• Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

From Farmhouse to Florida

Bloom Where You Are Planted!

  • From Farmhouse to Florida
  • Home
  • About
  • Home Tour
  • Advertise
  • Blog
  • Recipes

Simple Tips for Your Friendsgiving Tablescape

November 15, 2024 by Kimberly Snyder 18 Comments

Spread the love

Get ready to impress your guests with these easy tips for creating a simple, yet beautiful Friendsgiving table!

 
Are you looking for some ideas for your Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving celebration this year?  Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving or simply “Just Living”*, these tabletop ideas area a great way to add a touch of Autumn interest and texture to your event! Today, I am sharing my favorite simple tips for decorating a Friendsgiving table.  

place setting of white plates with lamb's ear and white thistle accents

On this blog, I may sometimes use affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.  By using my affiliate links to shop, it helps me to be able to continue bringing you fresh new ideas and projects!  Thank you! 

Before we really get started

No matter how you arrived here today, I am so glad you are here!  My name is Kimberly and I have a passion for flowers (a former florist) and flour (a former pizzeria owner) and many things in between!  Especially rusty and chippy items! I love to share all the things I have learned over the years.  Sometimes I tell stories about my life.  Other times, I will share a craft or a recipe. I hope you enjoy your thyme here today and learn at least one thing during your visit!

Let’s get ready for some simple Friendsgiving  tablescape tips!

mini white pumpkin on top of white place setting

Simple Tips For Decorating A Friendsgiving Table

What is a Tablescape?

Tablescape is a term that blends the concepts of table setting and landscaping together.  It is a word that was first coined by Sandra Lee in the early 2000s according to Wikipedia.  I actually met Sandra years ago when she was on the set for the Extreme Makeover Home Edition build in Philo, IL.  Participating in that build is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

By combining table setting with landscaping, you are helping to create a mood and an atmosphere for your celebration.  Tablescaping allows you to use your creativity to make the gathering more special for your friends and family members.

Steps to Creating a Simple Friendsgiving Tablescape

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays!  I love the traditions rooted in celebrating the harvest season. It’s also a great opportunity to share food and make new memories with friends and family. 

Harvest Thyme!

I’d love to share my ideas on how to create a simple Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving tablescape!   I hope you will find these tips inspiring! 

My first step is to find my inspiration or my “muse”.  Sometimes it is a particular color combination or a particular object.  My muse for this simple Friendsgiving tablescape was the color combination of white, off white and blue green.  Possibly not your typical Thanksgiving color combination but it is one that I seem to gravitate to! color swatches for a calming coastal autumn palette

Calming Coastal Colors for Autumn

My “muse”helps me decide on an overall theme.  Since we are creating a Thanksgiving/Friendsgiving tablescape, I am going to want to incorporate Autumn into my overall theme.  One of my favorite things to do in the Fall is to visit a pumpkin patch.  I love the blue gray color of heirloom pumpkins. The little white pumpkins are the perfect size for working into a tablescape.

three white mini pumpkins stacked on top of a heirloom pumpkin

I like to give my theme a whimsical name.  I decided to call this theme “Rustic White Pumpkins & Lace Friendsgiving Celebration.”

Actually, I skipped a step!  I hate that when that happens!  I forgot to mention that I also have to decide what dishes I want to use!  While I did streamline my china/tableware collection before we moved to Florida, I still have several different place settings to choose from!  One year, I did a similar color scheme for Thanksgiving at the farm using my garden themed plates. 

This year, I decided to keep it simple and use plain white plates.  They are so versatile.  A set of white dishes can be used year round and accented with seasonal touches to reflect the current holiday. 

overhead view of white plates, burlap runner and neutral napkinsplace setting of white plates with lamb's ear and white thistle accentswhite pumpkin and lamb's ear on a white plate

These Corelle plates are also very light weight!

Next, I walk thru my home collecting items that reflect the color scheme and theme.  I call this the gathering process.  The gathering process continues until I feel like I have enough elements to get started.  Many times, I will find things I have completely forgotten about!  Does this ever happen to you?  I found a couple of pairs of wooden candle holders similar to the ones pictured below!  

tallow berries and moss balls on wooden candle holders

Quick Candle Holder Refresh

These candle holders will be used to hold candles and mini pumpkins.  I like to use candle holders as pedestals to add height to my tablescapes.  

I also like to use candles in my tablescapes. They’re inexpensive, versatile, and help make a statement.  They can become part of the centerpieces,  like the candle inside the metal lantern pictured below.  Or used to add color, like the pillar candle in the back of the picture. 

White metal lantern with wooden candle holders and white pumpkins

There are battery operated candles available in all sizes.  I have several battery operated pillar candles.  They came in very handy during Hurricane Ian when we didn’t have power! 

While I am gathering, I look for elements that I can use to add texture and interest to the tablescape.  I love the blue green color of these faux lamb’s ears.  Their fuzzy texture also helps add interest. 

artificial lamb's ear

I also like to use natural materials such as pine cones, dried leaves, and acorns.   

fall leaves & acorns

5 Fabulously Frugal Ideas for Fall Decorating

I removed a few leaves from one of the bushes of lamb’s ear to accent each place setting.   I also used a couple of acorns that had been sanitized.  

overhead view of white plates, burlap runner and neutral napkins

Elements of the Tablescape

Your tablescape will need a base such as a tablecloth or runner and possibly placemats.  The size and shape of your table help determine what shape of tablecloth and placemats you will need.  For example, this rustic dining table is rectangle. Therefore rectangle placemats will look better on it. 

    table made out of reclaimed wood

While we are on the subject of the place mats, the basic elements of a tablescape include the plates, cutlery, glasses and napkins as well as your centerpiece.  The centerpiece may include some candles or perhaps battery operated fairy lights.    

To complement the rustic nature of the table,  a runner made from burlap can be used down the center of the table.

rustic wooden table with a burlap runner

  Sometimes, I will add a lace runner on top of the woven burlap runner to add a touch of romance and soften the look. 

angel vine topiary

Happy Heavenly 92nd Birthday, Mom!

Napkins

For this tablescape, the plain neutral colored linen napkins that I used are very similar to the ones in the middle of the stack pictured below.  

stack of assorted linen napkins

I often will use napkins that are trimmed in crochet.  The addition of the crochet helps add texture and interest.  I like to use linen napkins or cloth napkins.  Paper napkins could be used as well.  It is simply a matter of personal preference. 

simple Autumn table

Decorating Ideas for An Autumn Table

Let’s Talk about the Centerpiece

The centerpiece portion of the tablescape is where you can really let your creativity shine!  The size and shape of your table will help dictate how long your centerpiece can be. For the centerpiece for this tablescape, elements including a variety of white mini pumpkins, blue gray heirloom pumpkins, white washed terra cotta flower pots, an antler and assorted candle holders were used. 

old window in the background. Assorted white pumpkins and antler

 

still life with white pumpkins, terra cotta pots and candle holders

White metal lantern with wooden candle holders and white pumpkins

Another alternative for a centerpiece would be to use an old wooden carrier filled with seasonal items. To see how I combined pumpkins and everlastings to make the centerpiece pictured below, simply click on the link below the photo!

old tool box filled with white pumpkins and everlastings

Autumn Rustic Garden Style Centerpiece

Important Things to Remember

Tablescaping allows you to release your creativity but you don’t want to be so creative that it interferes with your guests ability to enjoy their meal!  Centerpieces should be kept to a reasonable height so that the guests can still see each other.  Don’t over decorate the tabletop, leaving nowhere for the guests to put their plates and glasses.  Keep in mind the age range of your guests and their physical mobility.  If you have children attending your event, keep the tablescape child friendly.

I hope these simple tips for decorating a Friendsgiving table sparked your creativity!

Pin Me for Later!

       

For An Additional Touch of Fall

If you need a gluten free dessert, why not try this Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cheesecake with a pecan crust?  It is quick, easy and so delicious! 

gluten free crust with pumpkin spice cheesecake filling

No Bake Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake in a Gluten Free Crust

Thank you so much for stopping by today!  I hope you enjoyed learning about these simple tips for decorating a Friendsgiving table

* “Just Living” refers to a new blog series that I am thinking of starting.  As I continue to navigate life after my colon cancer diagnosis, I am searching for ways to simply enjoy life.  To read more about my cancer diagnosis, please see this post: Rooted & Established in Love

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. The opinions here are all my own. It helps me to continue to bring to you DIY and projects on my blog.

Please see my disclosure page for more information.

Check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription.

Filed Under: Blog Post, Decorating & Design Tagged With: "Kim" Style, entertaining, Friendsgiving, Just Living, tablescape, Thanksgiving

Let’s “Build” A Snowman Vignette
Where Do We Put the Christmas Tree?

Comments

  1. Chas - Chas' Crazy Creations says

    October 27, 2022 at 10:01 am

    I love your table for friendsgiving! It looks amazing and I really love the pumpkins (my favorite). Thank you so much for sharing.

    Reply
    • Kimberly Snyder says

      October 27, 2022 at 9:37 pm

      Thank you, Chas! This was a fun hop!

      Reply
  2. Cindy says

    October 27, 2022 at 12:15 pm

    Love your table, Kimberly. I love candle holders too and they do make great pedestals, don’t they? Pinned!

    Reply
    • Kimberly Snyder says

      October 27, 2022 at 9:37 pm

      Thank you , Cindy!

      Reply
  3. Nicole says

    October 27, 2022 at 1:01 pm

    Wonderful tips for a tablescape! I love how you went through your process!! Very helpful.

    Reply
    • Kimberly Snyder says

      October 27, 2022 at 9:38 pm

      Thank you , Nicole! Thank you for hopping with us today!

      Reply
  4. Juliet says

    October 27, 2022 at 8:08 pm

    I love the white and grey pumpkins, too! Thank you for joining the Friendsgiving hop. I am so thankful for your friendship 💓

    Reply
    • Kimberly Snyder says

      October 27, 2022 at 9:39 pm

      Thank you for putting the hop together! I hope you have a wonderful birthday weekend!

      Reply
  5. Sue at Blu says

    October 30, 2022 at 10:23 am

    Kimberly I simply love your gathering process. Too often we jump to the new things. My mantra is use what you have. Love the subtle rather neutrals of your color scheme. Beautiful table!

    Reply
    • Kimberly Snyder says

      October 30, 2022 at 1:57 pm

      Thank you , Sue! I really am trying to get better at using what I already have rather than going out and buying something different. It was fun hopping with you !

      Reply
  6. Betsy at Happily Ever After, Etc. says

    November 3, 2022 at 11:52 pm

    I love the soft glue green of the lambs ear with the pumpkins… such a pretty combination! Now I’m dreaming up ways to make this work on my table… thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
    • Kimberly Snyder says

      November 4, 2022 at 5:31 am

      So glad you liked the post! I love lamb’s ear! Can’t wait to see what you come up with!

      Reply
  7. Alicia says

    November 4, 2022 at 10:24 am

    What a beautiful Autumn table! I like how you walk through building and styling it, thanks!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. French Farmhouse Friendsgiving Tablescape: White, Grey & Green - Adorn the Table says:
    October 27, 2022 at 9:59 am

    […] From Farmhouse to Florida […]

    Reply
  2. Bread Pudding, 2 Ways — Design of Your Life says:
    November 4, 2022 at 10:33 am

    […] Simple Decor Ideas for your Friendsgiving Table […]

    Reply
  3. Autumn Rustic Garden Style Centerpiece - From Farmhouse to Florida says:
    June 22, 2023 at 10:36 am

    […] Simple Decor Ideas for Your Friendsgiving Table […]

    Reply
  4. Decorating Ideas for an Autumn Table - From Farmhouse to Florida says:
    September 18, 2024 at 7:13 am

    […] Simple Decor Ideas for Your Friendsgiving Table […]

    Reply
  5. Harvest Thyme! - From Farmhouse to Florida says:
    October 20, 2024 at 6:26 am

    […] Simple Tips for Your Friendsgiving Tablescape […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Hello! Kimberly (Kim) Snyder and I'm glad you're here. An entrepreneurial spirit, I've owned a flower shop and antiques store, a pizza parlor and now we're in Florida living a new adventure. Join me as we downsize into our new digs and continue the adventures! WRITER & BLOGGER

Kimberly Snyder shares the adventures of moving to Florida and beginning again in a new space as a herbalist, a creative, and a serial entrepreneur

Instagram

Pretty in Pink for Spring! Thinking about layering Pretty in Pink for Spring! Thinking about layering in some aqua for Summer. What do you think? #kimstyledecor #coastalfarmhouse #coastalfarmhousestyle #fromfarmhousetoflorida #decoratingwithshells
Summer thyme is just around the corner! Let’s re Summer thyme is just around the corner! Let’s refresh your outdoor area! #fromfarmhousetoflorida #kimstyledecor #outdoorlivingspace #summervibes☀️ #coastalhomedecor #coastalfarmhouse
It is so easy to refresh a wicker basket with a co It is so easy to refresh a wicker basket with a coat of chalk paint! I used some left over chalk paint for this project. After the basket was dry, I filled it with a couple pots of blooming plants! #chalkpaint #wickerbasket #basketmakeover #basketlover #gardenstyledecor #kimstyledecor #fromfarmhousetoflorida
We had the house painted last fall. I finally got We had the house painted last fall. I finally got the vintage urns out of storage and added white mums.  #brocantestyle #brocante #gardenantiques #gardenstyle #kimstyledecor #whitemums #fromfarmhousetoflorida
Instagram post 18044738081437452 Instagram post 18044738081437452
I love to use my Mom’s vintage Hamilton Beach mi I love to use my Mom’s vintage Hamilton Beach mixer! It still works after all these years. I did have it re-wired several years ago because the original cord was frayed. #hamiltonbeach #fromfarmhousetoflorida #vintagekitchenwares #mothersday #farmhousekitchendecor
Not sure if I ever shared this version of the pott Not sure if I ever shared this version of the potting bench. I started decorating it with a lavender theme. I must have gotten distracted before I finished it! It just needs a few potted lavender plants ti finish it! #lavender #farmhousedecorating #gardenstyle #fromfarmhousetoflorida #pottingbench
Simple Summer sugar mold idea! I made the flower o Simple Summer sugar mold idea! I made the flower out of the trim from an old pillowcase.  #sugarmoldcenterpiece #sugarmolddecor #fromfarmhousetoflorida #farmhousedecor #fauxhydrangeas #gardenstyledecor #cottagedecor #kimstyledecor
Mother’s Day week is here! If you have been foll Mother’s Day week is here! If you have been following me for a while, you know I can’t resist filling a dough bowl (or2) with blooming plants! I designed this one with a combination of vintage garden tools, an old book and a selection of plants.  It would make the perfect gift fire that special Mom in your life! #mothersdaygifts #mothersday #mothersdaygiftideas #gardenstyle #farmhousedoughbowl #doughbowl #kimstyledecor #fromfarmhousetoflorida

Tags

"Kim" Style 4th of July Architectural Salvage Autumn brocante style budget friendly Christmas Christmas decorating container gardening cooking with herbs DIY dough bowl Easter entertaining entrepreneur European dish garden Family Farmhouse Flowers Gardening Garden Style garden style decor gluten free Herbs Holiday decorating lanai Mad Dash Mixes Mix It Up Monday No Bake Cheesecake outdoor living patio pots patriotic pumpkins recipe recipes Silk arrangement silk flower arrangement Soup spray paint Spring sugar mold summer Summer Holidays Thanksgiving Valentine's Day

Recent Posts

  • Gray Herb box in a vignetteDownsizing The Family Homestead
    In Blog Post, Decorating & Design
  • Blue Mason jar centerpieceQuick & Easy Mason Jar Centerpiece
    In Blog Post, Decorating & Design
  • summer flowers in a blue mason jarDIY Hanging Mason Jar Vase
    In Blog Post, DIY

Categories

  • Appetizer
  • Architectural Salvage
  • Autumn
  • Beverages
  • Blog Post
  • Christmas Decorating
  • Decorating & Design
  • Desserts
  • DIY
  • Easter Decorating
  • Entertaining
  • Entrepreneur
  • Flowers
  • Furniture
  • Gardening
  • Holiday Decorating
  • Home Decor
  • Home Tour
  • Lanai
  • Main Dishes
  • Outdoor Kitchen
  • Outdoor Living
  • Petals & Porch Posts
  • Pizza
  • Pizza Business
  • Pool
  • Porch
  • Recipes
  • Salad
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Thanksgiving Deccorating
  • Valentine's Day
  • Winter

Recent Posts

  • Gray Herb box in a vignetteDownsizing The Family Homestead
    In Blog Post, Decorating & Design
  • Blue Mason jar centerpieceQuick & Easy Mason Jar Centerpiece
    In Blog Post, Decorating & Design
  • summer flowers in a blue mason jarDIY Hanging Mason Jar Vase
    In Blog Post, DIY
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Disclosure Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Sassafras Theme by Hello You Designs

Copyright © 2025 · Sassafras Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in