I have been setting tables for as long as I can remember. It was really the only chore I liked as a kid, and today, it’s an expression of design, creativity and love that brings me joy. There is something so sacred about preparing room at our table for our guests, and I savor the ritual.

Two years ago, we hosted our first Thanksgiving for our family. Without a formal dining room and large table, I tossed and turned over how to gather together our family of 19, and it was my oldest daughter who said: let’s turn our house into a café, and so, we did.

With little room to walk (we quite literally could not open our front door!), we filled our entryway with two folding 6-foot rectangle tables and our one 4-seater round dining table. Three tables can feel like a lot to decorate, so I used what we had - including all the white pumpkins and several items listed below - and leaned into neutrals and naturals.

FORMULA: Simplified TABLE SETTING

From gathering to gathering, our tables have a similar look and feel, with a mix of high/low details and casual-but-personal touches. Here’s my formula for gatherings, with some notes for Thanksgiving:

• Palette: Black, white and neutral all over, simple greenery and cozy lighting.

• Base: Start first with neutral layer, cloth or even better: cloth-less. Our round table is white, so I didn’t add a tablecloth. For the folding 6-ft. tables, I added very basic white tablecloths.

• Runner: Layer with a neutral runner. I used a mix of kraft paper and burlap.

• White plates: Ina Garten has said that food stands out best on classic white plates, and I agree! I only have 10 sets, so I borrowed what I needed from my mom. To keep the tabletops less cluttered, I nixed using placemats and salad/bread/butter plates.

• Simple but special stemware: Break out the special stemware. We used the only stemware we have - some classic water goblets - and I like the touch it added to our tables. Guests used their one and only glass all night long, which also made for less clean up.

• Cloth napkins: For special occasions, I love using cloth napkins. The black-and-white buffalo checks pictured wash up beautifully and do do not require ironing! For our big group, I supplemented with some neutral cloth napkins.

• Greenery: No time-consuming arrangements here! On the morning of, we sprinkled stems of eucalyptus across the tables from one big bunch from the market.

• Minimal decor: Like the greenery, I keep the table decor minimal and low so I don’t block views and conversations. For Thanksgiving, I stayed with a neutral palette, mixing the faux pumpkins I already had with real, mini white pumpkins down the center of each table.

• Lighting: Cozy candlelight adds so much to a room. I have a set of small glass votives that I use over and over again, on tables and around our home. I refill as needed with inexpensive tea lights.

• Personalization: My oldest wrote name cards for everyone, tied with baker’s twine and a sprig of rosemary from our garden. We used Paper Source’s cards in 2018, and this year, I have my eye on these cards or this stamp.

The night before, we set everything out that we could, and our café tables looked like this:

And by the time our family arrived, our tables looked like this:

A Note For the Kids

We mix the kids with the adult and I like adding a few kid-friendly touches to be inclusive. Here’s how:

• Kraft paper: Kids can draw on kraft paper, and also: it’s stress-free for the clean-up.

• Plastic cups with fun straws: Years ago, I invested in a bulk set of clear, plastic cups with lids that curb the spills, and for use all day/night long. We pair them with plastic black-and-white straws that are washable and re-usable.

• Kid-sized utensils: I’ve saved our toddler-sized utensils over the last few years and place them out for our littlest guests.

• Give them a job: I save a few important tasks to get my daughters involved in the decorating. They were excellent helpers with the scattered greens and place cards.

Next week, I’ll be sharing source links for some of my favorite items I mentioned above. Stay tuned!

About Simplified Seasons: in this series, less is more, and I’ll be sharing simple traditions and my favorite projects that honor the changes that come with the flip of the calendar, preserve my sanity and bring the joy!