I am hosting my first Thanksgiving this year. There are going to be about 12 people at my apartment for the meal. We are going to have to seat people at two tables that do not match each other. One is a tall pub table with backless stools and the other is a normal dining table so we cannot just push them together to create one long table. I do not have place settings for 12 so we are going to have to use paper plates and plastic cups and flatware. Do you have any suggestions for making this a nice looking meal. I do not have a ton of money to spend on it. We have a buffet table that we are going to use for all of the food to be set out on. Thanks for any suggestions you can offer to me. I would like to make it look nice for everyone.
Thanks!
You might want to check out a new Thanksgiving article entitled "Thanksgiving Entertaining." The article features just about everything Thanksgiving you can imagine from invitations to table decor. Some of the items may be too expensive but others are definitely more reasonable. It also features a nice selection of elegant and fun paper goods. At the very least, you can use the article for inspiration.
http://partyideapros.com/PartyIdeaPros/thanksgiving-entertaining-part-one
Table Conundrum:
Like you, my dining room table does not seat 12 so I have invested in a folding table which we store away when not in use. Basically I set up the tables in a "T" so that everyone can talk to one another. I have 2 white/cream colored table cloths that I put on each table and then add color with either placemats or sometimes, I even use pretty 12 x12 scrapbooking paper. Even if you choose not to invest in a utility table, in order to tie the room together, consider using complimentary or matching table cloths on both tables. If you choose patterned paper goods, stick to solid placemats or scrapbook paper.
Setting an Elegant Table:
Now down the center of your tables use 1-2 small flower arrangements, small flower vases or even shot glasses with just a couple of deep hued autumn flowers cut short, or mini terra cotta pots planted with a burgundy, gold, and/or orange mini gerbera daisy plant. Alternate the flowers either with simple fall colored candles and candlesticks or fun Thanksgiving candles. The candlesticks do not need to match and preferably are of different heights. In between the flowers and candles throw in some miniature pumpkins and gourds available at your local grocery store. Finally, add tea lights, grouped or solo, wherever there is extra space and maybe pick up a cute Thanksgiving salt and pepper shaker like those featured in the article. You will have to play with all the elements to see how many of each your table can comfortably handle.
Scrapbook Placemats
If you are crafty, another placemat option is to actually create an individual Thanksgiving theme scrapbook "page" for each placemat with pictures of you and your guests. Be sure to laminate each page or put them in an individual plastic sleeve. This makes for a lovely Thanksgiving "favor" or after the Thanksgiving festivities start a Thanksgiving only scrapbook which you can add to each year as creating your placemats becomes your annual tradition.
Hope this helps. Best of luck and Happy Thanksgiving!
This was a gig where for my 5 minutes, I didn’t really do my set. I just spoke about the venue mainly! It was a really nice gig as it was the upstairs of a pub, rammed, with a really good crowd who were up for a laugh.
How we set up our tables here at The Oatsheaf, Fleet.
www.chapinfurniture.com has a great Cherry counter height Pub Table with four chairs for $599. This is an extremely popular set. You’ll love it. Shipped to anywhere in the continental US or Canada.