Thanksgiving Tablescapes

Go for a contemporary look by employing black rocks in your design (pictured). The contrast of ebony rocks with the rich orange pillar candles and pumpkins is stunning.

For This Tablescape You'll Need:

• Polished black stones or small rocks
• 8 - 12 miniature pumpkins
• 2 glass cylinder vases
• 2 orange pillar candles

1. Place a tablecloth on the table or consider using a table runner in the middle.

2. Arrange a long narrow bed of black rocks along the middle of the table.

3. Set mini pumpkins at various places on the rock bed.

4. Place a cylinder vase at either end of the rock bed. Rearrange rocks so they surround the base of the vase for a more cohesive look.

5. Add black rocks to the bottom of each cylinder vase.

6. Set an orange pillar candle on the rocks in each vase making sure the candle is sturdy and level.

7. Use vases that are wide enough for your candles so the flame doesn't touch the sides. To keep the vases cool and magnify the rocks, add a little water in the bottom of each vase.

Play up the quaint nature of miniature pumpkins by making each one a single flower vase. Choose this design to create a fun, upbeat feel at your Thanksgiving table.

For This Tablescape You'll Need:

• 5 miniature pumpkins
• 5 Gerbera daisies in autumn colors
• 4 individual taper candles in candleholders

1. Remove the wood stems from the pumpkins.

2. Bore a small hole three-quarters of the way down into each pumpkin as a water reservoir; add water into the holes.

3. Trim the stems on the daisies to 1 1/2-inch lengths from the blooms.

4. Insert a flower into each pumpkin.

5. Place a tablecloth on the table.

6. Alternate miniature pumpkin vases and taper candles in candleholders along the middle of the table.

White pumpkins, also known as "ghost pumpkins," are an elegant change from the orange variety.

Use a tablescape such as this for a formal dinner or a modern look.

For This Tablescape You'll Need:

• 8 - 10 white miniature pumpkins

• 2 (8-inch diameter) glass bubble bowls

• 3 white pillar candles on candle plates

1. Place a nice tablecloth on the table, such as a cloth made from white damask for a pristine appearance.
2. Fill bubble bowls halfway with white miniature pumpkins.
3. Set bowls of pumpkins in the middle of the table, about 20 inches apart.
4. Place a white pillar candle on its candle plate in between the pumpkin bowls, which should be in the center of the table.
5. Add the other candles on other side of each bowl, so your tablescape line up is a candle, pumpkin bowl, candle, pumpkin bowl, candle.