Warm and Rustic Thanksgiving Table

by elyn_ryn

This rustic Thanksgiving table has ideas to inspire you to create a table featuring lush greenery, vibrant fruit, and pierced pumpkins that cast a warm, inviting glow.

Pierced Pumpkins for a Rustic Thanksgiving Table

This table started with pierced metal pumpkins that I used for Halloween. They have an eerie appearance, with all the cutouts emitting flickering light that dances around the room. They certainly set a spooky Halloween atmosphere! However, the same pumpkins can be thought of differently–as Thanksgiving decor. An eerie look can transform into a warm, rustic look on a table filled with greenery and fresh fruits.

Greenery and Fruits

To create a stunning table centerpiece, mix faux and real greenery along with a variety of fruits. For my centerpiece, I utilized faux stem greenery, dried hydrangeas, and a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. The addition of yellow and orange pears, along with orange mini tomatoes, not only brought vibrant color but also matched the napkin hues and the golden light from the pierced lanterns. Green gourds provided texture to the centerpiece without overwhelming the color scheme.

Gold Napkins for a Rustic Thanksgiving Table

Napkins can serve as a beautiful accent color on your table. I chose gold napkins that complemented both the gold utensils and the golden fruits and vegetables. While fabric napkins add elegance, I recommend having large dinner-sized white paper napkins available for spills or as extra options. Some guests may prefer paper over cloth, so it’s always wise to keep both types handy.

Wishbone Napkin Holders

The napkin holders for this table are handmade out of gold sparkle modeling clay following these steps:

Roll skinny ropes about 4-5 inches long in the palm of your hands. It takes 2 ropes for each holder.
Place 2 ropes side-by-side on a table.
Squeeze the tops together until they flatten (see below on the napkin).
Spread apart the bottom of the two ropes without breaking the top apart.
Roll up a long sheet of aluminum foil to resemble a rolling pin. Place it on a baking sheet.
Drape the wishbone over the “rolling pin” to give it a curved shape.
Repeat making wishbones until you have as many of you need. (The amount of clay you need is based on how many wishbones you make. (A small packet of clay will make several wishbones.)
Bake the wishbones according to the instructions on the clay package. Be careful not to overbake and brown the wishbones. Let the wishbones cool. Be careful because they can break apart like a “real” wishbone.

Placemats for a Rustic Thanksgiving Table

When it comes to placemats, use what you have on hand. Lacking the right color for my table, I crafted placemats from a large piece of black felt, which provided a neutral backdrop against the dark table. Remember that placemats serve both to protect your table and to enhance its decor. Occasionally, oversized napkins can also work effectively.

Gray Glassware for a Rustic Thanksgiving Table

I opted for gray goblet water glasses, as their neutral hue complemented the dark metal pumpkins while allowing the colors of the fruits and napkins to stand out. When aiming for subtlety, it’s best to limit the variety of colors on your table.

Real vs Faux Greenery

Live greenery contributes a lovely touch to your table; however, consider these points:

Live greenery does not stay fresh for extended periods unless kept in water or the refrigerator. If you plan to set your table a day or more in advance, faux greenery may be more suitable.

Greenery from your garden should be washed thoroughly to eliminate insects. These critters can be difficult to spot under they appear during your gathering.

Fruits and Vegetables for a Rustic Thanksgiving Table

To maintain freshness, add fruits and vegetables to your table last. Since some require refrigeration, it’s best to arrange everything except these produce items ahead of time. Include them shortly before guests arrive to ensure optimal freshness, and store leftovers in the refrigerator afterward. Always wash produce because you never know who might choose to bite into a juicy pear for dessert!