Fall Thanksgiving Table

A warm fall Thanksgiving table built from the season itself: pumpkins, leaves and candlelight in orange, gold and deep green.

Start with a warm neutral cloth in cream or oatmeal, then layer an orange or rust runner.
Line the center with small pumpkins, gourds and autumn leaves instead of one tall arrangement.
Add pillar candles in amber glass or wooden holders between the pumpkins for a harvest glow.
Use gold or brass chargers under cream plates to warm up the whole table.
Tie each napkin in rust, mustard or olive linen, folded simply on the plate.
Tuck a dried leaf or a tiny pinecone into each napkin fold for a natural place marker.
Write guest names on small kraft cards and lean one against each pumpkin for easy seating.
Keep the centerpiece low and spread out so the turkey platter and sides have room.
Add a bowl of whole oranges, apples or nuts as an edible centerpiece accent.
Finish with a plaid or woven throw on a nearby chair for guests who want to linger after dinner.