How-to set a Unique Festive Farmhouse Inspired Thanksgiving Day Table

Date
Nov, 07, 2018

velvet pumpkins, pretty Thanksgiving tables

Casual Farmhouse Style

Welcome to our November Thanksgiving Blogger Home Tour. I’ve joined up with another group of fantastic blogger sharing loads of inspiration and spilling all our secrets on how-to host a stress-free Thanksgiving. I’m so excited to share with you my most recent casual farmhouse table all ready for Thanksgiving. Come take a seat!

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is just two weeks away?  Thanksgiving is one of my all time favorite holidays where the majority of pressure is getting the bird in the oven on time.  Granted, Thanksgiving is about gathering with loved ones and giving thanks for all our blessings but I never overlook the chance at making the home more inviting. 

white farmhouse style dining table, Thanksgiving dinner table decor ideas

Bright White Holidays

Last year I shared my 7 tips to decorating your home for a rich and inviting ThanksgivingToday I’m thrilled to share my client Lori’s newly built home and a brighter simplified look.  After working side by side for the past few months selecting finishes Lori asked me to help furnish and decorate for her first Thanksgiving dinner.  “Can you make my house look like a Joanna Gaines fixer-upper, all bright, casual and farmhouse style?”  Boy, that’s a tall order to fill!  She asked me if it was worth decorating for a party for an intimate party of 4 . My answer was undeniably “yes!”

pretty white dining tables, kitchen tables white, casual thanksgiving

A Neutral Canvas

With cherry floors that would eventually darken, I aimed to keep everything bright white, uncluttered and clean. All bright white trim framed out three gorgeous windows and a set of french doors overlooking her rolling hilled backyard. The soft greige walls painted in Kestrel White SW7516 by Sherwin Williams are the perfect canvas to highlight new  farmhouse table  and furniture and her first dinner party. 

thanksgiving table ideas, fixer upper style dining room

1. Relaxed Dining Table

Room for All. As I mentioned before Lori loved a relaxed farmhouse style.  A creamy white glazed base, a darker charcoal stained top and drawers on all four sides was the perfect farmhouse table for Lori’s needs. . Eye catching contrast, extra storage and beauty all rolled up into one.  The kind of table that you could use with our without a tablecloth! That’s how I define Farmhouse style.

neutral farmhouse style dining tables

2. Picking Your Palette

You just need one piece for inspiration. Mine was a chartreuse velvet pumpkin with striped feathers. My theme was set.  I chose a soft neutral palette of black, white, golds and the not-so traditional Thanksgiving color green. I scattered the green throughout the entire table balancing out the color. Matchy-matchy with color is boring. My greens run the gamut from chartreuse to grass green and dark olive.

pretty gold and white plates, Thanksgiving decorating ideas3. Focal Point Centerpieces

Elegant and organic. If you’ve been a reader for a while you might recall that my family owns a floral and gift shop. My sister and her team of creative designers executed my vision to a T. It’s not always easy when someone requests an arrangement that needs to be rustic, a little bit whimsical and made up of mixed metals with accents of chartreuse… but Wisteria delivered!

Fall and thanksgiving centerpiece, rustic table centerpieces

4. Tablecloths and Runners

Layer on the pattern. There was no way that I was going to cover out the beautiful dark wood tabletop but I needed to soften things up and anchor the centerpiece. Get creative with this layer.  Think outside the box and use a gorgeous scarf, rolls of craft paper, fabric remnants or beaded placemats. I folded up lengthwise a gray and white striped tablecloth and used it as a runner giving my table decor a long space to spread out on. 

how to set the table for Thanksgiving, pretty thanksgiving day tables

5. High and Low Decor

Bring out the good stuff.  What are you waiting for? As a self proclaimed dinnerware junkie I am always finding unique plates, odd glasses, decorative serving pieces and flatware sets that I just can’t live without. Mix and match store bought plates with family heirlooms for an authentic look. I layered inexpensive Thanksgiving plates with my great grandmother’s gold rimmed dessert plates. 

Thanksgiving dinner plates, pretty tables, white farmhouse tables

6. Add Texture

Come one, come all Once my pumpkin theme was established I scoured stores for pumpkins in all shapes, sizes and made of varying materials. From ceramic to metal, and velvet to cornhusk, grouping these pumpkins were pretty to look at irresistible to touch.

setting a pretty Thanksgiving day table., striped table runners, velvet pumpkins

 Shopping Tip:

My favorite place to look for inexpensive seasonal decor is in the floral filler aisle. For under ten dollars I scored a dozen of these green, white and brown straw mini pumpkins. Scatter them or group in a large bowl or glass canister. The possibilities were endless for this farmhouse table.

ceramic pumpkins, Thanksgiving table decor

7. Heighten Your Interest

Short and tall, you want them all. When planning our your tablescape look for decor of varying heights. Start with your tallest piece in the center and work your way out.  Tall gold and white striped candlesticks bring your eyes up. Fill on the empty spaces with with your mid-sized decor and tuck in the smallest pieces in the gaps. 

Thanksgiving day table decorating ideas
natural and elegant Thanksgiving day tables

Whether you’re hosting 4 or 40,  creating an elegant Thanksgiving Day tablescape should be simple and stress-free. 

white casual ding sets. pretty farmhouse style tables and chairsshelby dining set, white and gray furniture8. Side Business

Finding extra room. Let’s get real the the amount of plates and platters for Thanksgiving dinner can take up some serious real estate.  Set up a buffet and give your guest some extra elbow room.  Before dinner she has room for a bar set up and after dinner a place to display all the desserts.  The glass drawers allowed me to show off her decorative accessories and cookbooks. I hung a rustic arched window mirror above that bounces the light from the opposing french doors and gives the illusion that the room is more spacious. 

white and black dining sets, casual farm tablespretty white and black dining rooms, farmhouse style dining sideboard

9. Swap out Decor 

Fickle fundamentals. I always run into seasonal art and decor that I fall in love with even after the holiday has passed.  If you love it, and the price is right, buy it.  That’s my motto. It’s not necessary to fit it into your year round decor. Just like your Christmas decorations, store seasonal decor in bins and swap out for a completely fresh look. I tend to gravitate to white pottery so that I can blend it with multiple seasons and color. I have a large canvas art in my morning room that sticks around for Spring and Summer. 

shelby sideboard dining set, black and white Thanksgiving

Shop at Home:

Rotate lamps from room to room or switch lampshades for a fresh look without breaking the bank. 

buffalo check lamps and lampshades, pretty lampsThanksgiving day decor and decorating ideasGratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.  

-William Arthur Ward

fake turkeys, decorating for Thanksgiving , faux turkey figurinesA caned basket with tin wall pocket holds inexpensive wood cooking utensils. At Christmas time Lori could add fresh greens, candy canes, or even birch branches with mini ornaments. 

farmhouse rustic wall decor for kitchenswhite and black buffalo check plaid lamps

10. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

 Forget about waistlines and timelines.  Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness and gratitude.  In all the hustle and bustle of the holidays it’s most important to sit back and enjoy time with your loved ones. A time to be thankful and grateful for those in our lives.  Putting forth the effort to create an inviting space is good enough… Don’t fret and pull-up a seat to our farmhouse table.  Is it time for dessert yet?  

apple pie for Thanksgiving

Traditions

After our family has eaten the last cannoli and piece of pumpkin pie the guys roll into the family rom to watch football and the girls get out the cards. My grandfather loved to play gin rummy and taught us all how to play. Grandpa Meme (The Meme of MemeHill) always wore a hat or knit cap. In honor of Grandpa Meme we all sit around the table and wear hats while playing cards. Over the years the knit hats have evolved into crazy hats and wigs. I will make sure that I take a picture of us this year so stop back for an update.

What is your family tradition? 

white farmhouse table and chair

Now be sure to visit all my friends that are joining me this month in sharing their Thanksgiving decorating ideas!

Happy Happy Nester | Creating an Inexpensive Thanksgiving Table

Modern Glam | Golden Thanksgiving Table with Foraged Centerpiece

2 Ladies & A Chair | Creating A Simple Elegant Thanksgiving Tablescape

Life Is Better At Home | Elegant Thanksgiving Table Using Mixed Metals

Meme Hill Studio | How-to set a Unique Festive Farmhouse Inspired Thanksgiving Day Table

Styled With Lace |A Welcoming Fall Foyer for Thanksgiving

Finding Lovely | A Thankful Thanksgiving with Boat Placecards

The Posh Home | Thanksgiving Decorating

Love Your Abode | How to Decorate for Thanksgiving Using Free Botanical Printables


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Make sure you sign up on my email list so you won’t miss the Christmas changes made to our master bedroom or tips on creating a cozy personalized guest bedroom!  Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving! 

Lots of love, Amie

white farmhouse table

Want to see more of this home? Here’s a short tour just after staging this townhome.

44 Comments

  1. Reply

    Nancy

    November 7, 2018

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this room and the decor. That dining table is fabulous! Love the rustic mirror- it truly opens up the room. What a fabulous job, Amie. Don’t forget to post the hat picture!!

  2. Reply

    Kristen Osborne

    November 8, 2018

    Gorgeous table setting!!! You’ve inspired me to get busy planning mine!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      November 8, 2018

      Well you are onto a good start with your new table!

  3. Reply

    Stacy B.

    November 8, 2018

    I love the freshness of the green paired with the fall decor and the layering in of the gray! A whole new take on autumn decorating for me!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      November 8, 2018

      Thank you so much Stacy! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

  4. Reply

    Naomi peters

    November 8, 2018

    Wow what a gorgeous table set up. I would love for you to style mine.

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      November 8, 2018

      Thank you so much Naomi! Im happy to come over!

  5. Reply

    J Hatch

    November 8, 2018

    Love all of your holiday looks, and the everyday day ones too!!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      November 8, 2018

      Thank you so much Jen! I know you love the black and white! xo

  6. Reply

    Gail Vslente

    November 8, 2018

    Love these ideas for a festive table. So nice to see something different!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      November 8, 2018

      Thank you so much Gail! I like to mix things up every once in awhile.

  7. Reply

    Christina kubrich

    November 8, 2018

    Beautiful ideas.. everything here is magnificent. Wish I had the time and know-how. Inspiring!!!

  8. Reply

    Michelle

    November 8, 2018

    Love the pops of green!
    So beautiful!

  9. Reply

    Suzanne Gillespie

    November 8, 2018

    Love this room especially the muted tones and warm family feel!

  10. Reply

    Paula

    November 8, 2018

    Love your style, especially what looks like an architectural salvaged window.
    Pick me, Pick me!
    Mama, needs somein new(as opposed to Craigslist furniture).

  11. Reply

    Kerry hynes

    November 8, 2018

    Beautiful table setting!! Love how the stripe tablecloth/runner breaks up the table just enough!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      November 8, 2018

      Thank you so much Kerry ! When I saw the tablecloth I had to buy it! love anything stripes. Have a great Thanksgiving! Ps LOVE the new sidewalks. It has been so much fun seeing everyone walk safely down East Ave! I know your husband played a big part in that. Thank him! xo

  12. Reply

    Kate

    November 8, 2018

    Beautifully done!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      November 8, 2018

      Thank you so much Kate!

  13. Reply

    kris fernandez

    November 8, 2018

    So beautiful! It makes me want to decorate!

  14. Reply

    Judy bsrtz

    November 8, 2018

    Just beautiful and so elegant

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      November 8, 2018

      Thanks Jude! miss you already. Happy Early Thanksgiving

  15. Reply

    Bonnie Bergen

    November 8, 2018

    Always such beautiful ideas ! Thank you, Amie!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      November 8, 2018

      Thanks Bonnie! Have a great day. Would love to run into you soon.

  16. Reply

    Dina Smoxk

    November 8, 2018

    I love love those green wine glasses they add a punch to that beautiful table!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      November 8, 2018

      Thanks Dina! Me too! Loving green lately! xo

  17. Reply

    Pamela Danger

    November 8, 2018

    You make it look easy! What an eye you have for any palette. I’m inspired!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      November 8, 2018

      Thanks Pamela! Im excited to see your new digs. And I have some velvet for you!

  18. Reply

    Kimberly Minier

    November 8, 2018

    I love your decorating tips and especially the lampshade! Happy Thanksgiving!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      November 10, 2018

      Thank you so much Kimberly! Happy thanksgiving to you and your family.

  19. Reply

    Joan

    November 8, 2018

    Amie this is amazing! I love your guide to creating this gorgeous table! I adore the turkey on the buffet!

  20. Reply

    Ann Higgins

    November 9, 2018

    I always love everything you post! Totally up
    for $250 gift card!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      November 10, 2018

      Thanks Ann! happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

  21. Reply

    Elizabeth Bosek

    November 10, 2018

    Proof that all-green/neutral florals (a personal favorite) can be fascinating! You and Wisteria have really created a tour de force that speaks to the season without being a one-day decor. And I love the hat tradition; we have a similar on-and-off one involving Christmas pictures in ugly winter hats. Happy Thanksgiving!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      November 10, 2018

      Aww thanks Elizabeth! I miss you guys. Maybe we can get together soon. next music gig? Happy Thanksgiving to you too. xo

  22. Reply

    Janine

    November 11, 2018

    Amie,

    You had a tall order and you delivered above it! Fantastic Farmhouse style dining room! I love every element and your gorging signature style!

  23. Reply

    Bethany

    November 22, 2018

    This is beautiful Amie! I love the pops of green, what a beautiful setting for Thanksgiving. xo

  24. Reply

    Tracy Falk

    April 29, 2019

    I love your staging and after buying the Shelby set, found this post and painted my walls, Kestral White, because I liked it so much!! Not to copy completely, but I also love the mirror and cannot find one like it that fits my short walls. Wondering if that was an actual vintage mirror or if you can let me know where you found it so I could check the dimensions (I think my max height should be no more than 36″). Thank you!!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      May 13, 2019

      Hi Tracy! That is the best news. You made my day. Thank you. Here are a few links to mirrors. They all are 36″ wide! https://amzn.to/2W1DAn2 https://amzn.to/2PYoHMO Send me over a picture of you dining set in your home. Would love to see it.

  25. Reply

    Gwen

    February 9, 2023

    What color trim did you use with the Kestler White? Thank you!

    • Reply

      memehillstudio

      March 30, 2023

      Hi there Gwen!I used Alabaster white. Sw7008

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Amie Freling

"Life's too short for white walls .." Amie Freling-Brown, a Rochester, NY-based designer and artist who transforms ho-hum spaces into works of art. Her creative designs can be found in many fine homes, restaurants and businesses. Her work has been featured in national magazines, on HGTV and has been sold through retailers nationwide from True Value Hardware to Nordstroms. She proudly offers such professional services as design, staging, color consultations and fine art.

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