There are endless ideas for your Thanksgiving table-scape. To help readers plan a creative, welcoming table, we asked local, highly sought interior designer, Michael Trahan, CID, for tips that can help transcend your Thanksgiving, or any holiday gathering into a memorable celebration. Here are his recommendations.
KEEP IT LOW – VARY HEIGHTS
Whatever accessories you decide to display as your centerpiece, use varying heights, but keep the overall display low enough to allow great conversation without obstructing the view of dinner guests.
CLEAN & AIRY
Edit your accessories and keep the overall look balanced, and not weighted to one side of the table. Leave space around objects for an airy, dimensional look.
SIMPLE & CURRENT COLORS
Color palettes for the Thanksgiving dinner table vary from the traditional fall colors to non-traditional schemes. For a fresh approach, draw inspiration from the colors in your dining room—artwork, fabric or furniture. Regardless of the color direction, work with 2 or 3 colors and keep it simple. Let the food, family and friends complete the tradition.
KEEP IT NATURAL
Flowers and foliage from the garden add a personal and affordable way to complement your Thanksgiving centerpiece. Keep it natural by adding pumpkins, gourds, nuts, artichokes or dried, colored leaves. Hollow out small pumpkins and gourds and use as candle holders, or use large pumpkins in varying sizes, as risers for food tray displays or soup bowls. Let family and friends join in this easy, green way to go!
LAYER TEXTURES
For a striking place setting, start with a textured charger and layer plates in alternating colors, varying textures and finishes, or mix plates of different designs or colors for an artistic twist. Be bold, but keep the overall balance of color, varying textures and patterns in check.
PERSONALIZE IT
For a more sentimental dinner, add nametags for each person, along with sepia-toned photos for a vintage or nostalgic theme. Use fresh fruit as props for nametags and photos.
LESS IS MORE
Bring out the linens, silver, crystal and your best china. Keep a monochromatic color palette and let your fine, or found objects, make a modern, classic statement.
GARDEN D’LIGHTS
Dim the overhead lights and add pillar candles or tea lights, in one color, wrapped in fresh fall herbs for a more personal gathering. Keep candles unscented so they don’t interfere with the smells and taste of the food.
BE CREATIVE
Add cranberries or kumquats in tall vases, fill with water and add fresh flowers, or in smaller glass containers, add floating candles. Pumpkins serve as great containers for holidays—try it for soups, bottled drinks and flowers—just make sure to trim the bottom of the pumpkins to keep them level.
JUST FOR KIDS
Often children have their own space. Keep it easy and encourage children to craft their own tabletop decorations before dinner. These can also be tucked into the main centerpiece for a fun family tradition.
