Thanksgiving Tablescape :: Buffet Style Entertaining
Thanksgiving Tablescape Using a Table as a Buffet
It's almost Thanksgiving and there is no better time than now to start your entertainment planning. In this post, I'm sharing ways to create a lovely Thanksgiving Tablescape using a table as a buffet.
Today, I'm thrilled to be partnering with Balsam Hill in this sponsored post.
How To Use a Table to Create a Beautiful Thanksgiving Guest Buffet
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to kick off the holidays and entertain.
Even if you don't have a buffet, you can create a wonderful buffet with a little forethought and if you just want to create a Thanksgiving Tablescape with tablesettings and Centerpiece, I have one here for you that you might like as well.
Start saving inspiration (like this post) now and when the time comes, you'll be all ready.
Simple Tips for Getting Organized
We want to start by gathering serving pieces and decor.
The tablescape I'm sharing today can easily transition to Christmas and New Year's by simply swapping out the plates and napkins. Everything else can be used throughout the holidays.
I like to choose serving pieces wisely since space is limited in my home and that's why I enjoy using tiered trays like the ones above. The tiers allow you to stack treats and save space.
I also like to add fresh as well as faux elements to my table. These white baby pumpkins lasted for almost two months and the only reason I added them to the compost pile was that they no longer fit into my decorating theme but otherwise, they were a wonderful and fresh addition to my tablescape.
Instead of Tablecloths Opt for Using Inexpensive Burlap
I started by placing two burlap sacks on the table. The burlap gives a nice rustic feel to the table and adds some much-desired texture. You can also use plain burlap fabric if you don't have sacks available.
Thanksgiving Tablescape Tabletop Decor
I then topped the burlap with the Charlestown Decorated Wreath from Balsam Hill. This wreath will be going either above my mantel or on my front door for Christmas but for now, it's the centerpiece of my table.
The wreath lights up and has the prettiest, most rustic, large, and jingly bells attached to it. There is no need to think a wreath like this is for Christmas only. Greenery always adds a wonderful touch to any decor.
Next, I placed Faux Bois Candle Holders in Rustic Oak around and within the wreath.
Lighting is imperative to creating a mood. I chose the gold faux candles and the rustic oak candle holders to carry a warm and welcoming vibe throughout. These, again, can be used throughout the holiday season thus saving money and time.
These rustic oak candle holders are large and beautiful and definitely an attention-getter. Also, the plates center front, those were my Mom's. When I was a child, I did not like these plates one bit. They seemed so old fashioned but now, I love the brown bamboo pattern. I always like to have something of hers on hand when entertaining because it reminds me of the wonderful mother she was and I get to share a story or two with my sons about her. Holidays are a wonderful time to create new memories while visiting and embracing past memories.
Now, back to the tablescape. I topped the candle holders with Miracle Flame LED Wax Candles; 2 large, and 1 small in gold. I absolutely love these candles. They have such a lovely, non-gaudy, gold-tone.
They look so real, have a handy remote control (look at all the options) and they are totally safe to use wherever you want to place them and no worries about wax dripping on your tablecloth.
The Versatility of Tiered Stands
Next, I added the Tuscan Entertaining 2-tier stand to the left of the centerpiece,
and the Tuscan Entertaining Cake Stand to the right. These beautiful stands with marble serving platters are a wonderful way to make the most use of your space. Remember, stacking is key when it comes to saving space and they also are a great way to have food available at hand-height and not too far below eye level thus increasing the impact and comfort with which your guests can grab and chat.
I used them for serving dinner and dessert the first night and the next morning I put some breakfast goodies on them. They are so versatile and I'll be using the cake stand for Christmas cupcakes and the 2-tiered stand for appetizers for the holidays and fun ahead. Once the holidays are over, I can see myself using them again, and again, and again.
p.s. I also added a string of white lights for no other reason than they are a wonderful way to add more of the holiday feel to the tablescape.
For your convenience, here are the links to the beautiful items shared in this post:
| Faux Bois Candle Holders - Rustic Oak | https://www.balsamhill.com/p/faux-bois-candle-holders-set |
| Miracle Flame LED Wax Candle - gold small | https://www.balsamhill.com/p/miracle-flame-led-wax-pillar-candle-frosted-gold |
| Miracle Flame LED Wax Candle - gold large | https://www.balsamhill.com/p/miracle-flame-led-wax-pillar-candle-frosted-gold |
| Charlestown Decorated Wreath | https://www.balsamhill.com/p/charlestown-decorated-artificial-christmas-wreath-garland-foliage |
| Tuscan Entertaining Cake Stand | https://www.balsamhill.com/p/tuscan-entertaining-collection |
| Tuscan Entertaining 2-Tier Stand | https://www.balsamhill.com/p/tuscan-entertaining-collection |
Have a blessed and joyous Thanksgiving!
I love the way that you've used twinkly lights to bring out the features of that centerpiece Charleston wreath! The scene looks so magical and inviting. And what a special addition--your mom's plates. The mix of old and new is just perfect, Mary Beth! 🙂
Thank you so much, Bonnie! You are so sweet. p.s. I absolutely LOVED your post. It was perfection.
Very nice..I especially like the night look!
Your look is perfect for the setting with your beautiful hutch.
You could easily keep this look through Christmas by adding in plaid Christmas ribbon, some Christmas picks, and/ or reflecting Mercury glass..fairy light strings..etc.
Interestingly enough I picked on another blog the Tuscan collections as a favorite..all the pieces in the collection.
I also love the awesome big rustic twiggy woodland Turkey center piece..that beautiful bird is sold out now.
And, I really love the cheerful Wildflowers wreath.
Balsam Hills really has a great collection this year.
And, all you girls did a beautiful job!
Btw..I understand having a ill family member, or death during the holidays..its rough..my dear sweet nephew 23 was killed on his motorcycle 3 weeks before Thanksgiving a few years ago..Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday and he love my moms.,his grandma cornbread dressing..he had told her the night before he could wait for thanksgiving and her dressing. So, everyone make every day count and special.
Thanks.
Happy Thanksgiving
Merry Christmas
And
Happy New Year.
I am so sorry about your nephew, Vickie. That is absolutely heartbreaking. I hope that you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year as well....sending you all lots of love.
What a lovely and inviting table, Mary Beth! You truly put me in the holiday spirit. 🙂 I have to say that the faux bois candle holders would look fabulous at my house for sure! And your rustic tiered tray is gorgeous! I love how you had it set up with yummy looking appetizers. Let the holidays begin!!!!
Thank you, Diane, and you are right, those faux bois candle holders would look beautiful in your home.
Such a beautiful table! I really like the Balsam Hill Tuscan 2-Tier Stand. It really does provide an extra spot for goodies!
Thank you, Beverly, and that stand is wonderful.
Isn't it nice to have candles on a timer? It was a great idea to hang your wreath on the from of your china cabinet., which is so pretty. I think they give the room such a pretty warm glow. I love the colors in your wreath! My favorite autumn product is the heirloom stacked pumpkins. They are so pretty & unique. Thank you for the chance to win one of Balsam Hills beautiful wreaths.
You're welcome, Tracy, and I agree about the candles on a timer. So convenient and they look so pretty!
Out of all the settings, I loved yours! It shows warmth and comfort and is welcoming...just what you want for thanksgiving. It looks like it would be relatively easy to switch up for Christmas, as well. So inviting!
Thank you so much, Mary!
I really love the Wildflower Prairie Wreath! This one is gorgeous too!! I love your tablescape. It's functional for Thanksgiving through Christmas!
The HEIRLOOM PUMPKIN & MAGNOLIA WREATH is gorgeous!
So nice, love the colors. I really like the OUTDOOR LED AUTUMN MAPLE TREE.
Beautiful for sure
Love the candles. For sure.
Mary Beth, I love all their products, but I really love that wreath and those faux bois candle holders!
Good choices, Carol!
The way you used candlelight is absolutely gorgeous! What a terrific post 🙂
Thank you, Deborah!
The Charleston wreath is my favorite. I like how you’ve used it for Thanksgiving and then will continue on with Christmas.
Good choice, Laura! 🙂 thanks so much for stopping by