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Sonya Hamilton Designs

How To Create A Simple Woodsy Holiday Tablescape

By Sonya

woodsy holiday tablescape

There’s a debate arising over whether to decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving. 

Many want to keep the two separate. 

In my case, if I’m going to have 25+ people in my home for Thanksgiving – some who won’t be able to make it for Christmas – why not go ahead and decorate?

On the other hand, it’s November and I still want Thanksgiving to look like Thanksgiving.

Today I’m sharing 3 woodsy tablescapes that work perfectly for Thanksgiving even if the rest of your home is decked out for Christmas PLUS my #1 rule for Holiday Tablescapes. 

1. Kitchen Woodsy Holiday Tablescape

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, this blog will earn a small commission if you choose to click through and make a purchase.  

woodsy holiday tablescape & centerpiece

I love details but I also like things simple. Over the years I’ve gathered enough dishes and glasses for large family gatherings but that certainly doesn’t mean it’s fancy. It’s a mix and match that works well for us.  

The centerpiece above consists of 4 elements. 

  • 1 small tree branch – 9″ at it’s widest point x 21″ long x 2″ diameter
  • 3 candles – 2.5″h x 1.75″ diameter at base
  • fresh eucalyptus 
  • a spray of pinecones – similar in size to this pinecone stem which is plastic or this pinecone stem which is larger, more realistic but lacking the “snow”.    

The flat bottomed holes to hold the candles in the tree branch were made using a 2″ Forstner drill bit. Read more about the tree branch centerpiece in this post.  

Pumpkin Place Cards

The 18″x18″ napkins were made from black and tan check fabric which was much less expensive than purchasing cloth napkins. Plus I love the look!  The tablecloth is made using drop cloths. 

Place cards are small white pumpkins with name tags tied in jute.  

Name tags can be simple likes these or as elaborate as you’d like to make them. Kraft paper name tags are a favorite as well. 

Woodsy Holiday Tablescape

2. Narrow Table Tablescape

The table we used here sits on our back patio all year long but it’s perfect to pull in for holiday gatherings. We use this table in a den-like room adjacent to the kitchen. 

Thanksgiving Tablescape

It’s 8 feet long but only 30″ wide which doesn’t leave much room for a centerpiece. 

Thanksgiving Tablescape

It’s set for 6 but I can squeeze 8 around it if necessary. Since it’s such a narrow table I laid out the same eucalyptus sprays and pinecone stems to create a very simple, narrow centerpiece.

3. Dining Room Woodsy Holiday Tablescape

Our dining room table is 5′ in diameter. Currently we’re using a vintage sofa for part of our seating. Here’s it’s set for 8 but we have squeezed up to 10 family members around this table so we can all eat together. 

Woodsy Holiday Tablescape

One of my favorite pieces to use is the large wood bread bowl that’s holding fresh greenery, eucalyptus stems and pinecones.

Holiday Tablescape

#1 Rule for Holiday Centerpieces 

KEEP A LOW PROFILE

I love using large pieces to decorate my dining room table throughout the year but not for family gatherings. It’s much more important that your guests feel welcome and comfortable.

If a guest has to continually peek around – or even worse remove the centerpiece – to talk to their cousin across the table then it’s a bit too tall. 

drop cloth tablecloth

The tablecloth was purposely created with an exposed raw edge for interest. Read more about process in this post. 

dining room holiday tablescape

A woodsy holiday tablescape that can be used for gatherings throughout the holiday season and into January. Sounds like a winner! Versatile as well as quick and easy! 

For the past few years I’ve decorated for Christmas before Thanksgiving. For the exact reason I listed above. Everyone will be here! 

Are you an early decorator? Feel free to share in the comments below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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How To Make An Easy Holiday Tablecloth

Comments

  1. Daniela - Sukhi says

    November 26, 2017 at 5:38 am

    Sweet tips, thanks for sharing this post! Our Christmas table will have some elements from your post! 🙂

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