Thanksgiving Table: Letting Go of the Vision in My Head

When I was a new college graduate, living in Dallas, I loved throwing dinner parties. I loved sending out invitations, carefully planning the menu, setting beautiful tables and creating the perfect song list on my computer. I once turned my tiny studio apartment (with an incredible view of the Dallas skyline) into a dark, candlelit, floor-pillow bedecked, beaded curtained, Moroccan lounge. It was beautiful.

I loved the planning and preparation of these parties and would drive all over town borrowing dishes, serving pieces and silver from friends. I made a pact to myself that I would one day own 15 sets of dishes so that I would always have The. Perfect. Set when a dinner party was thrown. 

Fast forward to now. I do not (alas) own 15 sets of dishes. And, my husband would kind of prefer that I abandon that particular pursuit altogether. 

Sigh. 

My point? Sometimes we don't get what we want. Sometimes we have to do a whole lot of making do with what we have. And, what I have is a few sets of dishes, one being a black and white set of everyday dishes that don't really conjure up visions of Thanksgivings passed. If I chose the perfect Thanksgiving set, it would be earthy and give nod to Fall's harvest. But, you know what? I'm not going to let some black and white dishes (which I really do love, by the way) stop me from setting a beautiful Thanksgiving tablescape. 

What dishes are in your stash? Set them around the table and design your details around them. In this table I've added my Christmas chargers to the black and white dishes. My fav chalkboard tray with a note of gratitude penned is a beautiful place for a simple red and silver arrangement and orange pumpkins to land. All of this sits on a burlap runner.

See? Thanksgiving can be any ol' color scheme you want! 

Make do. Let go of your fantasy. And, create something beautiful.