CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio — We have just over one week to go until family, friends and loved ones gather around tables for thanksgiving dinner. And for many, Thanksgiving isn’t only about turkey – it’s also about the tablescape.
"People are able to get back together again with their extended families. So they're excited to set a beautiful table, to add something new, but to use all those traditional pieces that they've had in their family for years," Franny Ross, sales associate at Hedges Designs in Chagrin Falls told 3News Style Contributor Hallie Abrams.
Hedges Designs is the perfect place to find just about everything you need to set a beautiful table - or, just get some ideas. Franny says, you don't have to start from scratch to make things feel new.
"Things should absolutely be mixed and matched....I would suggest you take out all your favorite pieces that you've used for years and put them on your counter and then set your table with your linens, your plates, and then add the new pieces together that will make it special for you."
The team here at Hedges put together three special tablescape designs to help get us inspired.
First up – a more casual option. Franny showed Hallie a festive display that featured white place settings with colorful accents - like a Straub ceramic pumpkin dish that can come straight out of the oven and onto the table. Franny suggested using it to serve soup, or even to place treats or messages inside.
"And if somebody has white dishes already, they can use [those], Hallie pointed out. "I love how you can take a plain white dish and then layer in these colors to make it feel very Thanksgiving festive."
This table shows, it’s perfectly fine to mix fresh and faux elements - including faux velvet pumpkins with real pumpkin stems.
"Which can be reused every year because those were made to last... you could probably put them on the mantle also to use as decor," Franny said.
Franny says, another way to make things feel cozy is through lighting – and now, adding that ambiance is easier than ever.
"We usually have candles on tables, but [these LED lamps are] a brilliant alternative and they come in all different shapes and colors, but all you have to do is tap the top and you have light," Franny explained.
Next up – if you’re looking to get a little fancier this year, Franny says formal does not have to mean stuffy.
"It's very elegant and inviting even though it's very formal... we did our Italian linens again, but it's a quieter color and the plates and the glasses and the candlesticks all match the kind of quiet but elegant theme on this table.
Hallie pointed out that on this table, the linen is centered in the middle of the table, rather than covering all sides.
"It still looks very intentional. It's almost like a grounding centerpiece to the table even if you see the the wood on the end... I had not thought of that," she said.
And when it comes to centerpieces, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
"The crystal candlesticks...you can see through them. So they're really not intrusive. So you can talk to the people across the table, but it's simple but very elegant. Again, you don't have to have a lot of items on your table to make it look special," Franny said.
And finally, we can't forget about the kids' table - everything in this design is kid-proof and meant to be touched.
"So we really wanted this to be a welcoming, fun center for kids to come and sit at so their parents don't have to worry about them breaking or spilling anything so they can enjoy the day too," Franny explained.
You can even incorporate some crafts into the table design - the placemats and turkey hats are meant to be colored.
So from festive to formal to fun, there’s a little something for everyone.
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