Thanksgiving, Around the Table

My approach to a warm, beautiful Thanksgiving—an inviting table, plenty of candlelight and the people who matter most.

There is something about Thanksgiving that I have always loved.

Perhaps it's because the holiday really comes down to something very simple: gathering around a table with people you love and taking a moment to appreciate what you have.

Over the years, my Thanksgiving table may have changed, but my approach really hasn't. I want it to feel beautiful and special, but also warm enough that everyone settles in, pours another glass of wine and stays awhile.

A Table That Feels Like Fall

I've always gravitated toward a rustic-elegant Thanksgiving table.

Rather than decorating every inch, I like to begin with the colors and textures of the season—white or muted pumpkins, greenery, autumn branches, seasonal fruit and beautiful linens.

I tend to keep the palette fairly natural and let the food, flowers and candlelight bring in the warmth.

Keep the Centerpiece Low

A Thanksgiving centerpiece should never make it difficult to see the person sitting across from you.

Low arrangements running down the center of the table work beautifully. Small pumpkins, greenery and flowers can be mixed with bowls of pears, pomegranates or nuts for something that feels abundant without becoming overly arranged.

One idea from my original table inspiration that I still love: tiny pumpkins filled with flowers at individual place settings.

Bring Out the Good Things

Thanksgiving is exactly the occasion to use the china, glasses, serving pieces and linens you already own.

They don't all need to match.

In fact, I think a table often feels more interesting when it has been collected over time—something inherited, something brought home from a trip, something new mixed with something old.

Add More Candles Than You Think You Need

This may be my easiest entertaining trick.

Candlelight makes almost everything look better.

I like different heights running down the table, but nothing too tall or heavily scented. Once the candles are lit and everyone is seated, the room immediately feels more intimate.

And Then, Let It Go

Once everyone arrives, I don't want to spend the evening worrying about whether the table still looks perfect.

The wine glasses move. Serving dishes appear. Napkins get crumpled. Someone inevitably puts something exactly where I didn't intend it to go.

That's when the table actually becomes beautiful—because people are enjoying it.

What I'm Thankful For

I found an old Thanksgiving post I'd written years ago and smiled when I read my list.

I was thankful for my family and friends, my children's teachers, our dog, online shopping, sleeping in, a good glass of wine—and even the occasional foot massage from my kids.

Life has changed enormously since I wrote that.

But the sentiment hasn't.

There will always be big things to be grateful for and very small ones. Thanksgiving is simply a lovely reminder to notice both.

Happy Thanksgiving.

My family

MBellished Entertaining Notes

Keep the centerpiece low. Conversation matters more than flowers.

Mix old and new. A collected table feels more personal than a perfectly matched one.

Use seasonal ingredients as décor. Pumpkins, pears, pomegranates, nuts and greenery are beautiful on their own.

Light the candles. Lots of them.

Don't over-style it. The table should feel even better once people are sitting around it.