Gathering with the people we love is a gift whether we find ourselves eating off paper plates or fancy dishes. Even so, adding beautiful accents fosters meaning to the moments shared and can be just as easy to pull together. This tablescape uses touches of the outdoors with real leaves, pinecones and grapevine wreaths. These simple additions add personality and warmth to any Thanksgiving Day table. Follow these directions for how to prepare outdoor accents (because dirt and bugs are the only ones not invited to the table) and you will have a stunning tablescape that costs you only a leisurely walk around your neighborhood and a passing chat with a neighbor.
How to: Preserve Pinecones
Bake pinecones to remove any tiny critters, dry up the sticky sap, and give the pinecone a beautiful glossy finish. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and lay pinecones in rows allowing space as they expand when baked. Place in the oven for about 30 mins. If pinecones were gathered on a damp day, it might take longer. Keep a close eye and pull them out when the house smells of pine trees and your pinecones go from a matte to glossy finish. To use simply scatter around the table or use as place-setting card holders as shone here.
How to: Preserve Leaves
Gather fallen leaves and test for dryness. Look for mostly dry, not brittle or limp. If too limp or fresh then press between books on parchment paper for a few days before proceeding. When ready to begin, prep the space by placing leaves in a single layer on wax paper. Brush one side of the leaf with a thin coat of Mod Podge using a foam brush. Let dry for 30 minutes or until the white coat turns clear. Flip leaves over, brush the other side and let dry again. Use leaves by scattering them around the table or frame as art for the gathering space.
How to: Write Place Cards
Handwriting guests' names on place cards gives an extra personalized touch. Start with writing the name with pencil (an eraser is your friend), then trace with a thin tipped sharpie. Finally, go over all the down strokes with a thick tipped sharpie to create a hand lettering effect. Watch the how-to video on IG @silvertoothhome. Happy Gatherings!
● Tablescape: LeAnn Parker with @Silvertoothhome
● Wine: Amigoni Urban Winery
