25 November 2009

Thanksgiving Tablescape

If you don't already know my love of Thanksgiving, please catch up here or here.  I love Thanksgiving.  Looooove Thanksgiving.  My yearly job {with copious amounts of help from my sister Lyndsey} is the tables, plus the gravy making, plus something else.  This year the something else is cranberry relish, but the tables are the big thing.  I plan, I think about it, I spend half a day washing and ironing and putting tables up and deciding who is going to sit where.  It's my thing.  Yes, I know it's quite the mental problem I have, but I'm ok with the crazy.

I look for inspiration everywhere.  I was really leaning toward a yellow/grey or orange/grey color combo this year just because I am tremendously enamoured with both right now.  I didn't have a clear pic in my head though, of how I wanted it to look.  Then, a couple weeks ago Black Eiffel posted a giveaway for this insane ring from Stella & Dot.  Go on and take a minute to sit mouth agape at its beauty.  I sure did.


I immediately knew what I'd be doing for Thanksgiving when I came across this ring.  I love the combo of the dark plum beads with the pops of brass, taupes, steel greys, the different textures, all done with a shimmer.  Love it. 

The first thing I did was take this pic over to Big Huge Labs Palette Generator to get a rough color scheme.  Then I printed the colors (and the pic) from my trusty Epson so when I was out shopping I would have an idea of what colors would work. 

{When I told you I was a freak, I meant it! I also do this for parties.}

Then, Lyndsey & I got to work on the three tables we would need for the eighteen people at Thanksgiving dinner.  I used charcoal grey flat sheets from Ikea for the table cloths which is a great {and inexpensive!} alternative to searching for tablecloths in the color and sizes you might need.  Ikea has just about every color and size you can imagine.  Then we used a roll of burlap, cut in half lengthwise to make a runner for each table.  The flower arrangements {bulk flowers picked up at Costco} were put together by my mom, made up of off white roses, a brownish mustardy yellow colored mum, plum carnations, and this feathery brown filler that I picked up at Fresh Market, plus shimmery berries from Michaels.  Other ingrediants to the table include gold chargers, clear glass plates, votive holders in clear, amber, and plum, & napkins tied with either dark brown ribbon or a natural almost burlap feeling ribbon.  I made the place cards using Microsoft Word.




Well, there you go... all set up and ready for full bellies tomorrow.  What are your Thanksgiving plans?  Do you have a small group or a large group?


6 comments:

  1. It's gorgeous! You completely outdid yourself.

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  2. Now, that is a first for me... seeing your color chart, but what a good idea! And it looks like you really pulled it off. Someone is going to have a fun time tomorrow at your house! I love the colors you selected and how you carried it through!

    Our plans got a little wonky, but it's all working out fine!

    Have a lovely Tablescape Thursday/Thanksgiving...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  3. Lovely. I have to say - I've never seen someone go through the effort of building a color board for a dinner party ... but I think it's FABULOUS! The table turned out so beautifully. That burlap runner was a great touch ... especially atop that beautiful tablecloth! Gorgeous, Perfect for Thanksgiving! Thanks for sharing, and have a great day! Happy Holidays!

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  4. First off, gorgeous Michelle. Absolutely gorgeous. You've outdone yourself. Again.

    Secondly, damn you! Like I need another color palette website. It's already bookmarked.

    Happy Thanksgiving M!

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  5. Hi Michelle!

    Your table turned out very pretty. Nicely done!

    Have a great weekend!

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  6. Lovely, just beautiful. I am new to blogs and this is my first time seeing a color palette board. It will not be my last! Just lovely!

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