Well I just broke the turkey. Grrrr. I bought this cut crystal, three tiered stand awhile back. I wondered what it would look like in the middle. Unscrewed the top silver metal holder and thought I was going to sit the turkey on top. You can't really do that if there's the thread sticking out and it's not flat? He crashed on the floor and busted out the back part of him. I'm in super glue surgery as we speak. Hopefully he pulls through. I'm sure he was from the dollar store. Doesn't have tons of sentimental value but I thought he would look good for Thanksgiving. I should be able to cover the back part up with the runner/material. He's hard platic/resin. He must've hit just right.

Sheesharee, I feel bad for you!! It is always sickening to hear the sound of one of your "pretties" shattering! I hope your turkey comes out of super-glue surgery with flying colours! You have got good "bones" for your island display but I think your ideas will make it even better. Certainly, a runner or some kind of fabric around it will bring it up a notch as well as a tray or even "stacked plates", adding the additional items you mentioned like leaves, pumpkins, the bird, etc. If you get tablecloths/runners without a real theme to them such as the gold damask, you can use them for more occasions.
Look forward to seeing more pics of what you come up with!

DD

me too shee..sorry to hear about your turkey..hope he 'pulls through'. That can be so disappointing when you have your heart set on something and then it breaks..So, I hope he makes it..
For your island, I'd try to put your centerpiece on either a tray or flat basket..this way it can all stay contained..and won't interfere with any of the serving bowls you put there. You could add more leaves and gourds or faux fruit to fill it in..
For table cloths...I just bought a couple of plaid ones from Boscovs..they are having a pretty good sale..with several styles and sizes... Check out - For the Home, then Harvest Holiday section..Tablecloths. I hope this helps..good luck..

Here is a link that might be useful: Boscov's

Sorry about your turkey. Don't you hate that? I took such great pains to paint a truly ugly colored but lovely shaped candleabra that DH's aunt had given me and was putting the glass globes back on it and broke one. Haven't found a replacement yet.
I love what you have so far, especially those beautiful candlesticks. I agree with the runner and tray or even the tiered stand with more items on it. Can't wait to see the finished product.
My family isn't into fancy either, but we have fun together and I think they appreciated the centerpieces that I did on the tables when we got together a couple of weeks ago. It's a start and they might as well get used to it because this place is addictive!
Betty

Sheesharee, I'm so sorry you broke your turkey. I hope you can him repaired. And if it shows too badly you can tuck him into some greenery or berries or such with his front half sticking out.

Why don't you put together some of your ideas and post pics for us? Then everyone can give you their ideas. Also, I find that when I take a pic and look at it instead of the actual thing I can get a better perspective. I haven't figured out why yet. ;~)

Also, it depends on how much room you're going to have after you put your food and plates, etc on the island.

I'm sure whatever you do your family/friends will love being there.

I think the gold damask will be pretty and can also be used for Christmas and New Year's.

I too am so sorry about your turkey--reminded me of Tam's glue surgery on her gorgeous bunny that arrived in little pieces! Let me tell you, Tam worked wonder gluing her's back together!

Lots of good suggestions from all these ladies, I'm sure your family will appreciate and enjoy any decor you put together for them.

Luvs

Turkey made it! He looks good from the front and sides. ThereÂs two small spots in the bottom back that I just couldnÂt figure out.

Found a fabric store close to where we always shop. I knew it was there but I never was in. Tons and tons of material. I spent about an hour in there. Only reason I left was because they were closing. If I ever learn how to work my sewing machine DH is in trouble! Bought a piece of sample fabric for $1.00. ItÂs 24 x 24. I wasnÂt sure if it would be enough but after seeing it on the island I think should be good.

Tablecloths are a different story. The gold ones I saw were at K Mart. ThereÂs one right near my work and on Friday there was only 1 left of the 70" round. I wasnÂt sure what I wanted to do at that point so I didnÂt buy it. ThereÂs another K Mart in the area we shop (far, far away from my work!) so tonight they didnÂt have a single one of the round or oval. I need both. IÂm hoping theyÂre still there on Monday. I went to a couple other places and found nothing. Saw some ok ones at Bed Bath and Beyond but didnÂt like them as much.
Slinkey  IÂll be checking Boscovs next if I canÂt get the K Mart ones (I think theyÂre Martha Stewart). That was the one place I didnÂt look tonight.

ThereÂs a flea market near us that I remember seeing old wooden serving trays. TheyÂre hand painted and have handles. The smaller of the two I think would work perfect. Thursday is the earliest IÂll be able to get there. They close before I get home the other weekdays.

I will have to be careful it doesnÂt get much wider because of the food. ThereÂll be a lot of it.
Also would like to do some type of small centerpiece on the tables. Any ideas?

HereÂs a pic with the material. I just threw it together quick to get an idea. I have other brighter leaves that would help add color.

Thing look different to me too on pictures. I donÂt know always how to fix it but I know if something looks off.

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Sheesharee, What a huge difference that little piece of cloth made with your candlesticks, turkey and gourds. I like it. I think you could still add 1 more taller item or maybe place something under the turkey to raise it up some. You're doing great.

Here's the gold tablecloth I want. I didn't think about online. I'll do that if I can't find it Monday.

Sandi - Yeah I think I need something else taller too. I have some pieces of wood I kept on purpose to raise things up under material. I'll mess around more with it tomorrow and see what I can come up with.

Here is a link that might be useful: Gold Royal Damask

Shee, so glad your turkey has recovered from his surgery! The cloth you got for your centerpiece looks nice. I agree with Sandi, that the next thing you want to concentrate on is "levels" (see Judith's last post in the Class thread). The eye is going from up at the candlestick height right down to the island with nothing in between. Do you have any silk fall flower arrangements or would you consider doing a fresh arrangement for the dinner? - one that is a different height? And if you get that tray from the flea market, it might help pull it all together too. Just suggestions... I love that tablecloth you have picked out, hope you can get it!

DD

I was going to wait until tomorrow to mess with this more but IÂm not tired.

How about this candleholder for a third piece? I have three different globes. I think the smallest one would be the best size? Should I keep looking for something else? Get rid of the fruit and flower?
IÂll probably pick a different color candle. ThatÂs the only one I really had around here other than white.

IÂm wondering if that wooden tray is going to be wide enough to fit all this stuff. I raised the turkey up.

Like I said I have brighter/nicer leaves but theyÂre on top of my entertainment stand. TheyÂre positioned nice and I donÂt really want to move them. IÂm going to buy more Monday.

Dining  I donÂt really have anything in the fall flower department. I may have to make a trip to Michaels and whip something together. I donÂt know what I think of the third candle holder. IÂll check out the thead! Thanks!

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I like this idea too

I do have a silver pedestal like that. Don't have anything to stick in the pumpkin. I would have to prop up the pedestal though.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pedestal Centerpiece

I like what you have so far! The turkey is too cute & I really like the fabric. I'm hosting Thanksgiving for the first time this year...I should get started on centerpiece ideas too!

I really like the pedestal in the link you posted. You could use the glass candlestick you have shown to put a small arrangement on. I found a really cute idea online that I can't find now. Use a round styrofoam ball and hot glue fall leaves to cover it (the leaves are glued on so the final result is like the leaves of an artichoke). Stand it on a candlestick. Simple and very attractive.

And Angela, be sure to share your ideas with us.

I like how it's all looking shee. The fabric really compliments everything..I like the idea of the pedestal too ..How about putting a pumpkin w/leaves inserted inside and put that on the pedestal? .. The table cloth from Kmart is really beautiful..They are having a great sale w/o shipping, which makes it even better. I ordered from them too...got turkey s&p shakers and the turkey napkin holder...

Sandi - Where do you get a glue gun? I'm assuming a craft store but I've never seen one. My Mom used to have one but think she got rid of it.

Slinkey  Yay sale! Yesterday there wasnÂt. I'm just going to order online now.

I like both the ideas with leaves. I'll have to play around with it a bit. If I were to put it in the pumpkin I should use a real pumpkin? Stuff a styrofoam ball and add some leaves?

Before I orderÂ. The 60 x 120" oblong tablecloth would fit the island. Should I buy one for on there too? IÂm sure lot of food would end up on it so maybe I shouldnÂt. Anyone else use plastic tablecloth protectors?

sheesharee, You can buy glue guns and glue sticks at dollar stores. They're very inexpensive, but be very careful as the melted glue is extremely HOT.

If you are planning on putting your leaves in a pumpkin you don't have to use a styrofoam ball. Just sit a glass or vase inside. And you can use a fake pumpkin.

Michaels has the white pumpkins for $4.98 each. Grrrrr!! I paid $19.99 for mine at the beginning of the season when I couldn't find them anywhere else.
Betty

Betty, If you had waited until Michael's put their white pumpkins on sale you wouldn't have had one to enjoy all this time. And thanks for the heads up on the sale. Michael's is so far from me that I very seldom get to go there. But, when I do, I always have so much fun & overspend.

So Michaels does have these styrofoam pumpkins still? I'll have to hit up the dollar store for a glue gun. Next Friday I'm taking a vacation day and I think I'll be stopping at Michaels. :) My reason for going is their winter garland but I'll be picking up other stuff too!

Sheesharee, your centerpiece is really coming together. Looks really nice with the gourds and turkey. The only thing (please take my suggestions with a grain of salt - I am also just learning) I feel does not go well is the blue candle in that globe candle holder. Maybe bring some of the green in the gourd to the right up high?

Mo

Mo - Oh you didn't offend me. The candle is actually a funky green color and I just grabbed it quick. I really only have white and that one around the house. I won't be using that one! Not even sure where I got it.

I bought the round and oval tablecloth at kmart! Not sure why I was thinking the sale was only online. They were totally out of the oblong though. Also bought some more fall leaves for on top of my entertainment stand.

Michaels has all their fall and Halloween stuff 50 - 70% off. Mine still had lots of gourds (large and small), pumpkins, candles, etc.

I was also in Kohl's and they have all their fall tablecloths, napkins, etc. on sale. Table linens 40 - 50% off through tomorrow.

Your centerpiece is looking really good! My only suggestion might be to put your centerpiece on a platter or tray (under the cloth) so that is you find you need to move it, you can do so without taking it all apart

gasuz

Here's a pic of the gold tablecloth. I have an identical one for the other oval table I'm bringing up from the basement. Of course I'll need to iron. The lighting it looking yellow in these pics. Think I need to change the type of bulbs.

Still trying to figure out what to do with the centerpieces for the tables. Fresh flowers sound nice but with my two cats I don't know that it's the best idea. Maybe I'll find something when I go shopping.

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just had a chance for a quick responce, as I'm here at my DD in NJ. Shee...everything looking real good. Love the tablecloths. I'd put a pumpkin on the table too.. You could put it on a charger or tray, w/leaves under it. Put some fresh colorful mums inside. Also, I think DD used a nice pillar candle inside her pumpkin and that looked really nice.. You might consider that idea too.
look forward to see what you chose.
jane

Shee, your tablecloth looks very pretty, it looks fall-ish but will also be good for other special occasions. Jane mentioned the pumpkins I used as a centerpiece for my Thanksgiving table so thought I'd repost the pic. SO EASY to do even if you only use one. Just a suggestion if you don't think of anything else.

Just trace the opening of a vase on top of the pumpkin and cut around. Scoop out insides and push vase inside. You can put candles or flowers in the vase.

DD

sheesharee. The gold tablecloths are very pretty and dining_delight is right that they will work great for other occasions. Jane & DD gave you some great ideas also.

And DD, your centerpiece is gorgeous. I love pumpkins & sunflowers together.

DD..just popping in again while I get a chance. I'm here at my DD's in NJ. Thanks for posting your centerpiece again...It was so lovely and I don't think shee ever saw it. I think with her actually seeing how you set the pumpkins up w/candles, etc...would be a perfect for her, and very inspirational.
jane

Sheesharee, I love your candle holders and the additions of the cloth is super. I agree you need a third "something" but the two you pictured just don't do it for me. I like where you are heading with the glass, but how about something between the two heights of the holders and substancial...like a goblet.

I also use fresh fruit and veggies with my decorations. Especially grapes, they are not only colorful and drape well but they can be "plucked" by hungry guests. Pomegranates and good old oranges, lemons and limes are also in you color palette. Plus if you grate a small area before placing them in you setting they add scent which is always good.

PS to the above post.....Check out Michaels' online site, they have printable coupons plus show what is on sale. Here is the site: Michaels@mic.michaels.com

Sandi - Thanks! I'm still hunting for different ideas. I don't really want to just slap something together on the tables..which is what will happen if I don't figure it out soon! :)

Slinkey - I did see DD's centerpiece and saved it actually. I'm glad she reposted though!! I've been searching for glass vases but haven't found anything I like or that I think would work.

DD - Love your centerpiece!

Pezabelle - When you say goblet, I'm thinking drinking goblet....?? I don't think I'm picturing what you are?
I actually have some amber, cut glass goblets my grandma gave me but they're pretty stubby and I think I only have 8 of them. Had thought of using them for the tables. I like the idea of real fruit. Thank you for the Michaels link. I didn't realize they had the sales listed right on their site. I hope they still have all this stuff on sale Nov. 14th because that's when I'm going shopping! I'll have to get a game plan together before then or I'll be wondering around for hours in there!!!

Ok seriously, I was just looking at Michaels again and the sale ends Nov. 8th. Do you think the sale will be as good next week?? I don't know how they normally run their stuff. That will really be a bummer if next week it's only 20% vs. this week's 50%! Ahhh!

Messing around with the centerpiece some more. What do you think about this? ItÂs bigger and crystal. Should I put something else in it and keep the gourds outside? I donÂt care for the grapes I have. IÂll have to pick up something else there. Should I use more colorful leaves? Different colored flowers? I just pulled those off a garland thing I had. Should I have some type of floral thing in the crystal?

Please donÂt be afraid youÂll offend me. IÂm asking you to critique this! :)

I could always do the pumpkins on the tables?

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The crystal thing is stuffed a little fuller.
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Should I bag the crystal bowl all together and use something else?

If I use a pumpkinÂ(for the tables or here) what about using some pheasant feathers stuffed in it with other stuff?

Went to the flea market near my house tonight in search of those wooden trays. Of course theyÂre gone. Found this basket. ItÂs a little tight but I donÂt want it to be too wide either because of fitting all the food on there. What do you think? Should I use different flowers? I just was using stuff I had here for experimenting.

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I like it. The basket brings it all together. You could always get a can of cheap brown paint and darken the basket to match the candleholders. Just practice on something else until you get it right. Just a thought.
Betty

Darn Shee, I like them all. So good thing I'm not the one making a choice I guess. LOL
Very pretty display!

hugs, Karen

Betty - Thanks! You mean spray the whole basket or just highlight areas? I did question what color basket to get. I was thinking since the candleholders were dark and my counter was dark I should get something lighter. But ..since you mentioned that, there is the material in between and it might look better dark.

Karen - Thanks! You think the flowers are alright? I wasn't sure since the pumpkins are also orange.

I feel like it's a little more together now!

I saw some neat white candles with gold glitter scroll things at the dollar store. I may buy them to use somehow on the tables.

I finally decided I like that next to last photo best. I really like the flowers and the bird. I also like Betty' suggestion to darken the basket. I think that would set off the material which is wonderful as a lighter accent.

hugs, Karen

Shee, Your centerpiece is looking great. Your new additions are really bringing it together. I like it with and without the basket, but I agree with Betty & Karen on making the basket a little darker.

Karen - the next to last photo is the backside, are you saying that should be the front?

Sandi - I'll pick up some brown paint today and see how it goes. Spray paint?

Sheesharee, Spray paint would be much easier. It will dry much, much faster.

I just opened this thread today and read through everything. This was like a "Judith" lesson on building a vignette! Shee, your centerpiece is lovely. It has reallly transformed over the course of this thread from OK to great. I love the fabric that you first added. It really changed the whole look. Then adding height...The basket brings it together. I, too, like Betty's idea to spray paint it darker - I think it will "ground" it. I especially like the link you found with the white pumpkin on the pedestal with the fall arrangement. I'm going to shamelessly copy that one! You are definietly going to WOW your Thanksgiving guests.

shee just saw your final results...and lOve it...Yes I agree w/making the basket darker. It pulls it all together and does ground everything. I like the arrangement with the bowl in front of the candles. The candlesticks are like a back drop - espec with the different height. I like how you folded the fabric in the basket..that really looks nice. I agree with delphinium..the beginning of this thread up till now, shows such progress in what you selected and how you put it all together...and it's just great.
jane