Use Natural & Rustic Touches to Set a Great Table

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

02 Nov 2006 07:15 AM

Have you ever looked at natural and even rustic elements and found them attractive, despite the fact that they may not be what you have in mind for your home décor? If you have always wanted to use some of these items, but perhaps not permanently, you can try them out for a fresh new holiday look.

Go for it and give your home the feel of a cozy lodge or cabin this Thanksgiving. You can still set a beautiful table without going so formal. Try some of these ideas:

Baskets

Use baskets for flowers and plants but also use them to display or serve other items. A basket filled with twig balls or even fruits and nuts makes a great touch. A rustic basket decked out with a lining (or towel) in autumn colors is the perfect way to serve rolls or cookies. You can also look for baskets that are the right sizes and shapes to house serving bowls and casserole dishes.

Table Covers

Cover the table with a simple cloth in a rich, warm color. Raw silk is a great treatment for adding more texture. Make a great table runner from a contrasting silk, soft plaids in warm tones, or use tapestry fabrics. Then, add wooden or woven placemats.

Chair Covers

No matter how beautiful the wood your dining room chairs are made of is, there is something to be said for warmth and softness. You can make simple seat cushions using fabric that matches your table runner or tablecloth. Simply cover a piece of foam or pick up inexpensive seat cushions and cover them in fabrics that coordinate with your other items (if you can't find some that already go well with what you have chosen).

Final Touches

Add candles for extra warmth. Make or purchase cloth napkins to match your other treatments and select wooden napkin rings. Add place cards made from pretty paper framed in tree bark or twigs.

Related: Bringing the Outdoors In

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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Linda Hansen (1796) 02 Nov 2006 06:20 AM

The kids and I like to clove oranges, limes and lemons at the beginning of the holiday. I place them in a Christmas bowl on the table with cinnamon sticks. Makes a rustic and aromatic centerpiece. Artcraft

Sherry Holetzky (11404) 02 Nov 2006 06:49 AM

Great idea, Artcraft. The scent of citrus is not only refreshing but calming too. Thanks for sharing.