In full disclosure, we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in DC. We’re currently en route down to Texas to spend a few days in Austin before heading out to Lampassas for Thanksgiving on the ranch. However, we do entertain in our small space, and last year I pulled together a tablescape for a Friendsgiving, so this year I wanted to pull together a Thanksgiving tablescape that’s perfect for a small space. I used many of the same pieces from last year since, as the fellow small space dwellers know, I don’t have room to store lots of extra decor, dishware, and flatware, but gave it a different spin with the linens and candles.
A THANKSGIVING TABLESCAPE IN A SMALL SPACE
If you’re tight on space, you know the challenges of creating a festive space. You don’t want the table to look cluttered, but you want the occasion to seem “done.” That’s why I utilize pieces that I already have to create a warm and welcoming tablescape that has a Thanksgiving, fall-inspired feel, but without items that I can only pull out once a year.
I’ve used warm amber glasses that play off the amber-tinted tortoise napkin rings and gold chargers (these are $2.50 a pop at Target!) to lend instant warmth to the table. Then, I added linens – placemats and a runner – that complemented the earthy tones in the other accessories. Of course, I couldn’t go without a little pop of color (plus, these are the napkins I have!), so turquoise napkins serve to brighten up the Thanksgiving tablescape just a bit. It’s amazing how versatile a bold color can be!
OUTFIT: WINTER WHITE TIE-NECK DRESS (on sale!!) / GOLD HOOPS / BLACK TIGHTS
ACCESSORIES MAKE ALL THE IMPACT
When you’re entertaining in a small space, accessories make all the impact. We use our white dishware from Crate and Barrel and our bamboo flatware for everything, so if I’m trying to make a tablescape stand out, I have to count on linens and accessories. Whether it’s the placemats or the serving pieces, it’s the accessories that differentiate my summer tablescape from my Thanksgiving tablescape from my holiday tablescape. For this Thanksgiving table, I even added in a pair of sparkly Tiffany votive holders for an extra special touch.
WHAT TO SERVE
One my best tips for serving Thanksgiving in a small space is to bring in what you can. You probably don’t have endless counter and oven space for cooking multiple dishes at once, so take advantage of what you can get premade. I worked with Honeybaked Ham this thanksgiving to pull together this Thanksgiving tablescape and some of my favorites include their turkeys, their pecan pie, and all of their sides – particularly the baked apples and scalloped potatoes. While I love to cook, and always want to make at least some of the dishes, I totally understand that sometimes the stress-free way is the best way – and the delicious way! – to go.
A FEW FINAL NOTES
I definitely don’t get this dressed up for Thanksgiving, but I actually just happened to be wearing this dress when I took the pictures, so I went with it. I picked this up a few weeks ago as a winter bridal shower option and while I’m not sure I’m going to end up wearing it for that occasion (tomorrow!), I do absolutely love this dress for work with tights and heels or worn a bit more casual with a red and black buffalo check vest and booties.
Thank you to Honeybaked Ham for providing product for my Thanksgiving tablescape in a small space post!
