Table, Set, Go! 6 Inspiring Thanksgiving Tablescapes

There’s less than two weeks until Thanksgiving – are you ready? You may have your menu planned, but that’s not the only important thing that goes on your table. This year set your tables to stun with some simple ideas that are sure to compliment every feast. Check out some of our favorite tablescapes below and get ready to wow friends and family on the 26th. 

All That Glitters is Gold – Traditional pumpkins and pine cones with a fabulous touch of luxury. We love the effortlessness of this look. It’s easy to recreate and will have a big impact on your table.

Image via A Pumpkin And A Princess

Bring the Outdoors In – Bright greens, fragile florals, and a hint of copper make for an excellent combination. Though there are some bold pinks and reds, this mix is fairly subtle and a lovely one to try this Thanksgiving.

Image via Homey Oh My!

Keep it Subtle - If you think gold is more gaudy than gorgeous, this centerpiece will be right up your alley. We’re fans of the burlap table runner and simple mix of earthy colors. This is the perfect setting for a rustic Thanksgiving.

Image via Sand & Sisal

Gourd-geous Vases – Simply put, we are in love with these vases! They’d make a fabulous addition to any table (Thanksgiving or not). The rich oranges, greens, and purples play off each other so nicely, and using a gourd as a vase is such a fantastically creative DIY – we can’t get over it. 

Image via The Merry Thought

Food for Thought – Why not incorporate some of your Thanksgiving dinner ingredients into your centerpiece? As you can see, artichokes, beans, and asparagus make lovely candle holders!

Image via Better Homes And Gardens

Rich & Rustic – We’ve got a penchant for plaid, and we’re not afraid to show it! The eucalyptus, walnuts and pine corn create a fantastic rustic scene. All it needs is some turkey!

Image via House And Home

We hope these ideas help inspire you to create a beautiful table this year. We’d love to see your Thanksgiving tablescapes. Share your best shots with @HomeShows on Instagram and Twitter – we love to see how you celebrate!

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Favorite Things About Fall

You can't deny it any longer, as of September 23rd it's official: summer is over. That's right folks, it's finally fall. For some of you, this change of seasons might not be your favorite. We can understand that, summer is sunny and relaxing and fall is busy and cold. But fall doesn't deserve the rap it gets - it just has a hard act to follow. In fact, there are a lot of really great things that happen between September 23rd to December 21st. Don't believe us? Check out the top six things we love about fall.

1. Colors - Fall is a season that inspires rich hues and deep, earthy tones. We love spring pastels and summer's bright palette, but fall brings out such luxurious colors.

Image via House & Home

2. Decor - Seasonal interior and exterior decorations begin with fall and continue through the winter. Creating charming table settings, front doors, porches, and entryways is a great tradition. We know you can't wait to light your jack-o-lanterns and then deck the halls.

Image via House and Home

3. Fashion - There's something comforting, comfortable, and chic about sweater weather.

Image via Cabinology

4. Pumpkin Spice - Add it to lattes, muffins, bagels, donuts, cakes, pies, ice cream, bread, whatever you can think of really...it's all good!

Image via Dessert For Two

5. Holidays - Trick or treaters and being thankful are some of the best parts of fall. Too much candy, too much turkey, too much fun.

Image via Country Living

6. The Capital Home Show! - We can't mention fall without talking about the Capital Home Show. Planning a home renovation? Looking for some tips to help spruce up your space? Need some inspiration for your new home? The Capital Home Show is full of home design, decor, and renovation experts and celebrities, service providers ready to give you advice and discounts, educational demonstrations, and so much more! The home and garden event of the season takes over the Dulles Expo Center September 25-27, 2015.

Fall is a season we love, so we have to ask: what are you favorite things about fall? Did we miss something on our list? Let us know on Twitter on Facebook!

Did you know that connecting with us on social has lots of perks? Not only will you get the inside scoop on upcoming events and celebrities lifestyle tips, you'll also get exclusive access to ticket discounts. Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets to the Capital Home Show on our Facebook ticket deals. Click here to learn more.

DULLES EXPO CENTER

SEPTEMBER 25-27, 2015.

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Delightful Desserts: The New Pumpkin Pie

This Thanksgiving why not get a little creative with your dessert? Everyone loves pumpkin pie, there’s no denying it. This sweet, rich, warm treat is a quintessential part of the holiday season. We aren’t encouraging you to abandon it altogether (that would be Thanksgiving blasphemy), but instead, think about giving it a little upgrade. We’ve gathered a list of pumpkin pie alternatives that are sure to delight every pumpkin lover and let you serve something new. Check them out below and try your favorite this holiday.

1. Pumpkin Cheesecake - Yes, it can be done and it looks scrumptious! Can you think of a more decadent dessert?

Image via Roxana's Home Baking

2. Impossible Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes - The best thing about cupcakes is that they take the pain out of serving. No slicing, no portion control, no cutlery. Super cute and super easy.

Image via Cakescottage

3. Pumpkin French Toast - Ok, you caught us. This isn't technically a dessert. But it looked way too good not to include on our list. If you're having a Thanksgiving brunch you absolutely have to make this! (We're having a Thanksgiving brunch as an excuse to make this...).

Image via Minimalist Baker

4. Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread - Finding cream cheese hidden in your pumpkin pastry is one of life's best surprises.

Image via Averia Cooks

5. Pumpkin Gingersnap Cheesecake Bites - This combines our serious love of cheesecake and our appreciation for cupcakes. No slicing and you get to eat cheesecake? Yes please!

Image via Just Us Four

We can't wait to make these delicious creations! Which are you most looking forward to trying? Or is there another pumpkin treat you're excited about that's not on our list? Let us know below!

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Thanksgiving Crafts: 5 Fun Projects To Try This Holiday

One of the best parts of the holidays is getting together with family and friends. There’s so much to be thankful for when you’ve got a full house. But visiting goes hand in hand with entertaining, and that part of your hosting duties can sometimes be difficult – especially if it involves a lot of children. If your home is overrun by rambunctious youngsters we have got just the thing for you to try: crafts! We’ve compiled a list of fun and engaging Thanksgiving crafts. Check them out below, you’ll be thankful you did.

1. Orange You Thankful Turkey - How cute is this little guy? Here's a fun craft even the tiniest of hands will enjoy.

Image via Parenting

2. Falling Leaves - You've heard of a snow globe, but what about a leaf globe? This fun and creative project has leaves falling instead of snow. A great way to celebrate fall!

Image via Frugal Fun For Boys

3. Pom Pom Trees - These mini topiaries are like something out of Dr. Seuss! Your little guys will have so much fun making them.

Image via One Artsy Mama

4. Ombre Pine Cones - These are ideal for more mature crafters, but the finished product is so lovely we simply had to put this project on our list. Imagine using colors that compliment your table decor and using these cones as place card holders!

Image via Whimzeecal

5. Leaf Turkey - Ok, we know there's already a turkey on this list, but we couldn't leave this guy out. We think it's a simple craft, perfect for last minute guests in need of entertaining.

Image via Babycenter

With Thanksgiving coming up fast we’ve got to ask: how many are you expecting around your table this year? Will there be a lot of children or are you anticipating a mainly adult affair? Let us know below.

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Let Them Eat Cake (And Stuffing, And More): Gluten-Free & Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

The increasing prevalence of dietary restrictions can make planning your Thanksgiving dinner a nightmare. Keeping track of which guests can and can’t eat gluten, dairy, and meat gets complicated, and that’s before figuring out what you’re going to serve those who have to avoid certain ingredients. While we can’t simplify your diners’ preferences, we’ve got a list of delicious gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian dishes that are sure to delight this Thanksgiving. These aren’t your average alternatives either – they might even tempt those without restrictions! Check them out below.

3 Stupendous Side Dishes:

1. Mushroom Stuffing - Ok, so this isn't technically stuffing because you aren't stuffing it in anything, but it tastes pretty darn close and will satisfy those around your table who have gluten allergies and/or don't eat meat.

Image via Tasty Yummies

Gluten-Free & Vegetarian

2. Corn Bread - If you have a gluten allergy, we've got good new for you: you still can't have a dinner roll (sorry!) but you have can this! Gluten-free corn bread is a great alternative that complements most of what's served at Thanksgiving.

Image via Babble

Gluten-Free & Vegetarian

3. Quinoa & Broccoli Casserole - Sure you could serve a lot of light salads for your vegan and gluten-intolerant guests, but that doesn't exactly scream Thanksgiving. Why not try making this hearty but healthy casserole instead? It's heavy, warm, and filling, just as the pilgrims intended.

Image via the pretty bee

Gluten-Free  & Vegan

3 Marvelous Main Dishes:

1. Meatless Loaf - The thing we love most about this dish is that it's not a pretender. A lot of faux meat dishes attempt the taste and texture of the meat they're imitating, but not this one! Instead, it simply features the flavors associated with Thanksgiving (sage, rosemary, thyme, etc.). It's seasonal and original.

Image via FatFree Vegan

Gluten-Free  & Vegan

2. Sheppard's Pie - Hearty and delicious, what else can we say? This could become a fall staple.

Image via One Ingredient Chef

Gluten-Free & Vegan

3. Mushroom, Chestnut & Cranberry Tart - First of all, how good does this look? It's a little more complex than the other recipes, but the finished product is amazing. This is definitely a crowd-pleaser, whether you do or don't eat meat, dairy, and gluten.

Image via Jamie Oliver

Gluten-Free & Vegan

3 Delightful Desserts:

1. Caramel Apple Pie - It's vegan and it tastes delicious, do you need any other reasons to serve this?

Image via Healthy. Happy. Life.

Vegan

2. Chai-Spiced Pumpkin Bars - Easy to serve and easy to make. The best part? No baking required!

Image via the kitchn

Gluten-Free & Vegan

3. Pumpkin Pie - It might not be as American as apple, but pumpkin pie is the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert. With this recipe everyone can enjoy it, plus the praline and coconut pecan crust sounds divine.

Image via gluten-free goddess

Gluten-Free & Vegan

With Thanksgiving coming up we've got to ask: do you have your menu planned? Will there be several around your table with some sort of dietary restriction? How do you navigate food allergies? Let us know below.

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This or That: Thanksgiving Centerpieces

With November in full swing there’s one thing on the minds of Americans: turkey. There are just a few short weeks until Thanksgiving – are you ready? You might have your menu planned, your shopping list written, and your guests RSVP’d, but we doubt your table’s set. Finding the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dinner can be a tricky task. There are a lot of requirements to fill: size, style, and more.

Of the choices below, which would you seat friends and family around? Does one feel more festive than the other? Do you prefer Option A’s colorful theme? Or are you more partial to Option B’s simplicity? Which one makes you want to say all the things you’re thankful for?

Option A

Image via SAS Interiors

Option B

Image via Karin Lidbeck-Brent

Our Choice:

Although both centerpieces are beautiful, (you really can’t make a wrong choice in our opinion), we prefer Option A. One of the best things about fall is the colors. While there’s much to be said about subtlety, it’s hard to deny the rich reds, oranges, and greens featured in Option A.

Which would you rather have? What will your Thanksgiving table look like? Are you big on place settings or is the food really the main event? Let us know below!

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The Nightmare Before Christmas: Decorating Between Halloween & The Holidays

It’s November, which means that pumpkin you carved a few weeks ago for Halloween is starting to stink. Now it might not have fully collapsed in on itself like ours did, but we’d be surprised if it wasn’t already fairly rotten. You know what you have to do. You may have gotten attached because you did carve it and all, but it’s time to get rid of your pumpkin. However, in doing this you’re opening up a whole new can of worms: what should take its place? For most of us it’s too early to put up the holiday decorations – that comes after Thanksgiving. So how do you transition away from Halloween without going full blown winter wonderland? Consider our ideas below for late fall decorations. These seasonal pieces should have your decor covered until turkey day.

Pine Cone Garland - You don't necessarily need a mantle to decorate with these guys. We love the idea of hanging them around a door frame or banister.

Image via The Sweetest Occasion

Monogrammed Wreath - The rich colors in this wreath are beautiful and luxurious, plus the monogram adds a personal and welcoming touch.

Image via Rantings Of A Creole Princess

Fall Doormat - Try getting a burlap or plain doormat and jazzing it up. You could do a leaf print like they did here or a turkey one for Thanksgiving.

Image via Life Is A Party

Glittery Leaves - All that glitters isn't gold, but we think these leaves look great. Hang them inside or out.

Image via 6th Street Design School

Wooden Tags - Don't want to hang a wreath? We think these creative tags are a very original replacement for the traditional door decoration. And we love the message!

Image via that's my letter

We hope these ideas help you to fill the gap between Halloween and the holiday season. If you already have post-Halloween decorations up we've got to ask: what are they? How do you celebrate the end of fall? Let us know! 

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Luncheon Tablescapes: Spring Shades of Blue

Spring Shades of Blue

Recently featured at our GTA Home Show in Toronto, this tablescape by Target features Threshold items that are loaded with spring and summer flavours.  We've fallen in love with the use of orange as an accent colour and their use of table runners as place mats. 

Also featured at our GTA Home Show was the 'Blue & White and Spring All Over" tablescape created by Cobi Style with furnishings from Alta Moda. Featuring sky-high green and blue lanterns a table loaded with intricate details and Asian-influenced accessories, this table is sure to get you in a spring/summer mindset.  

  

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Which tablescape will you be most inspired by?

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