Creating a Thanksgiving tablescape this past week felt sooo good. I don’t know what it is about setting the table that brings me such joy. Decorating is fun no matter the room or spot, but dressing our table fills my head with visions of fellowship with friends and family.
If you are hopping over here from Lacey and Kim, Styled with Lace, welcome!! No doubt you have been inspired by their elegant table decor. I love popping in on their blog, because there are always new ideas to gather.
Taking turns clearing and setting the table was a constant growing up with my sister, and I don’t think I really ever minded setting it. It wasn’t until my adult life and hosting a gathering of my own did I realize how fulfilling it is to add a special touch.
How gorgeous is that candle encased in mercury glass! Sweet little shop called Zuzu Glow Candle Co. is where you can find this beauty.
The Struggle Is Real
Does anyone else struggle at keeping fall mums alive? You cannot forget to water them one day, or they are down for the count 🙁 It probably helps to plant them in the ground, but I never do. Each year I tell myself I will be better about making sure I water them (sometimes twice a day when it’s really warm outside) but I always seem to fail.
This year was no exception. So, I clipped the remaining blooms from one that was half dead, and together with asparagus fern created a simple, yet stunning centerpiece.
Recycling jars, whether they be from candles, jelly, honey, etc. is a simple way to add character when decorating with fresh clippings from your garden. Together with a few painted antlers, they provided just the right amount of texture.
DIY Napkin Rings
Ok, on to my favorite part of this post! I believe napkins play a big role in completing a table setting. There are so many fun ways to display a napkin with or without napkin rings. I am eager to show you how I made napkin jewelry from sheets of aluminum from M-D Building Products, Inc. You can find these sheets at Home Depot.
Items Needed
- Decorative Sheets of Aluminum. I used 12″ x 24″ x .020″ sheets in a variety of patterns and colors from M-D Building Products, Inc. I used finishes in Mill, Brass, and Copper.
- Metal working gloves from M-D Building Products, Inc.
- Tin Snips from M-D Building Products, Inc.
- A second pair of strong hands, in my case – Glenn 😉
Next
- Measure how wide and long you want to cut your strips of aluminum for each napkin ring. My strips were 12″ long and between 1.5 and 2″ wide.
- Gently bend the strips creating a spiral shape. This is where you may need an extra set of hands, because it isn’t easy to bend.
Finally
- Lay your napkin flat, and pick up by the center.
- Gently guide the top where you grabbed at the center through the bottom end of the napkin ring. The corners may be a little sharp, so be careful.
I absolutely love how they came out, and anytime I can make something unique is super rewarding. After I finished setting the table, I realized how mixing metals became the theme. There is quite a variety, but they all play well together!
I didn’t purchase any new dishes or table linens for this year’s Thanksgiving tablescape. It just goes to show how layering pieces, adding texture, and using fresh clippings from your own garden can create a simple, yet elegant table setting.
I had originally planned on using these branches too, but I decided they were too much and, in this case, they took away from the simplicity I was trying to create. So I have been enjoying them as casual decor around the house instead.
Thanks for visiting!! Next head on over to Sheila, Maison de Cinq and continue gathering inspo for your tables!!
Make Sure to Visit These Great Blogs
Kim and Lacey, Styled with Lace | Martha, Simple Cozy Charm
Sheila, Maison de Cinq | Jackie, Finding Lovely
Mysha, Remington Avenue | Ashley, Modern Glam
Julie and Jodie, The Design Twins | Olivia, Reinvented Collection
Joan, 2 Ladies and a Chair | Oscar, Oscar Bravo Home
Judy, Life is Better at Home | Janine, Happy Happy Nester | Liz, Home and Fabulous
Author and photos – Martha Knake
Chief Editor – Emily Schunke
Laura King says
November 26, 2017 at 2:04 pmI love your gold and white dinner plates you used for thanksgiving. Where did you buy them as it is do versatile and I would love to have for Christmas.
Martha Knake says
November 26, 2017 at 2:24 pmHello, thank you so much!! The white dinner plates are from Homegoods, and the gold chargers are from Michaels!! Cheap!
Marci says
November 4, 2017 at 9:00 amSo pretty! I love using natural elements!
Martha Knake says
November 5, 2017 at 7:36 pmYou are so amazing at tablescapes too! Thanks so much for your visit 💗
Kim Hazel says
November 3, 2017 at 1:02 pmMartha, this is such a beautiful table! I love how you made the napkin holders, wow so clever!! So happy to be “hopping” with you!
xoxo
Kim & Lacey
Judey says
November 3, 2017 at 1:51 amMartha your table is stunning!! Love how you clipped your mums and created such a unique centerpiece with them. Love the colours and the napkin rings too hun!
Martha Knake says
November 3, 2017 at 7:22 amThank you so very much Judy, hugs!
Joan says
November 2, 2017 at 4:24 pmMartha this is so beautiful! I need to remember I have an asparagus fern and use it…I love how beautiful it looks on your table. Clever way to make napkin rings! So much fun doing this hop with you! Happy Thanksgiving
Martha Knake says
November 3, 2017 at 7:22 amLikewise Joan!! I adore getting to know you all better <3
Janine says
November 2, 2017 at 4:10 pmMartha,
I studied every photo and enjoyed every nook and cranny of your table! I love that you made your own napkin rings, you’re so clever. Thanks for joining our blog hop with such a gorgeous post!
Martha Knake says
November 3, 2017 at 7:23 amThank you for such a kind compliment Janine <3 Love doing these blog hops!
Ashley says
November 2, 2017 at 12:52 amMartha I love how you used simple clippings from the garden to create such a gorgeous table! And I’m obsessed with those DIY napkin rings! You are too clever!
Martha Knake says
November 2, 2017 at 6:47 amSo sweet of you to say, thanks so much Ashley!
Mysha says
November 1, 2017 at 11:02 pmMartha what a great idea for napkin holders! I’m takin notes girl
Martha Knake says
November 2, 2017 at 6:47 amAwe thanks Mysha, that’s a high compliment!!
Sheila says
November 1, 2017 at 10:17 pmMartha, I love this so much! it’s so simple and sweet, and perfect for Thanksgiving! I think I especially love your simple centerpiece with mums and asparagus fern!
Sheila
xo
Martha Knake says
November 2, 2017 at 6:46 amSimple indeed, thank you so much for visiting Sheila!
Lizbeth Carrillo says
November 1, 2017 at 3:56 pmMartha, your table is amazing! loving the softer colors that you used.
Xo, Lizbethh
Martha Knake says
November 2, 2017 at 6:46 amThanks so much Lizbethh!
Ingrid Bohannon says
November 1, 2017 at 11:11 amMartha,
Everything looks so refreshing and inviting. Great job! I can’t wait to see what you do for Christmas!!! :)xo
Ingrid
Martha Knake says
November 1, 2017 at 12:20 pmThank you for being such a great friend Ingrid <3
Julie & Jodie says
November 1, 2017 at 10:56 amMartha,
To begin your table is sheer perfection. Love all the different elements. I also really enjoy how you keep things real by sharing your struggles. Your voice is so natural and personal that I feel like we’re having a lovely conversation in your kitchen! So fun and endearing. Enjoyed this so much! Your friends, Julie & Jodie
Martha Knake says
November 1, 2017 at 12:21 pmAwe, this warms my heart gals. You are too good to me <3
Jackie says
November 1, 2017 at 9:00 amMartha this is so elegant and beautiful! I love those beautiful napkins!
Martha Knake says
November 1, 2017 at 12:22 pmThank you so much Jackie!