Thanksgiving Table Design: Rustic Warmth
Now that you’ve had a look at our first Thanksgiving table design, we’re coming in hot with a fresh take two. But this time around, we’re shaking things up by taking a more casual approach to this year’s intimate gatherings. We’ve categorized this Thanksgiving table as ‘rustic warmth,’ and it’s the perfect look for anyone who loves a cozy, approachable style minus all the fuss. Tapered beeswax candles help to set the mood, while warm wood tones and layered textures keep things grounded in simplicity.
To streamline your holiday planning, we’ve put together your three-course menu, all the decor elements (read: the easiest DIY ever), and a folksy playlist curated just for the occasion. Pulling off a Thanksgiving gathering had never been easier, and truth be told? We’re pretty excited about this year’s small celebrations with only our nearest and dearest.
Table Design & Styling: The Identité Collective | Photography: Madeline Harper
The Tablescape
Using a long reclaimed wood table, we set the scene for our rustic Thanksgiving table design with natural and cozy elements featured throughout. We layered terracotta dinner plates atop woven chargers and finished each place setting with tied rust plaid napkins for a more informal look and feel. Sprigs of fresh greens and berry bundles lined the table, bringing color and movement to our mixed wood-tone setup.
As the focal point of our design, we created two beeswax candle centerpieces using vintage wooden risers and extra thin taper candles in a rich honey shade. Overall, we wanted this tablescape to feel homey, warm, and relaxed—a space where everyone feels at ease to come pull up a seat.
The DIY: Taper Candle Centerpieces
SUPPLIES
- Extra Thin Beeswax Taper Candles (in various heights + the thinner, the better)
- 1-2 Wooden Risers
- Hot Glue Gun
DIRECTIONS
- Using a hot glue gun, glue each taper candle to the wooden riser. Be sure to stager candle heights for a more layered look.
- Light candles and enjoy the perfect warm glow.
- Add the end of the evening, simply remove candles and the hardened hot glue. No damage should be done to the riser.
The Menu
Our rustic-inspired Thanksgiving menu is all about taking a fresh approach to favorite comfort foods. We swapped in a roasted chicken for the traditional turkey but kept the sides pretty classic with a bountiful salad, stuffed squash, and everyone’s fave dinner rolls all making an appearance. Perhaps the best item on the menu? The autumn Moscow Mules with flavors of ginger, cinnamon, rosemary, and apple. Serve up these crowd pleasers with apps or dessert—your call!
RECIPE SOURCES:
Salted Caramel Apple Baked Brie | Balsamic Roasted Chicken | Pomegranate Salad with Cider Dressing | Stuffed Squash with Gnocchi and Spinach (see highlights reel for recipe) | Pumpkin + Sage Bread Rolls | Apple-Cranberry Crisp with Oat Crumble | Autumn Moscow Mules
The Playlist
Our resident DJ (aka – Product Manager) Mica Dieterich curated the an amazing playlist “Folksy Thanksgiving” on Spotify and it’s filled with 3+ hours of mellow music perfection.
Set the Table
Stay tuned for our third take on Thanksgiving table design coming to the blog this Friday! In the meantime, here’s some additional Thanksgiving content we think you’ll love:
BY: ANASTASIA CASEY
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