Thanksgiving Tidbits ... Table Decor Ideas

The Thanksgiving dinner table usually doesn't allow room for a large or fancy centerpiece. But there is no need to fret. Autumn's vibrant and earthy colors present wonderful opportunities to adorn the table without giving up prime real estate reserved for the turkey and pumpkin pie.

For a simple and pretty look, it is easy to run a path of colorful leaves down the center of the table, or even better, buy French cheese leaves that can be used over and over again. Accent with small pumpkins, gourds, berries and flowers.

Peruse closets for tablecloths, runners, place mats, or even sheets in yellows, oranges, browns, and golds. Mix and match colorful fabrics to cover tables, sideboards and any other flat surface that might host the holiday buffet.

Make eye-catching napkin ties using rustic natural materials like raffia, straw or lemongrass.

Use small tea lights or votives in back of each place setting with a fall theme, such as a pumpkin or little turkey. Or make them by wrapping autumn leaves around small glass votives, using a different color of leaf for each votive, and tying them with raffia. The tea lights or votives can also serve as a take-home party favor.

Instead of in back of the placemat, scatter the votives along the center of the table. Add a couple of small flower arrangements instead of one large one. For extra sparkle, place some floating candles in the shape of leaves or other fall décor in a small glass bowl.

If there is no room on the table, hang decorations overhead. String together vibrant orange, red, and yellow paper lanterns so they dangle a couple feet above the dinner table.

Write each guest's name on a place card with a gold metallic pen, then punch a hole in the top right corner of each card. Use pretty ribbon to tie them to the stems of pears or mini pumpkins and set one on each guest's plate.

As another little party favor or extra dessert, scatter candy wrapped in pretty fall colors around each place setting.

Don't forget about the kids' table! While the turkey is cooking, give the little ones a supply of markers or crayons, construction paper, pipe cleaners, mini pumpkins and fall leaves. The kids will love decorating their own table, and the grown-ups will love keeping them busy while they get dinner on the table.

Above all, enjoy loved ones and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!