‘Tis the season… for holiday entertaining! Whether I’m planning a 400-person event or an intimate get together for 10, my mantra is “It’s all in the details!” The smallest touch can go a long way and make a lasting impression on your guests. While my family and friends may think I can go overboard, there are so many easy and simple ways to elevate any gathering. Below are a few of my favorite ways to create the perfect backdrop for a memorable Thanksgiving!

 

Step 1: Inspiration

I’m lucky to have incredibly talented friends in the industry and the overall feel of the day was inspired by a crest designed by Liz Dixon of EJD Design. I love the feel of a timeless and soft fall color palette. I brought in gold as an accent color through chargers and dinnerware.  Be sure to download your copy of Liz’s Crest and “Happy Thanksgiving” printable below!

Pro Tip: Don’t have full place settings or chairs for a group of 20? Who does?  Rent all your flatware, glassware, chairs, tables and linens from Tablescapes to not only make your life much easier but allow you to change up your design theme every event!

Step 2: Bar Essentials

Dress up any bar with a mirrored tray and chic glassware. Cocktail Napkins are always a great idea along with drink stirrers. I love For Your Party for their fun designs and ability to design your own! Don’t forget to ice the bubbly!   (Pomegranate-Cranberry Sparkler recipe via Style Me Pretty)

 

Step 3: Make it Custom

Create your own custom branded napkins with these easy steps! I found these simple linen, hemstitch napkins at Target along with Iron on Transfer printable sheets. Using Liz’s design, I printed out a sheet of the crests at the desired size using a label template on a Word document. The best part is the crest and color are still like new after multiple uses and washes! 

Pro Tip – Upgraded Leftovers:  The best part of Thanksgiving is enjoying the meal the next day! I wanted to make sure my guests were able to enjoy a bite of everything when they left! I found these great disposable containers on Amazon and printed out Liz’s design on printable sticker paper and dressed up an ordinary takeaway container.

 

The Final Look

I love the look of how the round menu cards are layered into the dinnerware design. Combine your menu card and place card in one for the perfect finish to each place setting. I used seeded eucalyptus to create a running garland at the center of the table accented with floral in the burgundy and mauve shades. Soft candlelight completes the look and creates the perfect intimate setting for Thanksgiving Dinner.

Download EJD Design’s Crest and Thanksgiving greeting here & here!

Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season!

Xo, Bridget