Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas

For the past three years, my family has attended the Steeplechase for the Arts at Callaway Gardens which benefits lots of great organizations in the city of Columbus, Georgia.  The first year we attended this amazing event I talked about it here.  Each year, we take our feast on the road and join lots of others for a relaxing day at the races.  I snapped a picture of our table for the day.

For the event this year, we had marvelous weather, the races were filled with excitement, the hats were mesmerizing, and the flower arrangements were completely stunning!  For starters, there were a pair of these jumping horses flanking the entrance to the main tent overlooking the finish line.  

In fact, the flowers arrangements were so incredible, many of them could easily be recreated for a Thanksgiving table.  Here are just a few of my favorites.

I love the gerber daisy included in the vase for additional color an interest.  I've never thought to try this.

This simple idea of lavender in burlap bags could be repeated down the center of a Thanksgiving table for an understated, casual dinner.

While you may not want to include a horse in your Thanksgiving arrangement, the pheasant feathers and pewter footed bowl would be fantastic.

Just adore the rustic container with the winter cabbage, hydrangeas, magnolia leaves and pears.  I also love the table linens and plates!  This entire tables would make an amazing Thanksgiving table.

I thought this was a fun take on carved pumpkin container.  Notice the pumpkin still has the stem intacted, and the arrangement is placed in the side of the pumpkin.  

I love this arrangement in the galvanized bucket! The bucket feels casual while the height of the arrangement gives it some formality. 

I snapped a picture of this arrangement before they could even get their table set up!  It's in a silver pitcher.  Love the winter grasses and berries.

Even just a simple basket filled with potted mums adds lots of texture and interest.

And last, my favorite.  This gorgeous silver trumpet vase is filled with okra!  So unusual, and lovely.

So, will you be hosting Thanksgiving this year?  M.

West Elm Opens Today

What a fun day yesterday - I got to tour the new West Elm location here in Birmingham.  Just look at all this goodness waiting to be snagged. 

There was a nice group of bloggers who showed up for the tour.  I even learned of a couple of new blogs - The Lovely Owl by Meredith and Bailey Dailies by Catherine.   I can't wait to settle in this weekend and read their blogs.

In addition to lots of interesting info on the sourcing West Elm does for their products, they are doing something really great.  They are partnering with Esty dealers for unique local finds.  If you've worked with me on any design plans, you know I'm a huge Etsy fan.  I think it's a great way to get some one of kind accessories and lots of high end pillows for much much less.  I love the idea of West Elm recognizing all the fabulous talent of the Etsy artisans.  There were several items in the store from specific Esty dealers including these hairpin leg tables . . . 

So, when you're next in the store be on the lookout for these signs which note custom unique items.  I love that the items vary from store to store and really try to focus on local artisans.

Unfortunately, they did not have my favorite spheres in the gold finish.  They are getting them in, so I'll just have to go back. Darn. (smile.)  What I did find were these incredibly oversized trays for only $69.00 each! (sorry the pic is so blurry).  I could not appreciate how large these were online.  And the same size tray at other places in town will cost you well over $200.00 (trust me, I've looked). 

After perusing all the offerings, I could not resist these super soft throws.

I've been looking for some for awhile.  But, I've had trouble finding the perfect color and price point.  I thought they were perfect - love the long fringe on them.  

No more dragging sleeping bags and other blankets into the family room for movie night.   We will be veggin' in style. 

I also got to meet the Elda, the General Manager of the store; and she and the entire staff were so gracious and eager to help.

It was a very fun afternoon.  I hope you'll make some time to run by this week!  It will not disappoint. M.