Wowza, Thanksgiving is coming at us lightning fast, isn’t it? I usually host Thanksgiving but this year we are flying up to Northern California to visit Travis’ extended family.

Here is last year’s tablescape with my brass candleholders! You just can’t go wrong with brass mkay?

A bit more traditional? Yes, the holidays are a time for classics and for me, that means going a bit less eclectic.

That being said! I think if I was creating a tablescape this year, it would definitely have a more eclectic feel. But since I’m not hosting (BIG sigh of relief), I’m sharing my three Thanksgiving must-haves and some pretty inspo with you!

3 Thanksgiving table must-haves

1. Add something fresh and live (no, not the turkey) to the table top. I tend to think pumpkins have been overused by this point, but adding succulents on top of a princess pumpkin? Unique and fresh! Find the DIY tutorial to make your own succulent pumpkins. It is SO easy, I promise you could whip it up the night before Thanksgiving!

Other elements you could add to your table are pomegranates, artichokes and of course, eucalyptus leaves!

I love how Justina Blakeney designed this table for Pier 1 last year! She put cloves into small clementines to add texture and a heavenly scent. This is the DIY creativity I am talking about!

Image Credit: Jungalow | Justina Blakeley

2. Ambient mood lighting adds a special touch to any space large or small. I loved hosting intimate dinner parties when I was single. It was just the perfect way to catch up with old friends or set the mood to get to know new friends. Now that they have the LED fairy lights (as my girls like to call them), you literally can style them anywhere!!

And who can forget candles? The mood setter’s BFF. Scented candles on a warm cozy night with the fire roaring and a small dinner sounds like the perf answer for a Friendsgiving. One of these days, I think I am going to host one. I love the idea!

Did you say dreamy evening picnic? Gah, so in love with this idea. Puttin’ it on my holiday to-do list next year!

Image Credit: Oh Happy Day

3. Add texture and layers. You didn’t think I would let a post go by and *not* mention these two right? I live and die by this design concept. It can be very simple and modern. Not like someone went to Home Goods and threw it all up on the table. Simple can be the best if you just layer here or there and add a pinch of print or color.

Point in case.

Image Credit: Inspired By This

I am so diggin’ the eclectic look here. Adding a rectangle scarf to a round traditional table? Genius. Think outside the box! Holiday colors are not limited to orange and gold or red and green. Blue for Thanksgiving is rad. Actually, blue anytime of the year is rad. But I’m partial cos I obsess over anything blue.

Do you also see how they added a airplant with a small white baby pumpkin? See folks, this is what I mean by keeping it simple but intentional.

One more week until Turkey Day! I am wishing you a great week to prep and have the warmest Thanksgiving to date!

Happy day!

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