When I begin to put together a tablescape for a dinner, I start by looking around the house.  Although it is fun to set a beautiful table, it’s just not always possible to spend a great deal of time shopping for decorations when all of the food needs to be made too!  For this table, I found inspiration right outside my door.

I love Flowering Cabbage- I have it planted all over the place.  It is such a unique Fall plant and putting it on the table brings the garden inside with the most beautiful green, pink and purple hues.  Planted in pots or other containers, it is low enough to allow conversation to flow across the table and unlike cut flowers, it will last beautifully in pots on the patio or planted in the garden for the rest of the season. 

After I decided to use cabbage, I pulled out a natural linen tablecloth, white plates and white napkins.  These are what I have, so they’re what I used!  I also have manged to collect a significant amount of mercury glass votives, so I pulled those out, too.   Although mercury glass often is associated with Christmas, I think it is sparkly and festive and can be used for any occasion.  Get it out for Thanksgiving and keep it out through the holidays!  Also, mercury glass is available at many stores and a variety of price points.  There’s a great selection right now at Pottery Barn and West Elm and I’ve bought it in the past at Wal-Mart and Target- so keep an eye out!

When I was out and about searching for the right cabbage for the table, I found these great pots at Ted and Debbie’s Flower and Garden shop.  I could have used the terracotta pots that I already have, but I love the silver at the top of these and how well it ties in with the mercury glass and flatware.  They will look great on my patio when Thanksgiving is over!  I also found the two ribbons tied around the napkins.  The purple brings out the colors in the cabbage and the wider burlap ribbon adds texture and ties in the color of the tablecloth and the pots.

Finally, the small pumpkins add a fresh take on a traditional Fall decoration.  The white adds a modern touch and does not compete with the other colors on the table.  Plus, they’re just really cute!  I was hoping to do bigger, carved pumpkins but soon realized there would be no room for food on the table.  It’s easy to get carried away setting the table, so don’t forget why your guests are coming.  Be sure to leave plenty of room for platters, trays and bowls full of food.  Keep it simple and have fun!

Happy table setting and

Happy Thanksgiving!