Thanksgiving Inspired Gold Pumpkin Table Settings

Decor, Home November 10, 2015

Long before you sit down to dinner, your Thanksgiving dinner table will make a first impression with your guests. Even if you’re starting out in your first home or haven’t yet acquired all of the home goods that couples tend to acquire from a wedding registry, you can look to rustic materials with a few embellishments to make a memorable Thanksgiving tablescape.

Pumpkins, which are inexpensive and available at farms, grocery stores and pretty much any place that sells seasonal decor, also have the added benefit of being versatile. Turn miniature pumpkins into gold place card holders or even just elegant accents to place on each table setting. Buy larger pumpkins, gourds or squash and make beautiful vases to hold flowers or create a beautiful, organic centerpiece.

Today though, we’re talking gilded pumpkins, because isn’t that what Thanksgiving is all about?

Oh, right.

Buy the Supplies: Gold pumpkins look elegant and sophisticated, but they are one of the easiest accents you can make for your table. Miniature pumpkins only cost a couple of dollars each, but you;’ll also need a couple of other craft supplies to pull your project together.

Miniature white or orange pumpkins
Base coat paint
Metallic gold spray

Paint the Base Coat: Anytime you’re going to “gild” anything, whether it’s a table, a wall or, yes, a pumpkin, you should start with a dark base coat. For real or faux pumpkins, be sure surface is clean and dry before you begin painting. Wearing gloves, use a paintbrush proportionate to the size of the pumpkin to apply base coat, which will seal the surface. Let the base coat dry for 30-60 minutes before you continue.

Spray the Pumpkins: In an outdoor area, spray the pumpkins with metallic gold spray (available at Lowe’s), including the stem. If you’re outside on a cold day, the drying process should be fairly quick, easy and painless, but I would suggest doing it a day or two before your big dinner. If you’re anything like me, you might need a couple of trial runs or a cushion for do-overs.

Set the Table: If you want to stick to a simple theme, choose neutral colors for most of your table. Go for a neutral table runner that complements your table and when in doubt, a white or cream color goes with most tables. Pick simple white plates and adorn them with a solid color cloth napkin in canvas or denim fabric. Try a chambray option, which really pops when you top it with a gold pumpkin. As much as I love full flower arrangements, they aren’t always the best when you want to stick to a budget. In this case, stick with some simple votives.

At the end of the day, your table should suit your personal style, but as for me, this time of the year is the perfect time to have fun with a little bling.

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Written by

Maris Callahan

Maris Callahan has been blogging about cooking, dining and entertaining since 2008. A public relations director by day, Maris is also a brand spokesperson, freelance writer and media relations expert with more than 10 years experience working with consumer brands. She lives in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood with her boyfriend Brad, chihuahua Henry and a very well-stocked pantry.