Fall was slow in coming and then burst in on us with a crash. We can’t say we’re mad about it and are putting all the healthy eating and mindful breathwork tips we’ve learned this year to good use as we head full steam into November.
The theme of this month’s The Shop is – what else? – the holiday table. We don’t know what we enjoy more about Thanksgiving Day: a. setting a beautiful table or b. licking the well-set plates clean. (The answer is, of course, c. enjoying the family that gathers around said table!)
We’ve included just a few of the gorgeous tablescapes that inspired this month’s shop above – from the stylists at Green Ribbon Parties to bloggers like eyeswoon (see one of our features on Athena here). Browse through our ideas for a beautiful natural table below, whether you’re ready to go all out or are just looking for a quick fix to update the traditional table this year!
layered serving pieces: From cutting boards to marble trays, we’ve included a few unusual serving pieces that’ll bring character to your table and serve as edible decorations whether you use them to display breads, crudite, cheeses or a few small bowls of condiments. Too complex for your taste? On the other end of the spectrum, we love the intentionally imperfect look of these pale serving pieces by both Food52 and Kaufmann Mercantile. Plain off white pieces like these and the glass pitcher we’ve included leave plenty of room for roasted veggies and natural garnishes to shine.
bloom + branch: We adore the use of branches and greenery in place of florals. Throw this simple, but luxe looking olive garland down the center of the table and little else needs to be done! (Save the garland and throw it on the mantle in December for cozy holiday charm.)
If you prefer to stick with fresh flowers, try seasonal blooms like dahlias, anemone, pepper berries, juniper and cosmos for fall. This copper flower “frog” sits in the bottom of any vase, jug or jar to make flower arranging easy (and more fun!).
Stay centered: Another easy, but stunning centerpiece idea is this linen runner, meant to stay wrinkled and a bit twisted down the table. Add a few candles or pieces of fruit for a still life look that’s especially gorgeous on wood surfaces. We love the faded red one below from Terrain or DIY your own by buying a raw piece of linen from the fabric store and simply fraying the edges.
New v traditional: Looking for a quick fix to update your traditional table? Try adding gold cutlery for an instant pick-me-up that just might give your grandmother’s china new life. We’re also including this fire pit to stoke the idea of new family (or friendsgiving!) traditions. As long as your part of town is not an a burn restriction, the idea of a post-dinner gathering around the fire seems like just the kind of tradition that will thrill kids and keep adults gathered longer.
