simple thanksgiving table decor

I was asked to teach a class on “Simple Thanksgiving Decor”. The lady that introduced me said, “I once heard that as long as the table looks good, everyone will remember the food tasting good as well.” Talk about no pressure to present some good ideas.

My focus was on simple and cheap ways to decorate the table for Thanksgiving. Here are some of the ideas I presented.

And here is the handout I gave out with even more ideas!
Elements of a Good Table Set-Up
-Table covering
-Place cards
-Centerpiece
-Correct Set-Up = BMW: Bread, Main Dish, Water. Remember knife blade should face plate.

Table Covering Ideas
-Festive tablecloth
-Burlap tablecloth or placemats
-Brown butcher paper
-Scrapbook paper placemats
-Placemats or table cloth that you use every year. Write what you are thankful. Each year you’ll get to reminisce what you were thankful for.  

Place Card Ideas
-Mini cellophane bags with festive candy. Leaf name tag.
-Walnut with name on paper (http://www.marthastewart.com/274251/thanksgiving-table-settings/@center/276949/everything-thanksgiving#/856557)
-Pear or pumpkin or fruit with name attached.
-Thankful turkey (http://www.marthastewart.com/274251/thanksgiving-table-settings/@center/276949/everything-thanksgiving#/175204)
-Mini Cornucopias. Steam sugar cones for a few minutes. Curl end up and fill with nuts or candy.
-Scrapbook paper. Cut small pieces and write names on it.

Centerpiece Ideas
-Try and use things you have around the house
-Use things from outside like nuts or twigs
-Candle in hurricane with leaves

For Kids
-Cover table in brown butcher paper. Let them draw on it
–http://simplifiedbee.blogspot.com/2009/11/thanksgiving-decorating-ideas-for-kids.html
-Pilgrim hat http://www.marthastewart.com/274251/thanksgiving-table-settings/@center/276949/everything-thanksgiving#/276925

Other Table Décor Ideas
-Mini pumpkins
-Candles
-Fake leaves
-Things around your house!

4 Simple Things to Do with a $1 Bag of Leaves
1. Leaf garland: staple or use clothes pins to attach leaves to a piece of brown craft string
2.Place settings: use a leaf as a tag to attach to place settings
3. Attach leaves to branches. Use a centerpiece
4.Scatter leaves on table for instant burst of festiveness