I love a thoughtful holiday table, not just because it’s aesthetically pleasing and festive, but largely because I want my kids to know how special these times together are. I hope they teach their own children to value each other, these holidays, and that during these days, we make things a little extra special to celebrate how thankful we are for the blessings in our lives.

This year, I wanted to create a classic and rustic table setting. These stunning plates are new and I wanted to showcase them in the photo. On Thanksgiving, I’ll place the napkin on top of the plates and set the silverware in their proper place. We’ll serve soup in my favorite pumpkin bowls too.

I hope my place setting inspires you to create something equally special and striking, and that your Thanksgiving be wonderfully magical and fun. Here are some tips to help you plan your holiday table:

• You don’t have to spend the big bucks to make your setting beautiful… bring in natural elements: leaves, branches, gourds, pine cones.
• Decide which colors you want to highlight on the table, and what mood/style you want to evoke.
• Consider the rules, but don’t fret too much over them. The forks go to the left of the plate, the knife and spoon (if there’s soup), go to the right, with the blade facing the plate (not like in my pic! I forgot to flip the knife!).  The water/wine glass goes on the upper right hand side.
• If you have a lot of friends and family coming over, add name cards so that your guests know exactly where to sit.

Tag me in your place setting photos on Instagram! I would love to see your arrangements!