My absolute favorite part of Thanksgiving is a tradition my family has been doing for years. Once the food is all on the table and everyone has found a seat, we go around the table and each say what we’re most thankful for that year. Depending on the kind of year we’ve all had, it can be an upbeat, celebratory time or one full of heavy emotion. But either way, it’s such a blessing to hear each of my family members talk about what God has done in their lives. And it’s a beautiful reminder that there is ALWAYS SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR!
With this tradition in mind, I came up with an easy kraft paper Thanksgiving tablescape! If you’re hosting this year but haven’t figured out how to decorate, this is for you! It’s something you can definitely pull off at the last-minute. And even if you’re not hosting this year (me neither!) it’s still a fun table setting for your family to enjoy this week. We’ve had fun eating at this table and talking about our blessings several times since I decorated it!
I wanted the table to have a really clean, un-cluttered look and also wanted to use mostly live decorations. I feel like they give a space more energy or light or something. Ha! Basically, they just make me happy! Also, this is a totally random side-note: I sold our big, clunky dining room set earlier this year and replaced it with a small table. Since then our friends always comment on the “cute little table.” One told me it looks like it was made for tiny people and another one walked into the room and squealed, “It’s like a doll house!” But I didn’t realize just how small it was until I put this little centerpiece on it with out plates. It basically took up the whole table! Ha! Okay, back to our project.
Here’s what I used:
– Roll of kraft paper (from Dollar Tree)
– Markers
– Pumpkins
– Flowers (from the grocery store)
– Glass jars
– Greenery (from my backyard)
– Spraypaint
I already had most of this on-hand, so it cost about $12. 🙂
The whole set-up is so easy that I don’t think you even need any instructions! But if you have any questions, I’ll be happy to answer.
You can place a marker at each place setting and invite your family to work on their lists throughout the meal. Not everyone is comfortable talking about their feelings, and this might make it a little easier. When you go around and talk about what you’re thankful for, they can just sort of read their list instead of trying to think of something to say on the spot.
I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!
PS- A few years ago I made some cute Thanksgiving printables that will also help with your last-minute decorating! You can download them here.
George B. stands for George W. Bush. We have a (weird) family joke about saving the 4th seat for him. Long story. You have to be there! 🙂
