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Thanksgiving Purple & Green Tablesetting

THANKSGIVING

Here’s the premise: Lowe’s Creative Ideas Magazine challenged me to come up with a tablesetting for Thanksgiving.

Here’s what I did: first, happy danced with a mix of spasms, thrusts, and raise-the-roofs.  Secondly, accepted.  Thirdly, found some inspiration.

My mom, affectionately called Little Debbie, also thought that the untraditional color scheme would be fun – and she’s like a master Jedi of decorating, so I knew it was a good idea.  And when she suggested purple and lime (when I was already feelin up violet and brown) it just confirmed my tablesetting suspicions.

Part of the challenge meant that I had to use hardware store supplies to create a simple tablesetting.  Of course, I put it on myself to make things look good…because let’s be honest, nobody is gonna look at a fugly tablesetting and want to recreate it – no matter how creative it might be.

So my whole look started with a roll of burlap.  Bloggers love burlap.  It’s like our catnip.

And I ended up with this:

Yup – a subtle purple/lavender/tan table setting with a sweet country vibe.  And I would dare say – it would even work well for Thanksgiving day dinner (as long as the food is served buffet style on a different table).  And who says that the table has to be red/orange/yellow/brown?  Why can’t we use a variety of colors as we give thanks?!

This table setting is simply a matter of layering and texture.  I knew that starting with a burlap runner would provide a bunch of small texture…so I wanted to mimic that feeling with a textured centerpiece and some natural texture (like the acorns and wooden chargers).

Speaking of wooden chargers – aren’t they adorable?  I love the look of big wood chargers under plates…but they are outta my budget…I might be able to afford one…which would be awkward for the rest of the dinner guests.  So I decided to make some for myself.   They are simply cut out of a piece of quarter inch piece of 4×8 plywood, sanded and stained with Dark Walnut.  You can get at least ten chargers from one 4×8 – I would dare say that if you were careful, probably a dozen to fourteen…which comes out to less than $2 a piece (as long as you already own a jigsaw).

Then on top of the wooden charger I layered a silver charger, white plate, a purple accent ‘dish’ (which was actually one of those terra cotta pot bottoms that got spraypainted), a napkin tied with twine and a little crepe myrtle sprig.

Speaking of napkins – did you notice that each are different?  It just goes to show that mixing and matching can look good.

Okay – so where were we?  Oh right…the catnip.

The burlap runner was the start of the centerpiece – followed up with a light purple pashmina (this is an awesome $5 runner that is available everywhere from Walmart to Old Navy)….

Then in the center of the table I put a $6 deck hanging basket – the texture is AMAZING.  I love the twiggy sides.

And inside I plugged in some purple pansys and some light green annuals.  Confession…I didn’t actually plant anything.  I just placed some newspaper and then the entire plastic plant thingie into the basket.  Just like stuffing the bra.  Yup.  That just happened.

Around the base of the basket, I used a variety of jars as candleholders.  My favorite part is the galvanized candle ‘holders’.  They are actually a gutter supply piece…but the little wavy edges add a little charm…and the metal is reflective of the light – making the entire centerpiece sparkle a little more.

The little acorns and the napkin sprigs help tie in the basket and the burlap, don’t they?!  Plus, I feel like that is our real nod to fall here…especially important considering the non-traditional color scheme.

So how does it look all deconstructed?  Like a totally normal placesetting.  And that little purple accent dish isn’t food safe – but placing little individually wrapped chocolates or a hot roll on a napkin on it would be a great way to make it useful.  Or you could use it for a favor or a nametag.  Or you could include a little piece of chalk for folks to doodle on it or write what they are thankful for.  The possibilities are endless.

And because I figured you would like to see it at night – here she blows all lit up.

Do you see how the metal reflects the light making it look even fancier?  That’s impressive.  Even to mother-in-laws.

Since the sun sets at like four o’clock now, it is a real possibility that Thanksgiving dinner will benefit from candlelight.

So that’s how I infused a little bit of local home improvement store into a tablesetting.

Not too shabby, huh?

I like it even if it is a little different color scheme wise.  I think I might make a bunch of those wood chargers as Christmas gifts.  They are just so dang versatile.  How bout you?  Have you been using something from a random place in your tablesettings lately?  Anything from the hardware store?  Or are you a blogger and using burlap?  yeah…we all are 🙂

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Comments

  1. I think I’m in love with the rain gutter pieces! Such cute little waves and you would never know that they weren’t meant to be candle holders! And, I am a blogger that hasn’t used burlap, but now I feel like I should! Very cute table setting!

  2. I die for dusty miller and the texture is insanely amazing! (I even used it in my wedding bouquet.). I love the burlap and various found candleholders, too! Beautiful!

  3. I’m really inspired by what you were able to achieve with materials from Lowes! Your creative vision is impressive. The homemade chargers are really rich-looking for $2 a piece! The layered texture is fantastic.

  4. Hi,

    Just stumbled on your site, and younghouselove.com

    From my brief exposure to diy home blogs (yours and sherry’s) I have discovered the following:

    All diy home bloggers are exceptionally cute.

    But on a more serious note (not that I wasn’t serious about my claim), your site is great, found heaps of good ideas to share with the wife.

  7. Wow, it looks amazing! What an inspiration! I have never thought of using burlap as home decore, but I love what you have done with it on your display! I am going to go buy me some of that goodness and use it in my christmas decor.

    BTW, your blog is awesome! I love your sense of humor and gorgeous photos. One day I want to be just like you :)!

    Until then, I will keep reading your blog and let your talent inspire me.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you!

  9. haha…I think what you meant was – some diy home bloggers are exceptionally cute – and some are just exceptionally photoshopped 🙂
    xo – kb

  11. I like that the tablescape is sort of “cold,” but those natural elements really warm it up and make everything work.

    I love Love LOVE the wood chargers! They’ll make great gifts, too. Just let me know when you’re ready for my address!

  12. love how the color scheme is not what you would expect for thanksgiving, but it totally works. simple and beautiful.

  13. You knocked it out of the park again. Congratulations! It’s beautiful, and I’m not much of a purple lover.

  14. How did you get the picture from up above? Were you hanging from the chandelier? 🙂 I know you are a true photographer and will do anything to get the shot, but that one looked like you were from the ceiling! Love the tablesetting and love the post. It reminds me of the time you and Sherry did that tablesettings video haha!! I like seeing lots of different options for tables. Thanks!

  15. Just a quick little note to tell you that I have been following your blog for a good 6 months and I absolutely love all of your posts!! Keep on keeping on :o)
    Chrisula (from B.C. Canada)

  16. This looks so cozy! I wish we had Thanksgiving in Bulgaria (not that we have nothing to be thankful for… ) Anyways, I love your idea of combining purple/brown/green… looks great. And for the record – I have been blogging fo two weeks now and haven’t used burlap… because they don’t sell this thing here! Otherwise I would! Can you please, send this poor blogger in Europe some burlap..

  19. Love the chargers! Super cute 🙂 Also, I am heading to Lowes tonight in search of “gutter supply pieces”! I’ve been looking for something just like those for a while! Thanks!

  20. I love all the textures and, of course, the burlap (I am a fellow fan). The chargers are a great idea as well. I’ll have to get my boyfriend on those – he won’t let me near the power tools, something about cutting limbs off…
    Also, thought of you while looking at the Crate and Barrel catalog. They have a cook book called I Love Bacon!

  22. I love the fact that not only does the table look fabulous, but you’ve got the shoes to match it as well! You have the best shoes, Katie! Please share where you got the ones from above.

  25. BEAUTIFUL!!! I love the chargers (just like everyone else.) the color scheme is perfect too. You could even vary a couple of items – napkin rings – add some snowflake ornaments and have a winter / Hanukah / Christmas table setting too!

  26. Hi Katie,
    Great table! I’d love more info on how you made the chargers. Did you make a template or just freestyle them? Either way they look amazing!

    The burlap is in my Thanksgiving tablescape dreams too, did you get the roll at Lowe’s? If so I think you just saved me a trip to the fabric store!

  27. Katie – this is a great table. Can you do a budget break down for those of us who might be considering something similar for Christmas? 🙂

  29. 1) Cute shoes!

    2) I love the entire set up!! Pansies are my favorite flower so I love when they’re used in design. I actually think the purples would be a nice look for Thanksgiving (rather than the traditional reds, browns, and oranges).

  30. What a beautiful table setting. I love the wood chargers, I might have to invest in some of those one of these days. Love the acorns, are there a lot of oak trees in Georgia? I have never been there, but there are a ton in North Carolina. I am loving the oak trees right now and all of the great acorns. I have filled up two large ziploc bags with them and am planning on spraying them gold and covering them in glitter, ala Martha. Where we live there are a zillion (yup that’s a word,) really fat squirrels so I figure they will be fine, even with me taking 100 or so from their stash.

  31. I love what you did! And I really like the non-traditional color scheme. Now for Christmas, I am all about traditional, but Thanksgiving has some wiggle room for me. And I have to tell ya, mason jars are making quite the comeback in my life, in a non-country way.

    And I just posted yesterday about how my sister-in-law and I are decorating the table this year and giving ourselves a really low budget. And yes, burlap was already mentioned lol.

  34. This is fabulous…I might have to celebrate American Thanksgiving just so I can make a pretty tablescape. I love that you made the chargers, becuase the first thing I thought when I saw them was, “I could totally make those.” There is definitely a dinner party that needs to be happening.
    Thanks for the inspiration!
    Rebecca

  35. my favs in this order:
    chargers
    scattered acorns
    burlap
    wavey candle holder thing
    then everything else

    really it looks super. my fav pics are the candlelit ones.

    I posted a HUGE pinterest inspired post on my little, tiny blog today. It would be my honor….

  36. Blogger using burlap! I made a makeshift table runner a few weeks back out of the excess burlap from my cornice project!

    http://www.theseidlerfamily.com/quick-fixes

    I love how yours is thicker and running the width of the table rather than the length! The whole set up is just beautiful and very rustic chic! Question – the burlap roll – is that from a fabric/craft store? I had to purchase mine by the yard off a bolt and would love to be able to just purchase a pre-surged roll like that!

  38. katie — it’s perfect!!!! I love all the nubby-texture-goodness! I just set our table, too….and yes, used some burlap. So I guess that makes me hardcore-blogger. I got even cheaper than your pashmina, and layered a strip of brown kraft paper runner over it all. And not the good kind…the kind you buy from the shipping area of the dollar store. BAM!

    I love the colors, the chargers, all of it…great job. Now what time should I be over to eat my chocolates from my little purple dish?!

  39. I LOVE this table! Pretty and festive, but not at all cheesy 😉 Great idea with the DIY chargers – those things are crazy expensive, especially for just a flat piece of whatever. Those would definitely make a great gift – I know I would love to get a set!

  40. Just a note, the “light green annuals” are actually dusty miller, and especially in Hot-lanta, they are biennials (yep, they will come back for at least 2 years). In Nashville, mine will sometimes come back for three or four years depending on the severity of our winters. Yay for bang-for-your-buck plants!

  43. Love your table setting! Love the purple. Those shoes are adorable! I love the use of burlap and the homemade wood chargers are genius! Need to make some of those! Also thought the purple terra cotta bowl/plate was very creative and a nice touch too!

  45. This is totally off-topic….but love your shoes (and the toe cleavage)! The table setting is amazing too. 🙂

  47. I went out in the front yard and we have four little baby oaks that are spitting them out all over the yard. Jer hates it because of the mowing…but me, I’m the weird neighbor that is over dancing among them 🙂
    xo – kb

  48. Oh wow! It looks great! And yes…. We do love our burlap ;). Are you going to do a winter one for Christmas?! I love the idea of using none traditional colors for the holiday. Its a nice change from all the stereotyped ‘fall’ colors.

  49. They look like Missoni for Target, but I can’t be sure. But on to the table, I LOVE it!!!! I’m so inspired to do something like this for Christmas this year. Thank you Katie for sharing your wonderful talents!

  50. Sure! Here you go:

    12 Chargers: Wood $10 + Stain $2 + basic materials (sandpaper, brush for stain, drop cloth, jigsaw)
    24 ft roll of burlap: $10
    Pashmina: $5
    Basket: $6
    Flowers: $12
    Silver Chargers: $2 a piece (local Hobby Lobby or Walmart has them too!)
    Silver Splash Guard: $2 a piece
    Acorns, Sprigs: free
    Twine: $1
    + dishes on hand 🙂 = free
    hope this helps!
    xo – kb

  51. Yup – from Lowe’s and it’s way cheaper there than I’ve found at the fabric store.
    And the template for the chargers was home made 🙂
    xo – kb

  54. Haha! I love the “blogger using burlap” comment.
    We hosted our small group Thanksgiving last night.
    The centerpieces were burlap runners with jars.
    It was really pretty with the candles lit.

  55. haha…yeah – right. I broke a sweat and I was just standing on a chair with the camera zoomed all the way out – clicking it while I held it out over the table 🙂 Yeah…I almost died 🙂
    xo – kb

  56. Target! They were part of the Missoni line – the one that crashed Target.com 🙂 Fortunately for me, people in my town don’t dig the stuff as much as the rest of America so they went on clearance and I snagged em for $12 🙂
    xo – kb

  57. blah blah blah, table blah… I WANT THOSE SHOES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    (i do like the table, though, and agree the traditional colors get played out a little)

  58. LOVE the wood chargers! I cannot believe you did the scallop all by yourself! Did you do it with a template?? I think you just inspired me for some Christmas gifts! I have square plates so it’s hard to find cute chargers, but I can just make my own!

  60. How cute! Love the burlap–even if everyone else is using it–and the wooden chargers. I really want to steal that basket, too. Good work with thinking outside of the traditional-Thanksgiving-colors box!

  62. That looks fantastic! Way to be, you’re so creative! I love the idea of the wooden chargers, making those is totally going on my to-do list this winter… thanks for the great ideas 🙂

  66. Great table—the purple is so unexpected. I’ve GOT to know, what are the dimensions of your burlap roll? 24×3?? 🙂 We are making burlap table runners for my sister’s “rustic garden” wedding and I have been looking all over for something just like that. Everything I’ve found is too large and would require cutting and sewing the burlap to make it runner sized….this looks so much easier!

    Ann

  68. Awesome job, Katie!! I agree with you that the centerpiece colors do not necessarily have to “match” the theme of the Holiday. Afterall, people decorate for Christmas with all colors of the rainbow, not just red, green, and white!

  69. Blonde moment, didn’t read the breakdown of costs/items in the section above where you said it was a 24 foot roll. Blonde moment methinks. Good to know, $100 for 10 rolls of that burlap is so much cheaper than having to order huge rolls of it online.

    What about the gutter pieces, Lowes also?

  71. Katie, I don’t think I’ve ever commented on your site before (been reading for a while, though), but I wanted to tell you how much I love your table setting. I was SO surprised that you made the wooden chargers! GREAT job!

    I also wanted to ask your advice on a burlap project I’ve been thinking about. We’re a homeschool family, & most of school stuff is stored on bookshelves which line the hallway. It looks super cluttered & I was thinking of making some double tension rod “curtains” for them out of burlap (for when company comes). I’ve heard a few people say the smell of burlap bothers them. Have you had any issues with that? And…have you ever sewn with it? I’m new to sewing & therefore not very knowledgeable or skilled:)

    Thanks!

  72. Love the burlap and the jars! I’m getting married next year and they will be lynchpin of our table settings. Did you do anything to finish the burplap? I love the idea of buying it at lowes instead of a fabric store!

  75. Katie…. this was so perfect for you, with all of the different table settings you’ve put together over the last few years.. how fun!!!

    Love the color scheme.. my living room is olive greens and purples so this would be a shoe-in and very festive, indeed.

    love love LOVE the little wavy metal “trays” – they caught my eye immediately. You said they’re a gutter piece? How creative you are.. now I’m going to have to hunt those down.

    Well done!

  76. Love it!
    Okay, let me ask – because you seem to have a finger on things….

    I have been 2-years-long lusting after redecorating my living room and originally, I thought I wanted grey/yellow. But then it seemed like the world was all grey/yellow crazy! So now I’m thinking purple and lime. Is that what’s next?

    What’s next after next? Am I right in line to catch this wave or what?

    Love your table scape!!!!

  77. Love your Missoni shoes!! Your knack for table settings and decorating vingettes for the holidays/seasons has always been my favorite posts of yours. I am utterly impressed by your creativity in this one – so innovative! I would have never thought to spray paint the terra cotta planter dishes! Also, for xmas, I am getting all of the ladies pashimas because I think they are the perfect gift!

  78. Love the use of crepe myrtle sprigs. As you know, there are all over the place here in GA and I never thought to use them in holiday decor. Great idea! The chargers are freakin’ bananas too! Love!

  81. Haha! I have no idea what is trendy and hot…I just know that I love certain things…so my advice is to go with your gut, work in stuff you got and when in doubt paint it white 🙂
    xo – kb

  82. I love your table setting! It’s absolutely gorgeous, and I really appreciate that it’s not in the traditional color scheme. 🙂

  85. From everything I have seen with other bloggers and burlap…it sounds like your project is totally doable :). I wouldsuggest use twine and a big ole upholstery needle for sewing and a spray like febreeze for any smells 🙂
    xo kb

  93. Katie, this is so gorgeous. When I first saw the burlap, I was like…oh no, but then I saw the final result, and my jaw dropped! It was really really pretty! Well done!

  95. Yeah, I went to my Target weeks after the Missoni fact and there was all kinds of stuff. Guess Buffalo wasnt diggin it either!

  96. Make sure you give them a little bake in the oven. You might have bugs in them. I collected some and white larvae like worms came out- eeek! I baked them and now they are good.

  97. Very pretty. I was wanting to use burlap as well, but was afraid of too much beige/brown in my dining room. I bought a light blue linen runner and may do some burlap under it. I also liked the idea of a plank of wood for a runner as well, but dont think I am going to do it this time. Thinking I will use the light blue with some orange in there somewhere, maybe some orange flowers.

  98. I love this arrangement! We don’t have thanksgiving in Australia (and we don’t really have fall colours either – some trees lose their leaves but most of our natives stay green year round).

    But for Christmas I’m always looking for non-traditional colour schemes, since it’s the middle of summer here – somehow the traditional dark winters colours just don’t feel right on a hot, bright, sunny day.

    I also plan to incorporate some aspects of thanksgiving into our Christmas this year, since I think it’s nice to be reminded of what’s important and to be grateful for all that we have.

  99. Katie,
    I love this! The DIY wooden chargers are amazing! What a great idea to cut them yourself. And the galvanized “candle holders” are perfect… I honestly thought they were some antique mini pie plates or some such! It all looks beautiful. I love your blog!

  100. Darn, i’m gunna have to kick my design up a notch. . .or 5! Haha, I love the non-traditional colors and of course the burlap, my heart races when I see a mason jar. . .it’s perfect! Great job 🙂

  103. Love!!! I was JUST salivating at your Christmas settings from a while back, so glad to have some new inspiration! This could go from fall to winter easily for a little rustic holiday setting too, thanks for the tips!

  104. Or Rochester! I couldn’t find the shoes in my size (yet) but I got the robe! 🙂 Love it!

    Emily

  105. I went straight home after work on Friday and bought some burlap for my Thanksgiving table setting. My one friend who was with me wasn’t so sure, but when she saw my final product she was impressed! My table cloth wasn’t long enough so a bit of burlap topped off the table ends nicely!!!

  106. This is by far my favorite tablescape/settings that you’ve featured on the blog. It might have something to do with the fact that I love burlap and purple :), but you did a beautiful job with it!

  107. Ok, I’m too traditional to break from the normal color palette, so I kind of decided not to use any of this after I finished reading it, even though I think you did a great job. But damn if I can not get that burlap out of my head! Plus it’s cheap and having just totaled up my grocery list (which included a 25lb turkey) I am now totally committed to it. Thanks for the idea, Katie!

  110. Katie – love your unusual table setting! You’re right – why can’t we use more colors instead of just the traditional ones. I love the use of purple and the natural textures! And your chargers are amazing! Hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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