By Alisa Bangerter – Studio 5 Party and Idea Correspondent
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• Use a large flat sheet for a tablecloth. Sheets are available in some lovely fall colors and wash up easily.
• Sew or pin artificial fall leaves along the hem of a tablecloth.
• Make sure to decorate the children’s table so they will feel included. Frame fall themed pictures/artwork that the children have created and use them as centerpieces.
• Cover children’s tables with rolls of plain paper. Set out cups of crayons/markers for the children to draw on the paper. (This is similar to what restaurants do to keep children busy while waiting for the meal.)
• Rolls of fall wrapping paper work well as disposable table runners. Other ideas include strips of fabric such as burlap.
• Cover your tablecloth with netting or tuelle. This can add a lovely touch of subtle color and texture.
• Cover table with a sheet or plain cotton tablecloth. Have guests sign their name with permanent markers and date. Use this tablecloth each year and continue to add names and dates each year. Options could be writing what you are grateful for or tracing handprints. (Make sure to protect table from markers bleeding through.)
• Mix and match dinnerware, silverware, glassware, napkins, etc. Sometimes an eclectic mix of dishes adds a unique touch to the décor. This also solves a problem if you don’t have enough of the same dishes to entertain numerous guests.
• Garnish food with extra care and use your food as part of the centerpiece. Place food on tiered dishes at slightly different levels.
• Stack different sizes of pedestal cake plates to create tiers. Fill and decorate each layer with fresh produce, nuts, leaves, gourds, etc.
• Place small framed (or placed on cardstock) photos of family down the center of table. An option to this would be to frame photos of items (or written items) of what everyone is thankful for. Prepare them as guests arrive or you may wish to instruct guests to bring photos.
• For a very simple centerpiece, simply place a pre-made fall garland down the center of the table. This is a great time to buy these because they are on clearance.
• Cut a paper Thanksgiving napkin (or tissue paper) with a nice deign in a strip to fit around a pillar candle. Use a heat gun to adhere it to the sides of a candle. The wax will melt slightly and absorb into napkin or tissue.
• Place a variety of types and sizes of candlesticks down the center of the table. Actually light the candles.
• Fill shallow glass containers or bowls with cranberries (or candy corn) and nestle tea lights among them for a very simple centerpiece. Cranberries will also float in water and look nice in a clear vase.
• Place a printed menu at each place setting. Simply type up a menu using a classy font and print on nice cardstock.
• Place bowls of nuts with nutcrackers down the center of the table.
• Place serving bowls in nests of leaves or pre-made leaf or grapevine wreaths.
• If using a charger plates, place fall leaves on them so the leaves peek out from under dinner or salad plates.
• Tie a ribbon around stem of goblets. Hang a tag from the ribbon with the name of each guest to serve as a place card.
• Attach a monogram to napkins. Monogram can represent hosts name or the name of each guest. Die cut monograms or printed monograms on cardstock work well. There are also monogram tags and ornaments available this time of year that can be tied to napkins and double as favors.
• Take a lightweight paper sack and fold down top several inches. Twist end into a cornucopia shape and tack with glue if necessary. Spray with metallic spray paint and use as a centerpiece. Have produce, rolls, nuts, etc. spilling out.
• Spray pumpkins with metallic spray paint such as gold, copper, etc. Tie large wired bows to stems of pumpkins. Use a variety of large pumpkins for a buffet table and smaller ones if used on a dinner table.
• Hollow out a small pumpkin and use as a vase for fresh flowers such as mums or fall leaves.
• Many lovely plants can be found easily outside such as branches, leaves, bushes, etc. Gather these up and make a nice arrangement. You might be surprised what natural items you can find.
• Place a small potted plant or pot of herbs at each place setting. Add a small pick into the plant with a card attached and use as a place card. This is a nice favor for each person to take home.
• Placemats can be made by using cloth napkins. Simply lay flat.
• Glue two pieces of 12″ x 12″ cardstock together and place a ribbon or contrasting color strip of cardstock over the seam. This makes a simple and nice placemat and is disposable.
• Have children decorate (stamp, color, paint, etc.) paper placemats to use for a more casual setting.
• Fold napkins in fancy folds. There are books available at your local library or online for instructions and ideas.
• Use stretchy beaded bracelets as napkin rings.
• Tie a wide satin or wired ribbon around napkins. Tuck in a dried leaf or fall pick. Write guests name on the leaf if desired.
• Use a tiny grapevine wreath as a napkin ring.
• Make simple napkin rings with paper strips. Print thanksgiving jokes or thoughts on them.
• Create place cards using photographs of each person – instead of names.
• Place an elegant wrapped chocolate at each place.
• Lightly steam sugar cones and bend ends to create cornucopia. Fill with candy fruits for a favors.
• Wrap a tiny box with a small favor inside for each guest. Place at each place setting. A fun item to give might be a simple ornament for their Christmas tree.
• Make a slit in the top of a tiny pumpkin and place name card in slit. Tiny pumpkins can also be used for candleholders of individual serving bowl.
• Serve soup from a large hollowed out pumpkin or serve soup in small individual pumpkin bowls.
• Make beverage coasters by using embellished chipboard, or by laminating family photos or fall leaves.
• Place a thank you card under each plate and write a brief message as to why you are thankful for that person. Another option would be a rolled up scroll wrapped in a ribbon.
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