If you’re anything like me, setting the table is the last thing on your mind on Thanksgiving Day. You have a turkey roasting away in the oven and taking up way too much room, potatoes simmering in a big pot of water on the stovetop and the peels coating your kitchen sink from your over-zealous attempt to get the potatoes in the pot as fast as you can, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade blaring away in the background to take up any brain space that you may have had left. Setting the Thanksgiving Table? Nah, not even close to being on my mind.
I knew that if I was going to conquer setting the table this year for our Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving, I would need to make it simple and to the point. When you’re basting your perfectly golden brown turkey, you don’t need to be shuffling plates around, ironing a tablecloth and folding napkins.
I like to use simple pieces that are hassle-free, but still have my personality and touch. I love white whites, black blacks, and colorful colors, so that is what I went for.Ok, so enough of the all the words, here’s what I found and what I loved!
So, here are a few of my tips to pull of a beautiful, yet inexpensive way to set your Thanksgiving Table. Hence, “How to Set Your Thanksgiving Table without Breaking the Bank.” Because if you are again like me, I would rather spend my money on food. Pass that gravy!
How to Set Your Thanksgiving Table without Breaking the Bank
Paper Plates and Plastic Silverware: I will stand by this and say it time and time again, paper plates and plastic silverware are KEY. If I’ve been on my feet cooking all day and smiling through all of the wonderful Thanksgiving madness, the last thing I want to do is the dishes, and I don’t want to make my guests do them either. You can find so many cute, sturdy, non-plastic looking items these day that you don’t even have to worry about it looking cheesy!
Mason Jars: Did you know that you can buy a flat of 12 mason jars for like $8? That’s right! About the same price you would pay on all those Red Solo Cups that get tossed in the trash. Mason jars are so fun and add a nice touch to the table. Helps keep it classy that you actually have glassware on the table. Bonus: you can re-use them! I loving using mason jars to serve cocktails, smoothies or any beverage in. They even work great as flower vases too. Tie little gift tags around them with your guest’s name so they can re-use their jar while they are there!
Real Plants/Pumpkins: I love the touch that flowers, pumpkins or greenery add to a table. It makes it feel more homey and down-to-earth to me. You can usually buy a bouquet of flowers at your local grocery store for around $10, and guess what? I got these pumpkins for $1 a piece! Look for them at your local grocery store, farmers market, or home and garden store.
Simple Statement Piece and Table Runner: I will occasionally put a tablecloth down, but when I know it is a holiday centered around food, eating and cranberry sauce, I’m going to keep that tablecloth folded and tucked away. A table runner is a perfect substitute in my book. They can add the perfect amount of texture or pattern that you desire. I snagged this one for $19.99 and I can use it all year round due to its simple pattern and colors. Choose something you absolutely love and gotta-have and make that your center piece. I instantly fell in love with this vase and it was in my cart before I could think twice. It isn’t anything frilly or over-the-top, but with a simple bouquet of flowers, it makes the table come to life.
Green Pitcher / Table runner sold out online: Similar placemats
Candles: Candles are usually fairly priced and add a wonderful charm factor to your table. I found these cute pumpkin jar candles in the clearance section and they were a match made in heaven. Plus, the scent is called “Friendsgiving” and it couldn’t be more perfect (and it smells AMAZING).
My last little tidbit of advance for setting your Thanksgiving table without breaking the bank: go shopping AFTER Halloween! Seriously, stores are rolling in all the Christmas goodies by then and want to move the Fall/Thanksgiving items along. Items are typically discounted and you score big time!
Hi, I’m KJ!
Here you’ll find simple, delicious recipes for the home cook. I strive to make wholesome meals with easy-to-find ingredients that you feel comfortable making in your own kitchen—but I won’t shy away from a few indulgences! (I see you: butter, bacon, cookies!)
