There is nothing I enjoy more this time of the year than taking a walk outside on a brisk autumn day to soak up all the vibrant, jewel toned autumn hues. Mother Nature really puts on quite a spectacular show of vibrant color. It’s no wonder that fall is the favorite season for so many of us.
Today I want to share some ideas for setting a more neutral toned Thanksgiving table instead of using all the jewel toned hues that are typical for Thanksgiving. Let’s explore some ideas for setting a table that is a bit more unexpected and unusual.
Maybe you are like me and want to change it up a little this year from the same Thanksgiving theme you have used for so many years in the past.
There’s nothing wrong with using Mother Nature’s color pallet when setting your Thanksgiving table. I have created many beautiful tablescapes over the years using rich reds, vibrant oranges and smoky yellow tones in my decor for fall. Check out a previous post that walks you through how to set a beautiful autumn hued table, here.
This year I decided I wanted to try something a little different. If you check out images on Pinterest and Instagram you will notice that all white interiors and very neutral color pallets are currently all the rage. The trend in home interiors leans toward very light neutral tones in a very limited washed out color pallet.
If you are a regular reader of my blog you know that I love neutrals but I’m not a huge fan of the white on white on white look. Neutral doesn’t have to be just white. Neutral can be creams, beiges, taupes, rich browns, grey and black.
So today I’m jumping out of my comfort zone and trying my hand at using a more neutral color pallet for my Thanksgiving table. Let me know what you think!
You would think using an all neutral color pallet would be a thousand times easier than using lots of color, but you would be wrong! It’s much more difficult than you might imagine getting a neutral color pallet to look fabulous.
When using color strategically you can easily add interest with pops of color. In the absence of color, when using neutrals, you will need to add interest in other ways by incorporating pattern, loads of texture, and shimmer with shiny surfaces.
To keep a neutral themed tablescape from looking boring it’s really important to add a lot of texture, some pattern and shimmer so that it has some interest. Without incorporating these elements in your tablescape, it may end up looking flat and uninteresting.
Incorporate shimmer and shine with:
- Crystal candlesticks
- Silver goblets
- Silver flatware
- Crystal stemware
- Silver painted pumpkins
- Candles
- Mercury glass candleholders
- Glass beads
- Items with a reflective shiny surface
Incorporate texture and pattern with:
- Nubby woven sea grass placemats
- Natural elements such as pinecones, leaves, acorns, branches
- Patterned napkins placemats or tablecloth
- Textured or patterned table runner
- Thick woven fabrics such as burlap
- Burlap ribbon or bits of twine used as napkin rings
One of the easiest ways to add some texture and interest to your table is by adding cloth napkins and napkin rings to each place setting. It adds an additional layer to your table for some added interest.
You can easily incorporate pattern through your choice of napkins and texture with the napkin rings you choose to use. Using napkins with napkin rings instantly elevates the look of your table, taking it from ho-hum and making it so much more special. A special holiday like Thanksgiving deserves those extra special touches, don’t you think?
If you don’t have any napkin rings because you don’t typically use them, you can easily make your own. There is no need to purchase expensive ones when you can easily make these in an afternoon. Need some inspiration for how to create your own inexpensive napkin rings using natural elements? Check out a couple DIY tutorials for some inspirational ideas.
Do you have an abundance of acorns? Try this easy DIY project for an acorn adorned napkin ring.
Perhaps you have a plethora of pinecones? You might want to use them to create this easy DIY project for a pinecone adorned napkin ring.
Both of these napkin rings are extremely quick and easy to make and will look phenomenal on your table. Not only will they add a natural, textural element to your Thanksgiving table, but they will look fabulous with all your table settings all season long!
Use multiple candles all in the same color pallet. Tall white tapers in crystal candle holders create an elegant look. Using multiples of items creates a cohesive look that ties everything together. By varying the height of items on your table will create more visual interest as well.
Add additional shimmer with silver items. Light reflects off these surfaces and adds an element of bling to your table.
I have to admit, I’m kinda liking the light airy feel of using a lighter neutral color pallet, I totally get why it has become so popular.
Whether you choose a vibrant fall color pallet or a neutral color pallet for your table just keep the basic rules in mind and you can’t go wrong. Remember to incorporate texture and pattern, vary the heights of items and repeat elements on your table, and it will look fabulous!
Now all you need to worry about is getting the food on the table to enjoy with your family and friends.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!