Thanksgiving Table with an Organic Table Runner, a Mantel Draped in Sweet Bitter Berries, and Queen’s Plates

Autumn is the most beautiful time of the year. It can be described as a transition period from the sweltering of hot summer days to crispy cool days. It is a time when Mother Nature paints her final mural with colors of red, gold, brown, and yellow before it is erased by the clean slate of winter. It brings with it memories and anticipation of roaring fires, hot piping cider, bountiful harvests, and the holiday of thanksgiving with family.

Mantel layered with Sweet Bitter Berries, miniature pumpkins, and maple leaves.

Cinderella pumpkins and miniature pumpkins are adorned in front of the fireplace.

Miniature pumpkins add color and depth to the mantel.

A foundation piece which can be used year-round is a French Victorian clock.

French Antique urns placed on either side of the mantel creates balance and can also be used as a foundation piece.

I have laid out a Thanksgiving tablescape with a homemade table runner. The foundation for my runner is branches of Red Honeysuckle Berries. I layered this with American Bittersweet Berries and Lady Apples cupped in cabbage leaves. Not to forget a sprinkling of gala apples and miniature yellow and orange pumpkins. I used a variety of nuts to give the table a more rustic appeal.

After creating the runner, I added my center piece – an Asian clay planter filled with ornamental grass and leftovers from the mantel. I placed my Queen’s turkey plates on top of cobalt charger and for splash of color I incorporated my pumpkin dessert plates. I like to mix and match different types of plates to create a unique plate setting. The setting was completed by ceramic Queen’s turkeys (salt and pepper shakers).

Thanksgiving is a celebration of all the blessings we have received, blessings we have, and blessings we will receive. The best way to celebrate is for the whole family to come together to share a meal and give thanks.