Decorating for My First Thanksgiving- Table Design

This was the first year that (a) I've not been at home in Sheridan for Thanksgiving, (b) that I've cooked a Thanksgiving dish, and (c) that I've hosted Thanksgiving at my house!  While I missed the traditional Thanksgiving at home with my parents, I thoroughly enjoyed hosting my own Thanksgiving dinner.  You know me, always up for party!  I spent countless hours cleaning, finishing up some painting projects, and decorating the house with festive items.  My husband, as usual, felt I was going overboard, but that didn't stop me!  Here's a look at my Thanksgiving table.

I used orange and purple on the table.  I procrastinated in deciding how I wanted to decorate.  Due to my indecisiveness, there was almost nothing fall related left in the stores.  Christmas has officially usurped Thanksgiving.  Anyway, I was able to find these lovely dried orange florals.  I paired them with brown sticks and used large glass hurricanes filled with a pumpkin vase filler.  I like the dramatic and symmetrical effect they brought to the table.   I used crystal candle holders and ceramic pumpkins to complete the table decor.

Of course I had to use my Waterford wedding china and my Lennox crystal and flatware.  There is nothing better to set the mood of a dinner like china, crystal, and candles! 

I brought in the color purple with the napkins.  Since this is a formal living/dining room, I wanted to tie the living side, which has purple pillows, in with the dining room.  I decided to go with a simple rolled napkin held by a silver napkin ring  along with a textured taupe placement for a tailored, modern look that wouldn't compete with my table decor.  I would have loved two table runners in orange or purple, but that had to wait for next year.

Overall, despite the difficulty I faced in finding the decor, I achieved the look I was hoping for.  As soon as my guests walked through the door, they were greeted with a festive, but formal dining table that exudes what Thanksgiving means to me!  I will share some more of my decor tomorrow!