Wednesday, November 5, 2014

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. 

Thanksgiving plans 003 (800x600)
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. ;)

Thanksgiving plans 001 (800x600)
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
Dark-Brown-Leather-Swatchgreen
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 OR
CREAM AND MAIZE
cream
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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……..

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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.

0153865_PE312286_S3 Ikea lantern 14.99
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!