November 13, 2009

Table Time

Edited to let you know I'm joining Kimbas DIY day!
It's that time of year again! Time to celebrate, enjoy family, generate a spirit of thankfulness.
Just around the corner lurks the busiest time of year. In order to prepare our hearts -- and homes for the holidays, a group of women from my church gathered to share practical ideas and enjoy a morning of fellowship. Each table was decorated by a different hostess. (To see ideas from last year's event check out this, this, and this.)

I had the opportunity to do two tables, one for Thanksgiving, and one for Christmas. Let's take a look.
Simple, casual elegance is what I wanted. My giant wicker bowl was filled with gourds and pumpkins, with some muslin fabric underneath. I used gold chargers (the large plates) and fun paper plates/napkins from the dollar store.
Each person had a little verse attached to a mini pumpkin to take home. I simply cut a tiny slit in the stem of each pumpkin and wedged the paper inside. (To see the verse, click on the picture, it will enlarge)

A friend of mine did this table. I really like this wire basket because it is so versatile and easy. In the spring, she puts green grass and colorful easter eggs inside. Love it.

While this table is a little formal for my own taste, I loved the idea of using pinecones as place holders. And check out those yummy homemade cookies each guest got to take home!

I have some more fall tables to share with you next time, and then we will look at some Christmas ideas next week. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. ;)

10 comments:

Angie @ Flibbertigibberish said...

Oohh! I love how simple that pumpkin place card is! I think I'll get my girls to help me make Thanksgiving place cards for Grandma's table. What a fun idea. :)

The Chubby Dove said...

The table I sat at was the best! (decorated by you, of course)

Amber said...

Those tables are SO pretty.

But I like YOURS the best!! :)
Casual is good. Very very good.

O Mom said...

Love Love Love the mini pumpkins with a verse for each person! So cute and personal.

Shell in your Pocket said...

OH..so pretty and such a great idea with the little pumpkins!
sandy toe

The Buntens said...

Oh, those tables are beautiful! I love doing brunches like this. We used to do one every year for MOPS and for my bible study. I always loved seeing the creativity and hospitality gifts come alive from each group! Oh, and the time together is just priceless, isn't it?

So glad you got to enjoy some time with your friends.

Carpool Queen said...

Keep the pics coming. I may have to decorate my Christmas table and I need to steal ideas from someone.

Rachel said...

You always do such a nice job decorating for HFFK! I'd love it if I actually got to go to it one year. I've never been able to go before, but I've heard nothing but great things about it!
Looking forward to seeing more table pics!

Norma Lee @ Norma Lee Good said...

Great idea! YOu have a good eye for decorating!

Anonymous said...

Great ideas, Gretchen! I love your pumpkin place cards!
Erin