Thanksgiving, my favorite meal of the year. Seriously, I could eat turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy every week–if someone would make if for me! Since that’s not going to happen, I have to be content with the fourth Thursday in November. In the meantime, I spend my time coming up with a new table setting ideas. 

I know I sound like a broken record, but a successful table is made up of layers. I often add more dishes than I need, just to make the table look really special. This year, I’m starting with a vintage quilt to cover the table. Then I made circles of grapevine. Buy grapevine wreaths at Goodwill and take them apart to make new, smaller wreaths. Thin wire will hold the ends together. The rough texture of the vine contrasts beautifully with the three ceramic plates.

The only time you’ll catch me using paper napkins is at casual dinners at home. Never at a nice dinner and never when guests come over. There are many ways to fold napkins, but I really like interesting napkin rings. Someone donated a bag of plastic belt buckles to Goodwill and I, of course, snatched them up. It’s such a unique idea and doesn’t require any gluing, cutting or sewing!

Pinecones aren’t just for Christmas décor; they make the perfect place card holders at a Thanksgiving table. Write each guest’s name on a piece of paper and tuck into the cone. Voila, another easy DIY project (can it be called a DIY project if you aren’t really doing anything? I say yes!).