Rustic Thanksgiving Tablescape

My parents have hosted Thanksgiving at our house for the last 10 years.  While my mom stresses over the menu, I stress over the decor. A few weeks ago I asked my family what the tablescape should look like.  After some blank stares and a logical response from my mom  (we have 14.5 people coming this year and a 14 foot table. Don't make any flower arrangements too tall or fragrant), I came up with a simple rustic theme using burlap, pumpkins, twigs & moss.

 

The Inspiration

Inspired by a tiny pumpkin I found at the Berkley Bowl called Lil’ Pump-Ke-Mon  

(doesn't the name sounds like a Japanese cartoon character?) I decided to create a tablescape using brown, cream, orange and green.

 Not wanting to spend a lot of money on flowers I used white hydrangeas.   Hydrangeas are great on a budget, because you get a lot of flower for a bargain price. (Each steam cost me $2.00 and I usally only use one steam per vase.)

Hydrangea Floral Arrangement

For a fresh but rustic look, I cut the hydrangea steam short and packed them it into a small vase.  I accented the arrangement with twigs and moss I found at a local park. To conceal the vase, I created a liner using leftover hydrangea leaves.

Herb Center Piece  

As an alternate floral arrangement, I bought a few herbs and dressed the bottoms with burlap and grosgrain ribbon.  The herbs were a great rustic accent to the table.  The natural aroma from the plants also complimented the food we were eating.  

Each plant cost me $2.59. 

 Thanksgiving Tablescape 

Finding a runner long enough for a 14 foot table was a challenge. For a  cheap solution, I bought 2 yards of burlap for $3.99 a yard and cut the fabric into 10.5" wide by  72" long stripes and layered them on top of each other.  For a splash of color I found these great orange and white napkins that remind me of a David Hicks print.

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. Ours was fantastic and mighty tasty. Good luck in your holiday preping.  I know the countdown has begun for me and I'm sure it has for you too!