Thanksgiving table: Set for thanks

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2. Harvest Color

Jewel tones and saturated color heighten the appearance of the Thanksgiving table and celebrate the season's bright foliage against the late-autumn sky. To get the look here, take advantage of the enhanced color attributes of inexpensive faux foliage and rich textile remnants. Present the faux berries and leaves (combined with real leaves, if you like) in a free-form display of pitchers and teapots, sugar bowls and goblets. The burnished finish of the collection will unify the look of the table, and the display lets you enjoy objects you love but don't always have the opportunity to use. Soften the effect with simple white candles; just be sure to set their flames well clear of the berries and leaves.

No-Sew runner

Go through your sewing stash or the remnants bin at your favorite fabric store with an eye to reds and golds. Cut fabric to a length suitable for your table, turning under and pressing raw edges.

Easy tablescape

Gather together a variety of pewter or silver pieces. Their deep metallic tones offer rich contrast to bright plates in autumn hues. Mix candlesticks with open vessels to vary height and shape.

Leaf Placecards

Real leaves curl, or dry and crack, so try this: Snip faux leaves and berries from inexpensive artificial clusters or garlands, and then use a silver gel pen to write each guest's first name on a leaf.

Next: Homespun crafts table setting