Thanksgiving Table Arrangement: Miniature Artificial Gourd Napkin Holders

Published July 15, 2012

Pretty Thanksgiving Table Arrangement

I love Autumn. The leaves are changing colour and the temperature is just slightly cool. It’s a great time of year to enjoy the outdoors and truly appreciate the beauty that Vancouver has to offer. If you are planning to host this year’s Thanksgiving dinner you may want to plan ahead and prepare some of the tasks early in order to be prepared for the big day.

Thanksgiving table arrangements don’t have to be time consuming and fussy. The old saying, “less is more” is certainly correct especially when it comes to setting your table. Many stores are filled with beautiful gourds, vines and other autumn decoration at this time of year. Whether you choose to go for real, artificial or a combination of both look for bright, bold coloured decorations to give your table a festive appeal.

Napkin Rings

  • Artificial miniature gourds (optional:  fresh from produce supplier)
  • Artificial miniature pumpkins (optional: fresh from produce supplier)
  • Natural or coloured raffia (available at craft supply stores) cut into 12-inch lengths
  • 6-inch piece of satin or organza ribbon (deep colours are best)
  • Thin wire
  • Standard fabric napkin

Use the wire to tie 1 or 2 decorative gourds together. The stem is useful for this to make attaching them easier. Cover the wire with the ribbon by tying a bow around it.

Lay your napkin flat on the table and lift it from the center. Hold the gourds and ribbon arrangement on top of the napkin and use your raffia to attach it to the napkin by looping the raffia through the gourds. Another option is to tie the raffia to the napkin first leaving enough room to slide in the gourds and pumpkins. Tie off with the ribbon.

Place the tied napkin on top of your dinner plate and arrange the cutlery to the side of the plate. Finish off the table with autumn coloured flowers such as gerbera daisies and chrysanthemums in small pots. Candles are wonderful scattered throughout the table to give the room a soft glow.

Decorating Tip:
Mix and match silverware and glassware with autumn- coloured dinner plates for a bright and bold Thanksgiving table.