We are SUPER-excited to have the wonderful Lauren from The Art of Living Beautifully, guest blogging HERE on Housing Cents!! Lauren is a life-stylist who specializes in tablescapes, wardrobe styling, Stella & Dot, and clearly being FABULOUS!!! Check out her tips for creating a wonderfully welcoming and elegant Thanksgiving table for your upcoming gathering.
The Thanksgiving Table. Quite possibly one of the
most important tables we set all year because this is the one holiday that
literally takes place at the table, around a meal. The tablescape is the celebration. I typically incorporate
lovely elements of Fall such as colorful leaves or pumpkins, but the question
of how to make it little less expected pops up each Fall as I begin to envision
the table where my friends and family will gather and give thanks.
Like all the tables I set throughout the year, I began
with a source of inspiration to set the tone. This year inspiration struck as I
turned to page number sixty two in the November issue of Southern Living Magazine, the step-by-step tutorial on how to
create a centerpiece using a shallow wooden bowl seemed simple. And gorgeous. And
so it began.
Deer antlers, real and fake fruit, sticks,
preserved flowers and a large cornucopia filled a long wooden tray to make a
colorful centerpiece that was low enough for guests to easily see over. The
preserved flowers were really the key in making this centerpiece simple as I
didn't have to worry about florists foam or keeping the flowers alive.
My dining table is made of teak and has
natural-shaped edges which makes the use of a tablecloth difficult. If you face
the same challenge at your home, try cutting a piece of burlap to cover only
the top of the table. It will protect the table and soften the effect amongst
so many hard surfaces such as dishes and flatware, plus burlap comes in a large
variety of colors...some even have metallic thread woven within! 
Leaf placemats sat beneath my white china and Queen's Quintessential Game bowls. The
pheasant is such an appropriate bird for the season without screaming
"turkey theme!" all over the table.
In lieu of a desert fork or spoon, at the top of
each place setting I positioned a mini cornucopia to hold a place card and
lovely pumpkin truffle. I know various cakes and pies are always a large part
of Thanksgiving meals across the country, but if you are looking to scale back
your meal just a tad, why not offer a small bite of something sweet for guests
to enjoy after the meal. Save the pie and coffee for later in the evening.
Regardless of how many you are entertaining or how
glamorous you believe your meal will be, providing a beautiful table makes
every occasion all the more memorable. Don't you feel blessed when the table
where you are dining matches the delicious food that has been prepared for you?
May your November be full of grace. May your table
be elegant and full of loved ones. And may your meal be perfectly seasoned,
rich in flavor and in love.
-ciao for now-
lauren
For more great advice on living beautifully, visit Lauren's website, The Art of Living Beautifully, her Pinterest boards or follow her on Instagram for oodles of FAB inspiration and an aesthetic feast for your eyes. From recipes to design to fashion, Lauren has you covered.
Thank you Lauren!!! You are our style hero!
