Lowe’s Creative Ideas – Tablesetting Challenge Part 1
Here’s the premise: Lowe’s Creative Ideas Magazine challenged me to come up with a tablesetting for Thanksgiving.
Here’s what I did: first, happy danced with a mix of spasms, thrusts, and raise-the-roofs. Secondly, accepted. Thirdly, found some inspiration.
My mom, affectionately called Little Debbie, also thought that the untraditional color scheme would be fun – and she’s like a master Jedi of decorating, so I knew it was a good idea. And when she suggested purple and lime (when I was already feelin up violet and brown) it just confirmed my tablesetting suspicions.
Part of the challenge meant that I had to use hardware store supplies to create a simple tablesetting. Of course, I put it on myself to make things look good…because let’s be honest, nobody is gonna look at a fugly tablesetting and want to recreate it – no matter how creative it might be.
So my whole look started with a roll of burlap. Bloggers love burlap. It’s like our catnip.
And I ended up with this:
Yup – a subtle purple/lavender/tan table setting with a sweet country vibe. And I would dare say – it would even work well for Thanksgiving day dinner (as long as the food is served buffet style on a different table). And who says that the table has to be red/orange/yellow/brown? Why can’t we use a variety of colors as we give thanks?!
This table setting is simply a matter of layering and texture. I knew that starting with a burlap runner would provide a bunch of small texture…so I wanted to mimic that feeling with a textured centerpiece and some natural texture (like the acorns and wooden chargers).
Speaking of wooden chargers – aren’t they adorable? I love the look of big wood chargers under plates…but they are outta my budget…I might be able to afford one…which would be awkward for the rest of the dinner guests. So I decided to make some for myself. They are simply cut out of a piece of quarter inch piece of 4×8 plywood, sanded and stained with Dark Walnut. You can get at least ten chargers from one 4×8 – I would dare say that if you were careful, probably a dozen to fourteen…which comes out to less than $2 a piece (as long as you already own a jigsaw).
Then on top of the wooden charger I layered a silver charger, white plate, a purple accent ‘dish’ (which was actually one of those terra cotta pot bottoms that got spraypainted), a napkin tied with twine and a little crepe myrtle sprig.
Speaking of napkins – did you notice that each are different? It just goes to show that mixing and matching can look good.
Okay – so where were we? Oh right…the catnip.
The burlap runner was the start of the centerpiece – followed up with a light purple pashmina (this is an awesome $5 runner that is available everywhere from Walmart to Old Navy)….
Then in the center of the table I put a $6 deck hanging basket – the texture is AMAZING. I love the twiggy sides.
And inside I plugged in some purple pansys and some light green annuals. Confession…I didn’t actually plant anything. I just placed some newspaper and then the entire plastic plant thingie into the basket. Just like stuffing the bra. Yup. That just happened.
Around the base of the basket, I used a variety of jars as candleholders. My favorite part is the galvanized candle ‘holders’. They are actually a gutter supply piece…but the little wavy edges add a little charm…and the metal is reflective of the light – making the entire centerpiece sparkle a little more.
The little acorns and the napkin sprigs help tie in the basket and the burlap, don’t they?! Plus, I feel like that is our real nod to fall here…especially important considering the non-traditional color scheme.
So how does it look all deconstructed? Like a totally normal placesetting. And that little purple accent dish isn’t food safe – but placing little individually wrapped chocolates or a hot roll on a napkin on it would be a great way to make it useful. Or you could use it for a favor or a nametag. Or you could include a little piece of chalk for folks to doodle on it or write what they are thankful for. The possibilities are endless.
And because I figured you would like to see it at night – here she blows all lit up.
Do you see how the metal reflects the light making it look even fancier? That’s impressive. Even to mother-in-laws.
Since the sun sets at like four o’clock now, it is a real possibility that Thanksgiving dinner will benefit from candlelight.
So that’s how I infused a little bit of local home improvement store into a tablesetting.
Not too shabby, huh?
I like it even if it is a little different color scheme wise. I think I might make a bunch of those wood chargers as Christmas gifts. They are just so dang versatile. How bout you? Have you been using something from a random place in your tablesettings lately? Anything from the hardware store? Or are you a blogger and using burlap? yeah…we all are 
PS – cute Missoni shoes!
Love it! I’ve been struggling on how to decorate the table for Thanksgiving because I don’t have much red/orange/brown. Thanks for the ideas!
this looks fabulous, i love it!
Great table—the purple is so unexpected. I’ve GOT to know, what are the dimensions of your burlap roll? 24×3??
We are making burlap table runners for my sister’s “rustic garden” wedding and I have been looking all over for something just like that. Everything I’ve found is too large and would require cutting and sewing the burlap to make it runner sized….this looks so much easier!
Ann
Blonde moment, didn’t read the breakdown of costs/items in the section above where you said it was a 24 foot roll. Blonde moment methinks. Good to know, $100 for 10 rolls of that burlap is so much cheaper than having to order huge rolls of it online.
What about the gutter pieces, Lowes also?
Yup…I think they were called storm collars if I remember correctly.
Xo kb
Katie – Those chargers are awesome, awesome, awesome.
Awesome job, Katie!! I agree with you that the centerpiece colors do not necessarily have to “match” the theme of the Holiday. Afterall, people decorate for Christmas with all colors of the rainbow, not just red, green, and white!
Katie, I don’t think I’ve ever commented on your site before (been reading for a while, though), but I wanted to tell you how much I love your table setting. I was SO surprised that you made the wooden chargers! GREAT job!
I also wanted to ask your advice on a burlap project I’ve been thinking about. We’re a homeschool family, & most of school stuff is stored on bookshelves which line the hallway. It looks super cluttered & I was thinking of making some double tension rod “curtains” for them out of burlap (for when company comes). I’ve heard a few people say the smell of burlap bothers them. Have you had any issues with that? And…have you ever sewn with it? I’m new to sewing & therefore not very knowledgeable or skilled:)
Thanks!
From everything I have seen with other bloggers and burlap…it sounds like your project is totally doable
. I wouldsuggest use twine and a big ole upholstery needle for sewing and a spray like febreeze for any smells 
xo kb
Thanks, Katie!
Love the burlap and the jars! I’m getting married next year and they will be lynchpin of our table settings. Did you do anything to finish the burplap? I love the idea of buying it at lowes instead of a fabric store!
Nope nothing! Just unrolled it
xo kb
The table looks so pretty!! Love the subtle colors!! And the basket is so cute
WOW…..I want to write something: about how amazing this is, but I”M SPEECHLESS.
Martha Stewart…eat your heart out.
Katie…. this was so perfect for you, with all of the different table settings you’ve put together over the last few years.. how fun!!!
Love the color scheme.. my living room is olive greens and purples so this would be a shoe-in and very festive, indeed.
love love LOVE the little wavy metal “trays” – they caught my eye immediately. You said they’re a gutter piece? How creative you are.. now I’m going to have to hunt those down.
Well done!
Love it!
Okay, let me ask – because you seem to have a finger on things….
I have been 2-years-long lusting after redecorating my living room and originally, I thought I wanted grey/yellow. But then it seemed like the world was all grey/yellow crazy! So now I’m thinking purple and lime. Is that what’s next?
What’s next after next? Am I right in line to catch this wave or what?
Love your table scape!!!!
Haha! I have no idea what is trendy and hot…I just know that I love certain things…so my advice is to go with your gut, work in stuff you got and when in doubt paint it white
xo – kb
Love your Missoni shoes!! Your knack for table settings and decorating vingettes for the holidays/seasons has always been my favorite posts of yours. I am utterly impressed by your creativity in this one – so innovative! I would have never thought to spray paint the terra cotta planter dishes! Also, for xmas, I am getting all of the ladies pashimas because I think they are the perfect gift!
Love the use of crepe myrtle sprigs. As you know, there are all over the place here in GA and I never thought to use them in holiday decor. Great idea! The chargers are freakin’ bananas too! Love!
Oh and I’m off to Lowe’s to buy out their garden supply of burlap – STAT!
LOVE those chargers!
I love your table setting! It’s absolutely gorgeous, and I really appreciate that it’s not in the traditional color scheme.
This is beautiful, Katie! Nice job.
Burlap is like the bloggers catnip – hahahhahah, it’s so true!
It’s gorgeous, Katie.
LOVE this! I totally pinned it for inspiration : ) Thanks for the tip on burlap…I had no idea!
Your table looks beautiful, love the soft colors, they are so peacful.
Um it’s been said but cute shoes! Love them.
Katie, this is so gorgeous. When I first saw the burlap, I was like…oh no, but then I saw the final result, and my jaw dropped! It was really really pretty! Well done!
Very pretty. I was wanting to use burlap as well, but was afraid of too much beige/brown in my dining room. I bought a light blue linen runner and may do some burlap under it. I also liked the idea of a plank of wood for a runner as well, but dont think I am going to do it this time. Thinking I will use the light blue with some orange in there somewhere, maybe some orange flowers.
I love this arrangement! We don’t have thanksgiving in Australia (and we don’t really have fall colours either – some trees lose their leaves but most of our natives stay green year round).
But for Christmas I’m always looking for non-traditional colour schemes, since it’s the middle of summer here – somehow the traditional dark winters colours just don’t feel right on a hot, bright, sunny day.
I also plan to incorporate some aspects of thanksgiving into our Christmas this year, since I think it’s nice to be reminded of what’s important and to be grateful for all that we have.
Katie,
I love this! The DIY wooden chargers are amazing! What a great idea to cut them yourself. And the galvanized “candle holders” are perfect… I honestly thought they were some antique mini pie plates or some such! It all looks beautiful. I love your blog!
Darn, i’m gunna have to kick my design up a notch. . .or 5! Haha, I love the non-traditional colors and of course the burlap, my heart races when I see a mason jar. . .it’s perfect! Great job
My Wednesday post was titled “Burlap and Popcorn”
Totally my catnip!
This is BEAUTIFUL! So creative, I am impressed!
Love!!! I was JUST salivating at your Christmas settings from a while back, so glad to have some new inspiration! This could go from fall to winter easily for a little rustic holiday setting too, thanks for the tips!
I went straight home after work on Friday and bought some burlap for my Thanksgiving table setting. My one friend who was with me wasn’t so sure, but when she saw my final product she was impressed! My table cloth wasn’t long enough so a bit of burlap topped off the table ends nicely!!!
This is by far my favorite tablescape/settings that you’ve featured on the blog. It might have something to do with the fact that I love burlap and purple
, but you did a beautiful job with it!
Ok, I’m too traditional to break from the normal color palette, so I kind of decided not to use any of this after I finished reading it, even though I think you did a great job. But damn if I can not get that burlap out of my head! Plus it’s cheap and having just totaled up my grocery list (which included a 25lb turkey) I am now totally committed to it. Thanks for the idea, Katie!
Gorgeous! Love those chargers!! Would you mind if I feature your tablescape for Burlap Month at WhisperWood Cottage?
Oh I’d be honored! I love your burlap ideas
xo – kb
Katie – love your unusual table setting! You’re right – why can’t we use more colors instead of just the traditional ones. I love the use of purple and the natural textures! And your chargers are amazing! Hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving!