Are you getting excited for Thanksgiving?

Usually, we gather with friends and family we rarely see and enjoy those foods we only eat at Thanksgiving.

If I’m hosting the meal, I put almost as much effort into creating a beautiful Thanksgiving Tablescape as I do the meal.

 

Woodland #Thanksgiving Tablescape :: Wood Duck and Natural Elements :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

I have to admit, for me, it isn’t all about the food.  Though I have shared a few recipes that would be a great addition to your Thanksgiving menu.  My Far East Celery is crunchy and light and makes a perfect accompaniment to turkey and stuffing.  Or a true fall dish that you can enjoy as a salad or dessert, Crunchy Grape Salad.

For me… it’s about setting a beautiful table.

 

Woodland #Thanksgiving Tablescape :: Wood Duck and Natural Elements :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Unless it snows this year, I’m going to be on the road for this annual celebration, so I thought it would be fun to put together my version of a Thanksgiving tablescape for four.  If you want to see what I created for my actual Thanksgiving dinner last year, you can see it here.

 

Wood Duck Thanksgiving Tablescape :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

My friend has a beautiful wood duck that has been taxidermied.  As I was working through what I would do for a centerpiece, it dawned on me that pheasants are often used for Thanksgiving tablescapes, why not a duck?  Why not.

 

Natural Thanksgiving Tablescape with a Wood Duck Centerpiece :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

So down came the duck.  The two fat plumes around the duck are part of his normal display, along with some driftwood and leaves and pine cones.  To create the centerpiece I added pampas grass plumes and grasses, oak leaves I picked up on my walk, a few trimmings of cedar, and fresh bittersweet we discovered on a drive, and pine cones.   I’m pretty pleased the way it came together.

 

Acorns & Bittersweet in a Natural Styled Thanksgiving Tablescape :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Maybe you remember my early fall tablescape with sunflower napkins, bistro chair napkin rings, and placemats I’d received for my birthday?  You might also recall that the rust-colored plates came from the Dollar Tree.  I purchased them to create that fall table setting and gift the friend; which she loves, and has enjoyed for all those wonderful fall comfort meals she cooks.

 

Rust & Brown & Gold Woodland Thanksgiving Tablescape :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Those same placemats came out again for this Thanksgiving tablescape to make the Dollar Tree plates look as if they are sitting on chargers.   The golden water goblets add to the color of the season, and for fun, we added the clear champagne glasses to add to each table setting.  You just might see those make a second appearance for Christmas with a little embellishment.

 

Napkin Ring :: Thanksgiving Tablescape AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

The napkins were wrapped with simple napkins rings I made from burlap to which I added the acorn ribbon ties that my friend created.  I think they are so cute.  And that reminds me, where are all the acorns?  I guess we decided too late to look for them this year.  A bit of bittersweet and a small silk leaf complete the burlap napkin ring.

 

Wood Duck Woodland Thanksgiving Tablescape :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

The colors of the wood duck are so beautiful.   He really makes for an eye-catching centerpiece along with all the beautiful fall colors in berry and foliage.

 

Thanksgiving Tablescape :: Wood Duck Centerpiece :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

So what do you think of my Thanksgiving tablescape?  Wouldn’t you like to come and enjoy a meal with me around this table?

 

Now for my caveat.  

Thanksgiving really is all about taking time to give thanks.

Not creating a stunning tablescape.

We don’t need a big meal to do that either.  In fact, many people go without or eat alone and still are grateful for their meager portion.  Maybe even more so than those with a bountiful table.  I know that my desire to set a beautiful table comes from my creative bent.  And I believe that to exercise our creativity is to worship God.

Setting a beautiful table may not be practical for those hosting large gatherings.  My friend will host her husband’s large family this year… create beautiful centerpieces… but use disposable dinnerware because it simply is easier for her.  What matters most is that she is extending hospitality and loving on family… and helping them to see Jesus in her and her thankful heart.

This Thanksgiving…

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 118:1 NIV

Thank you for stopping by today.
I appreciate you and your sweet comments make my day.

May you and yours have a most joyful and blessed Thanksgiving!

Diane

 

I’d be delighted if you’d share the goodness here with your friends.
Click any of  the sharing buttons at the bottom.

To receive FREE bits of inspiration like this

in your inbox or reader, subscribe now.

Let’s connect!  Facebook  ::  Pinterest  ::  Twitter  :: Instagram

Sharing with these extraordinary spots:
A Stroll Through Life + Cozy Little House + My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia + Cedar Hill Farmhouse-The Scoop + Yesterday on Tuesday + Kathe with an E + Titus 2sdays + Home Stories A to Z + Inside Bru Crew Life + Our Home Away from Home + Coastal Charm + Confessions of a Serial DIYer + A Bowl Full of Lemons + Carolyn’s Homework + Not Just a Housewife + DIY Dreamer + Green Willow Pond + Simply Designing + Clean & Scentsible + DIY by Design + DIY Showoff + Boogieboard Cottage + One More Time Events + I Should be Mopping the Floor + A Pinch of Joy + Self Sufficient Home Acre + Dwellings + Frugal Foodie Mama + Sew Can Do + Carolyn’s Homework + The SITS Girls + Live Randomly Simple + Savvy Southern Style + NY Melrose Family + DIY Dreamer + Someday Crafts + Snap! + Fine Craft Guild + The Happy Housie + Jann Olson + From My Front Porch to Yours + Posed Perfection + Katherines Corner + Ivy & Elephants + Self Sufficient Home Acre + Joy in Our Home + Dwell Beautiful + Embracing Change + Rooted in Thyme + Between Naps on the Porch + Imparting Grace + Living Well Spending Less + The Charm of Home + French Country Cottage + Nancherrow + Shabby Art Boutique + Too Much Time + Craftberry Bush + AKA Design + Shaken Together Life + My Repurposed Life + Tidy Mom + My Romantic Home + Natasha in Oz + Tatertots and Jello +  Be Different Act Normal +  3 Little Greenwoods + Whipperberry + One More Time Events + Life on Lakeshore Drive + Pieced Pastimes + Flamingo Toes + House of Hipsters + Dwellings + That’s What Che Said + A Pinch of Joy + It’s Overflowing  + It’s Overflowing + I Should be Mopping the Floor + The DIY Showoff + Silver Pennies + Sew Can Doby Stephanie Lynn + Carrie This Home + Life in Balance

Comments

  1. Beautiful!

    • Diane says

      Awww…thanks Stacey. 😉
      Wishing you and yours a most blessed and joyful Thanksgiving!!
      [hugs]

      p.s. Were you wearing your glasses when you read this?? 😀

    • Diane says

      🙂 Thanks Stacey!

  2. Babs says

    Your wood duck centerpiece is gorgeous. Love all the natural elements. Happy Thanksgiving.

    • Diane says

      Oh Babs….thank you sooo much!!!

      Wishing you and yours a most blessed and joyful Thanksgiving!

  3. I love it, Happy Thanksgiving. xo

    • Diane says

      Thank you so much Barbara!! 🙂

      Happy Thanksgiving!

  4. Zuni says

    Very pretty table! I really like the shot you took while hanging from the chandelier! 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving! ~Zuni

    • Diane says

      Haha!! Those chandelier shots are really tricky!! 🙂 Thanks Zuni for your kind words.

      May you and yours have a most joyful and blessed Thanksgiving!!

  5. I really love this! Might have to try it next year! Happy Thanksgiving! Too bad an elephant head does not fit in the theme. LOL! (blog post)

    • Diane says

      Oh I hope you do. It really looks much better “in life” than it does in my photos. 🙂
      An elephant head! LOL!! I bet that would take the whole table. 😉

      Happy Thanksgiving!!

  6. Your tablescape is gorgeous and I love the mallard duck! Stopping by from You’re Gonna Love It party.

    • Diane says

      Thank you so very much!
      The duck is actually a Wood Duck…he makes his nest in the cavities of trees around the water and is smaller than a Mallard. Not that it matters…just thought you might like to know since I didn’t explain it in the post.
      Happy Thanksgiving!

  7. I’m amazed at what wonderful things you come up with, when I know most of your belongings must be in storage! This is just beautiful Diane. I’m sure you are blessing your friends every bit as much as you are being blessed by them. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

    • Diane says

      You’re right Deborah…we came with our cats and our clothes and laptops and a very few other things as that’s all we had room for.
      Thanks for your kind words…I really appreciate your encouragement. I do hope we can be a blessing…I pray it every day. 🙂
      May your Thanksgiving be truly blessed!

  8. Ruth says

    Love your creativity in your tablescape. I also have those dishes from the Dollar Tree plus some beautiful glasses that have leaves on them that I purchased last year. Don’t know about your area but here in southwest Va, we
    didn’t have any acorns this year. The squirrels have been busy “stealing” ( ha ha ) our black walnuts which were
    also not as plentiful as last year. Always enjoy your posts. Hope you have a very blessed Thanksgiving and
    Christmas season!! Thanks be to God for His mercy is new every morning!!

    • Diane says

      Awww…Thank YOU!!
      I love that you have the same dishes, Ruth. Who would know they were from the Dollar Tree?! And you have glasses with leaves too. How pretty!
      Well…we think we had some acorns…but it seems that maybe we didn’t have as many because they were gone in a wink….or we are looking at last year’s “lids.”
      I’m so blessed knowing that you enjoy the posts. Thank you for being a faithful reader and taking time to leave your kind words, today.

      May your Thanksgiving be blessed and joyful as well. [hugs]

  9. Glenda Kremer says

    very pretty but where do you put your food???? our food is our decoration and at our house that is what all are interested in and so much that there is no space for tablescaping!
    HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
    glenda kremer

    • Diane says

      We often set a buffet when we make pretty tables. Isn’t if fun that everyone does something a little different?
      I had a lovely time away this year….hope you did too!!
      [hugs]

  10. What a beautiful tablescape! I love the colors you used, and that bird is awesome! Thank you so much for linking up at Get Your DIY On! I hope to see you tonight at 7 EST to link up your holiday wreaths and door decor! Have a great week!

    ~Abby =)

    • Diane says

      Thank you so much Abby!! You are so kind. And thank you for the invitation as well.

  11. Sandy says

    You have a very beautiful table! I loved all the natural elements and all the texture. Wonderful job on the napkin rings! You are one creative lady. Thanks for sharing.
    Sandy

    • Diane says

      Thank you soooo much Sandy!! Your words are such a warm blessing.

  12. it is beautiful. I love the acorns and burlap

    • Diane says

      Awwww…thank you sooo much!!
      Wishing you an extraordinary week.

  13. Cindy says

    Why not a duck, beautiful table! So true about giving thanks, beautiful!
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY! You are being featured…
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    • Diane says

      Haha! Why not!!
      Thanks for the props Cindy!! In turn, I just shared the share on FB!! 😉
      Blessings!!

  14. Thank you so much for sharing your gorgeous seasonal table! So lovely with touches from nature! You’ve inspired me to share one of my recent table settings, too:
    http://www.quickstarthomeschool.com/2012/12/hospitality-on-a-shoe-string/
    It’s much simpler than yours, but your design reminded me of a lovely day shared in our home 🙂
    Thanks for your ideas!
    Marie-Claire

  15. Oh my word this is amazing! I just love the duck and plumes for pizazz. Such a beautiful table scape.

    • Diane says

      You are so kind to say that Dawn….thank you!!
      All the best for an extraordinary day!

  16. Wonderful table! I love all the details!

    • Diane says

      Thank you so much Phyllis! It was fun to put together.
      Best wishes for an extraordinary day!

  17. Susan says

    Lovely table. Mr Wood Duck looks pleased to be the center of attention.

    • Diane says

      Oh yes…we was in all his glory! 😉
      Thanks so much, Susan for popping by with your kind words.
      Hope your week comes to an extraordinary close!

  18. Perfect combination for Thanksgiving! You’re idea for the napkin rings is fantastic!

    • Diane says

      Awww…thanks Jamie!! You are so sweet!
      All the best for an extraordinary weekend!

  19. Sarah says

    Beautiful, Diane. The woodland theme is perfect for autumn. Gorgeous wood duck as a centerpiece. Kudos on this wonderful table!

    • Diane says

      Awww…thanks so much Sarah! Coming from you…that’s a huge compliment!
      Blessings!

  20. A very ducky table!
    Blessings My Friend,

  21. Pretty little tablescape! I hope you will link it up at the Found & Foraged Linky Party tonight!

  22. Diane, so glad you stopped by to share this! I hope you will stop by the Found & Foraged Linky Party next week too! (Saturday @ 8PM CST) Hope to see you there!

  23. Cathy says

    Such a beautiful tablescape. Love the rustic but refined style. Thank you so much for sharing at Share It One More Time. Cathy

  24. Jann Olson says

    Yes, Thanksgiving is all about counting our blessings and giving thanks. But I agree, using our talents in a pleasing way helps us to glorify God! Your table is perfect and the colors in the duck echo the colors of Fall. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

  25. This is so unique and beautiful! Thanks for linking up at Totally Terrific Tuesday! I have a special announcement for tonights party! Hope to see you at 10!
    Pinned and tweeted this 🙂
    Jess

  26. I especially like the embellishments on the napkins – the hanging acorns, so cute! I’m a firm believer in being creative with what you have on hand. We buy way too much stuff!

  27. Just beautiful Diane! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

  28. Oh, man, that’s FABULOUS! You are becoming better than Martha! Love the duck. Just love it!! And all the details. I want to come over and share Thxgiving w you now!!! (smiles).

  29. I wanna come to your house for Thanksgiving! It’s sooooo pretty! Pinned! Thank you so much for linking up at Found & Foraged! Pinned! Hope to see you again Saturday night at 8PM!

  30. I LOVE the duck! Yeah, it’s different, but it’s good different and still feels like fall and Thanksgiving. Beautiful work. Thanks for linking up to Show Me Saturday!

  31. Diane, your tablescape is stunning–as, of course, is your heart! Thanks so much for sharing this loveliness at Grace at Home. I’m featuring you this week!

Trackbacks

  1. […] 410 ? '410px' : 'auto'); } Top viewed and my picks from last week:  An Extraordinary Day – Thanksgiving Tablescape Using Woodland Elements Domestic Bliss Squared – What to wear to a holiday party  Sour Dough Native – Baked […]

  2. […] truly enjoy creating with the beauties of nature…like I did here and here and […]

  3. […] Source: An Extraordinary Day […]

  4. […] you’ll love it.  In the meantime… you can check out my past Thanksgiving tablescapes: here & here & here & […]

  5. […] Thanksgiving Tablescape by An Extraordinary Day […]

  6. […] Thanksgiving Tablescape with Woodland Elements […]

  7. […] An Extraordinary Day […]

  8. […] Thanksgiving table set up from An Extraordinary […]

Please Share Your Extraordinary Thoughts!

*

AMAZON ASSOCIATES DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.