Can you believe that it’s alreadyThanksgiving? I don’t know where November went, but I have to say I’m excited to eat some pie and turkey!
Decorating for Thanksgiving as a holiday can feel a bit silly, especially when you have Christmas and Halloween on either side (and these are often BIG holidays for decorations.) Sometimes I think to myself, why bother?
But the reality is that I like the pause between big holidays. I like the simpler, quieter decorations that mark the time where we can take a pause in our busy lives to be thankful for all we have.
This year I decided I wanted a simple Thanksgiving table setting and a bar cart organized with a few simplified ingredients. The goal is to make guests feel comfortable without feeling overwhelmed. And to not feel overwhelmed myself, even if that means using paper napkins instead of cloth. 🙂
Dining Room Table
dining chairs // candle holders // fall eucalyptus garland // dining table (from Macy’s, no longer available)
For the dining room table, I took the “less is more” approach and decided to go with a bare table instead of a tablecloth. I used my everyday dishes and silverware, but added my “fancy’ wine glasses to give the table something that shined. I decided not to take the time to iron my cloth napkins and plan to use paper napkins instead. I 100% recommend finding ways to make things easier and if that means using paper plates, napkins or silverware, then go for it!
For the center of the table, I decided to use what I already had around the house. Table settings need not be expensive or a reason to go out and buy more decorative items! Sometimes shopping your house or yard is all you need to put together a seasonal and special centerpiece.
For my table, I repurposed the fall garland that was decorating my fireplace and draped it down the center. I grabbed my black taper candle holders and staggered them down the center, with a few (real) white pumpkins left over from Halloween. I love when I can get some extra use out of my seasonal decorations and a Thanksgiving table setting seems like the perfect encore before composting the pumpkins and storing the fall decor.
Bar Cart
slim rolling cart (I painted the shelves black)
Since my dining space is small, I don’t have room for a serving buffet or hutch. I decided I could add some additional storage space by repurposing a narrow black rolling cart as a simple bar cart.
Even though this cart is narrow, it still packs a punch in terms of storage. I was able to fit drinks, glasses and accessories on the three shelves.
For the top shelf, I curated a small selection of hard alcohol, including mescal, campari, scotch and whiskey. I included a shot glass and some cocktail napkins to encourage guest to help themselves.
On the bottom shelf, I added an extra bottle of white wine and a few wine glasses. I was able to also fit my glass carafe that I plan to fill with ice water.
And the middle shelf holds a cocktail shaker, some fresh lemons and a few old fashioned glasses. Just the right mix of function and style. Because who can resist a bar cart when it looks this good?
Function and Style
To me, the combination of a small bar cart and a simple tablescape is the perfect pairing for a fuss-free Thanksgiving. The table isn’t too crowded (extra room for all those delicious platters of food!) and guest have the perfect spot to help themselves to a drink. It’s simple and elegant. Perfect for a small gathering, but easily adaptable to a larger group.
Today I am thankful for YOU dear reader. Thank you for reading this blog of mine, and sharing in my success and challenges and cheering me on the whole way. May you have a lovely Thanksgiving, full of good food, family and friendship!
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