Although it seems like most of the world has chosen to skip right to Christmas this year (it’s 2020, anything goes), my Pinterest is currently filled with all things Thanksgiving. With less than two weeks until turkey day, I am in full prep mode as Jody and I will be hosting Thanksgiving this year for the first time.

Thanksgiving is Jody’s favorite holiday, and admittedly, I’m a little sad to see the earthy shades of orange and brown be packed away for another year, so I’m preparing to create an easy to put together, natural, cozy holiday look. I’ve been gathering inspiration over the past few weeks and wanted to share some of the inspiration below!

When I think of Thanksgiving, I always picture the line of trees surrounding the creek across the street from my parents house. I remember waking up on many Thanksgiving mornings as a kid, seeing those tall oak trees against the gray, late autumn sky. Naturally, I tend to gravitate towards a color palette that sparks that image in my head, while including the pops of color that the fall knows so well: earthy greens, rust oranges, and browns. I plan to start with a simple table runner, adding some natural elements, such as a maple or magnolia leaves garland, floral stems and pumpkins would be as a base for a festive tablescape.

Besides being a sucker for candles, I think they provide a cozy and romantic element to any space. Adding fun votives would be an easy way to elevate the design, but this year, I am leaning towards using a collection of taper candlesticks.

As for place settings, I love the look of using simple, plain dishes. Perhaps its because I only have enough China in my collection for Jody and I, but it seems more practical to use our everyday dishes, and add a charger or some fun appetizer plates to create a casual, but put together look. I personally love the addition of gold and copper silverware!

While Thanksgiving will look a bit different to most of us this year, we are ready to celebrate nonetheless. Just because our gatherings may be smaller doesn’t mean it has to be any less beautiful! And after the year we’ve had, I think there is no better basis for a simple, good Thanksgiving.

Because we still have a lot to be thankful for.