One of my favorite Thanksgiving dinners I’ve hosted in my home was for my sister and her fiancé. They were getting married the next day and the week had been crazy with preparations. Even though the day before the wedding was already pretty hectic, my husband and I wanted to find a way to officially welcome our new brother-in-law to our family.
While the house was far from party-ready and wedding preparations had rightfully stolen time away from holiday planning, we invited the two of them over at the last minute for a spontaneous Thanksgiving dinner. We ran to the only open grocery store for ingredients to prepare a simple meal. I lowered the dimmer switch on our chandelier and lit candles on the table (and conveniently the dimmed lights hid the mealtime mess around us, too). Our table was far from fancy, but I set out place cards and little vases with sprigs of boxwood in them to set a welcoming mood.
That evening the four of us gathered around what may have been the world’s smallest dining room table, all squeezed into a tiny dining room in our English cottage home. Everything about that evening was simple and spontaneous, but it was an evening we’ll never forget. It was 18 years ago now, but we still count it as one of our favorite Thanksgivings ever.
It really didn’t matter that our menu was simple or our dining table was teeny tiny. We remember that night because our table and time together created a sense of belonging. That little table provided a comfortable atmosphere for us to pour into the lives of others. Our table was an opportunity to gather for great conversation. That table was where good food was shared and best of all, it was where a lasting memory was made.
As you’re setting up your own holiday tables, consider ways your table can create a sense of belonging. One of the simplest ways to create a welcoming table is to set out place cards. It doesn’t matter if you’re hosting a feast for four or forty, place cards tell people that they belong and that they have a special place at your table.
You’ll find ideas for setting a welcoming table with place cards on The Inspired Room blog. But don’t overthink it, you can make adorable place cards with a piece of paper or a sticker paired with a bud vase, ornament, or a pinecone!
Are you hosting a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner this year?
Find more tips for inspiring connection in Melissa’s newly released book, Simple Gatherings!
Leave a Comment
Melissa,
Yes, I’ll be hosting a Thanksgiving dinner this year….mostly family and then I do invite friends who are single, or divorced, or don’t have family they are joining. I love the idea of place cards with names. Even something simple with their name says, You are welcome here…come to the table. I have simplified thanksgiving a lot so that I am not too exhausted to enjoy it. I also have to agree that sometimes the spontaneous, simple get-togethers are the best.
Blessings,
Bev xx
That sounds wonderful, Bev! I hope you have a great weekend.
Thank you, Melissa, for this very do-able suggestion. This Thanksgiving, for the very first time, my two oldest sons will BOTH be celebrating with their inlaws . . . so I’m determined to gather a collection of people from here, there, and everywhere to fill up the empty spaces around my table. Place cards will be a great way to pre-plan seating and to let everyone know how welcome they are and how thankful I am for the gift of their presence.
You’re welcome, Michele!
Great simple yet beautiful idea! Thank you.
Thanks, Kim!
The spontaneous ones always live long in our memories, don’t they? 🙂 It’s easy to over-plan, over-think, contrive — but, those things don’t ever seem to garner the same nostalgia as the unplanned things we’re obedient to in the moment. 🙂
Absolutely, it’s often those little things that stand out in our memories!
Melissa,
That’s a precious story!
I love using place cards to make a table ‘special’ even when its simple. Its a great way to involve kids too, as I have had mine use their creativity to make the place cards over the years.
Such a fun opportunity for kids to be involved, I love it! Thanks, Deanna!
I get to host Thanksgiving for my blended and extended family every other year and it is one of my favorite things! I love to use place cards and include the “little” cousins as we set and prepare the table. I want everyone to have a part, but be relaxed, too. I hope we find more ways to be inclusive this holiday season.
I love that you said you “get to host” Thanksgiving, Missy! 😀 It’s awesome that you see it as as an opportunity to bless people.
What a fun way to celebrate thanksgiving with your sister and almost husband! Memories made for sure. Not many at our table again but we have fun with 3 of us. Tablecloth, fancy silverware, candles, seasonal napkins and food. Never have made place cards. Not something we do in our area. Rethinking that one!
Wonderful, Becky! Enjoy your little gathering this year!
For large gatherings I’ve often used place cards, but never thought of their value beyond solving the confusion or awkwardness of choosing a seat among many. To communicate that everyone belongs and each one is special is a great reason to use them–even for a gathering of four, as you did. Thank you, Melissa!
Thanks, Nancy!
Melissa,
Spontaneous meals are the best! People don’t come over for fancy foods or large meals. They want to feel as if they belong & matter to you. We want you to be fully present-not tired from cooking. Like the idea of place cards & small simple decorations. The lighting is great also!
Blessings 🙂
I do love the place cards. I had not thought of them quite that way. I’m not hosting Thanksgiving, but it’s a nice table setting for any occasion.
I’ve hosted so many Thanksgivings, some so huge, others quite small. At some point, I lost any pleasure in them. Now I’m trying to figure out what makes sense.
I recently remembered and sang one of my favorite hymns. I’m hoping it will guide me.
I come, O Savior, to thy table
for weak and weary is my soul
You, bread of life, alone are able
To satisfy and make me whole.
Lord, may thy body and thy blood
Be for my soul: the highest good!