How to Dress Up Your Thanksgiving Table

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Although it’s usually the food that people pay the most attention to on a Thanksgiving table, you might want to learn how to dress up your table to make the room more festive. Of course, with the economy the way it is, you may want to learn to do this without spending too much money.

Dressing up a Thanksgiving table begins with an autumn-colored tablecloth. Does this mean you have to go out and buy a new one? Absolutely not! If you already have nice, solid-colored tablecloths, you can use other items to create the look you want. The darker the tablecloth the better, as it makes any accidental spills less noticeable. Of course, using a clear plastic cover over the tablecloth will keep any stains from reaching it.

Place real or silk fall leaves and whole nuts around the table. Then think about the number of people who will be seated at the table. If there will be more than one table, you’ll want to find simple tablecloths for the other tables. Concentrate the most decorations on the main table. Once you know how many people are going to be eating at table, you’ll have a better idea how much space will be available for decorations.

Set the table with all the plates, silverware and glasses as well as napkins to determine what size centerpiece can be added. Use either a fall floral arrangement or create a cornucopia with fruits and vegetables. The cornucopia is a considered a traditional centerpiece but you don’t have to use it if you’d prefer something else.

If there’s not enough room on your table for a cornucopia or floral arrangement, perhaps candles will do the trick. Find a flat mirror either in a frame or plain. Place several candles of different heights on the mirror. Then add small pumpkins, vegetables or fruit which are associated with the holiday. When the candles are lit, the candles will add to the ambiance of the room as well as provide a beautiful centerpiece. Be sure that whatever centerpiece you use is short enough to not impede conversation at the table.

Some tables won’t have enough room for a centerpiece. That doesn’t mean your table has to be bland. Using a dark-hued tablecloth (deep red or brown) with a contrasting table runner, placemats and napkins can be just as beautiful.

Create napkin rings with autumn-colored jewel tones. These will accentuate the colors already on the table but will also add a little sparkle. Another way to dress up your Thanksgiving table is to make special name markers so each person knows where they’re sitting and has something to take home after the day is over. Use folded paper which is embellished with autumn-hued jewels. Write each name on the card with metallic-colored ink.

Decorating your Thanksgiving table will make the meal even more festive. Follow these tips to add that final touch to the celebrations.