Designing a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

I readily admit Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  I love that it's all about family and food, and just getting together to be thankful for our many blessings.  It seems to be a lull between the frenzy of finding just the right costume for Halloween, and searching for the perfect Christmas gifts.  We purposefully make Thanksgiving a lower-stress holiday, starting with the fact that I buy a pre-cooked Turkey - ok, and some sides, too.  (I really can't praise Whole Foods prepared feasts enough!) It's not that I want to check out on making the holiday beautiful and special, I just need it to be manageable.  

I love a gorgeous Fall tablescape, and am so inspired by all the perfect images on Pinterest.  Like everyone, I'm juggling work and home, so yes, the notion of putting together such a picture-perfect spread feels a little daunting.  But I'm here to tell you, a festive tabletop can be accomplished - stress-free!

Granted, I DO have some random table setting accoutrements lying around: table runners, good linen napkins, and plate chargers.  If you're starting totally from scratch, it might take a little more forethought, but I seriously put this tabletop together in about 15 minutes.

Here's what it took:

- Table runner

- Plate chargers (mine are a natural woven style)

- Dinner and salad plates (These are from the new Hearth & Hand by Magnolia collection at Target)

- Linen napkins

- Silverware & Drinkware

For the Centerpiece, I layered two serving trays, placed branches of seeded eucalyptus, stuck in some pheasant feathers (both purchased at a local nursery), and topped it off with gourds I've been using on the front stoop as Fall decoration.  That's it! I really wanted to convey the warmth of the season with some of my favorite organic elements.  It was fuss-free and with candles lit, totally elegant.  I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving - with or without a designed tablescape!