Thanksgiving preparations

So, come tomorrow, we will have 7 adults, 2 teens, and 8 kiddos ranging in age from 10 years to 15 months all under our roof.  Some have affectionately referred to our home as cozy or quaint, but the bottom line is that our house is...well, smallish.  I think we're at about 1200 sq ft. above grade.  How are we hosting such a large Thanksgiving crowd, you may be wondering?!  A little creativity is all it takes!

We will have 3 separate areas for eating.  First, we have the kids table which will be in the kitchen.  I had a lot of fun deciding on these place settings.  The goal with this table was for it to be colorful and fun for the kids.  Yes, I decided to go with paper napkins, and I kept it casual with the clothes pin place cards.  I used simple white dishes and jelly jars for drinks.  Each kiddo also has a little pumpkin decoration to take home with them.

 

Next, we have the main table in our dining room.  I have been wanting to do an all white table for a long time, so I decided this was my chance.  I layered basic white Ikea dinner plates with some cream scalloped edged bread plates I've had forever.  Then, I added simple bowls in white as well and mason jars for our sweet iced tea.  I created a cream table runner out of a drop cloth and made 5 napkins to match.  I used twine as napkin rings and used neutral colored craft paper to make name cards.  Most of the centerpiece items I had on hand or picked up at the dollar store.  I have cream candle holders with white pillars, small glasses filled with beans and a votive, and miscellaneous fall decor in cream.  But, my favorite part of this table is the flowers.  I chose some gorgeous hydrangea blossoms in white with sweet baby's breath added for fun.

And, finally, we have the bonus dining area in our living room!  I set up a little card table, disguised it with another drop cloth remnant and used the couch and ottoman as well as two extra chairs for seating.  I made some more simple place settings, this time with a bit of color.  I kept things casual by again using mason jars for drinking glasses.

Here's a shot from the front door of the living and dining rooms.  And, see- there's room for all of this and still we can walk around!  Haha.

A dear friend of mine said that our home may be small in size, but it's massive in love.  And, that is truly the desire of my heart!

xo,

Emily