A sweet reader wrote in and said: “We are hosting at our new house this year, and don’t have what some would refer to as a “traditional” or even “adequate” space when it comes to tables in the house and groups of people. I was wondering if you have any alternative space ideas for tables and hosting for Thanksgiving?”
No table? No problem. Say no more, we’ve got you fam.
There have been quite a few instances where we were definitely facing the same predicament in our own home {hello all of our past remodels}. So we opted to think creatively when it came to thinking through how to host, and where. Here are a few of our very favorite unexpected tablescapes, thinking a little outside of those proverbial four walls when it comes to hosting.
• Unexpected Tablescapes: Build an Easy Picnic Table
We can honestly say we had a blast last year, building this simple picnic table with FrogTape. We were still in the middle of all things pandemic, and thought that outside was a great option to having it inside.
All you need is a large piece of wood, and legs to create your own special outdoor soirée. You can make it at whatever length you want, to accommodate any number.
No fancy table or rules needed. We threw in some pillows and rugs to cozy it up, and it was perfect for everyone.
Keep it casual by letting people grab their own plates, and setting up everything for family-style dining. {Aka – pass it down!}
Let go of the perfectionist pressure, and just have fun.
But there’s plenty of space for everyone with a set up like this… doggos included.
So when you aren’t sure about space, take it outside. It’s the perfect little table for just about anywhere. Sometimes the weather is unexpectedly nice, and you can definitely provide dining space with this easy affordable way to build a table.
OR leave it inside. Nothing says cozy like dining comfy!
• Unexpected Tablescapes: The Easy Fall Tablescape
This is the cheater’s guide, where you’ll find all my tips for creating an easy table scape that doesn’t have to be all time consuming OR stressful. From stress-free flower assembly, to easy mismatched plates and more… take it outside for easy gathering. It really can be lovely. Are you seeing my overarching theme here?
Sometimes your special meals can be in different places, and it makes them that much more unexpectedly fun.
Keep it easy, but charming in its own way. They make for such great options when it comes to outside!
• Unexpected Tablescapes: A Thanksgiving Tablescape for Kids
You don’t even have to have an especially built table, OR have it outside. Grab your coffee table and gather round. This was a little kids table we cooked up one year for the kiddos of the house, and it was perfect, just for them.
We even have free printables, where they can write down everything they’re thankful for.
So be sure to check it all out, here!
Fairytale pumpkins are always a win, with special place savers. You can check out all the free printables on that post.
• Unexpected Tablescapes: The Truckscape.
Yes, I did just call it that. Yes, this totally screams extra.
But we couldn’t help but share it here, because it’s one of our very faves. We set up this happy little tablescape in the back of an antique truck, and it was fun for multiple families. It also made for a gorgeous setting.
Nothing screams fall more than bails of hay, and it was perfect with this simple table we made with planks of wood. The casual feel of it all was juxtaposed with a little glimmer in some nice style when it came to layered place settings and pretty goblets. We adore it all.
And no, it doesn’t necessarily have to be done with a vintage truck. We realize not everyone has one. Let this serve as inspiration for a fun camping set up, or more exciting ideas when it comes to dining with friends and family.
So our point with all of this?
Once upon a time right after we purchased our first house, I bought into ‘the lie’. It was the days of Bombay and super dark overly polished matching furniture, and I just had to have the fancy table setting from Pottery Barn for everyone to gather around. {Those stores are great, my mentality was not.} With the matching china and overthetop server ware that would just collect dust in the cabinets and take up space, years later. Don’t. Don’t do it. Do what you want and what makes you happy. Give yourself permission to bring in the elements and traditions that are easy and meaningful,, and ditch the rest. Because you can. The unnecessary pressure around the holidays can go. The fun part can stay. These are a few of our favorite ideas.
We hope you feel inspired to think outside the box when it comes to traditional tablescapes this year! We know we’re certainly ready to dream up something else that’s fun. What are some of your favorite ideas for gathering around in the holiday season that skip the traditional part? We’d love to hear.
Have an inspired day!
Leave a Reply