measurements, write down the cost factors, and then I let the idea marinate in my little brain!! 

Below you will see the plan for my Thanksgiving table and also for my Christmas mantel for 2012. 

I try to justify the expense of a purchase during the Holidays by using the elements for both Holidays. ;)

See I wasn’t kidding!! It just works for me!!

WHERE THE INSPIRATION BEGAN....

My inspiration actually started with an image that I saw a year ago. I knew I would use it in my home someday………

The warm glow of the white lanterns next to the cluster of the pumpkins just spoke to me. So, this is where I started.

From this point I decided I would use the natural linen tablecloth that I already have. That gave me a color scheme to work off of……

BASE COLORS:

Linen and White

ACCENTS:

BRIGHT MOSS GREEN AND DARK BROWN

 OR

CREAM AND MAIZE

 

When it comes to the elements I like to keep it more limited.  Usually 3 main elements. I find that if you use too many elements it  will tend to make the eye jump around, and creates a busy feel.

Let me show you some of the images that inspired me……..

My friend Melinda from Georgia Pond designed these place cards. You can go Here to her blog to see more of her creativity.

ELEMENTS:

Here is my list of the three main elements.....

Lanterns with cream pillar candles

White pumpkins

Wheat

I  found the lanterns that I wanted to use at Ikea.

It came in two sizes and I purchased both according to the little plan I drew on my 5 X 7 cards above.
It is called the Borby Lantern. If you go back to the top you can see my little sketch, and measurements that I wrote down to figure out how many I will be using.

This is basically the process I use when planning all of my Holiday tables.

I hope this little post showed you all how my mind works and maybe inspires you a little bit!