Simple Holiday Tablescapes, Gentle Thanksgiving Beauty & Quiet Reflections

Happy Thanksgiving week! I am posting this as I begin to prepare for an intimate day of thanks. Like many of you, I’m tidying the house and will soon begin baking and preparations. I won’t be reinventing the wheel! The menu will be simple yet thoughtfully varied (gluten-free, low-fat and vegan options). There will be candlelight, classical music, and natural, serene decor. Since my favorite interiors and tablescapes are understated and subdued, today’s Simple Holiday Tablescapes, Gentle Thanksgiving Beauty & Quiet Reflections speak to those sensibilities and may even inspire a few holiday decorating schemes.

Tranquil and Hushed Thanksgiving Mood. Hello Lovely Studio. Neutral holiday decor and white Christmas decorating featuring a mix of vintage, new, and handmade.
Hello Lovely Studio…Gentle Calm Thanksgiving + Simple Holiday Tablescapes as well as Decor Inspiration.

Do PIN ideas for Thanksgiving 2021 so you’ll be set!

In spite of the decor and deliciousness, some years, the holidays feel anything but calm…anyone else remember this?

Simple Holiday Tablescapes, Gentle Thanksgiving Beauty & Quiet Reflections

Simple and elegant country French farmhouse Christmas tablescape and placesetting - Rocky Hedge Farm. #tablescapes #placesetting #holidaytable #frenchcountry #farmhousechristmas #holidaydecor
Rocky Hedge Farm…certainly a lovely placesetting indeed.
Simple and natural holiday tablescape - Zevjoy. #holidaydecor #holidaytable #tablescape #frenchcountry
Zevy Joy…certainly a lovely holiday table indeed.
Gorgeous holiday place setting with country French farmhouse charm - Blesserhouse. #holidaydecor #tablescapes #placesetting #holidaytable
Blesser House...certainly a charming place setting indeed.

Tablescape Inspiration from Lovely Weddings

Elegant and simple placesetting at wedding at sunstone winery - design by Alexandra Kolendrianos - photo by Jose Villa. #placesetting #weddings #tablescape #winery #outdoorreceptions
Design: Alexandra Kolendrianos – Photo: Jose Villa
French limestone walls and antique mantel with farm table and benches at Sunstone Winery. #frenchfarmhouse #diningroom #fireplace #rusticdecor #romanticdecor
Sunstone Winery – photo by Elizabeth Messina
Elegant understated three tier wedding cake with natural florals and greenery against a warm stone backdrop at Sunstone Winery - photo by Elizabeth Messina. #weddingcakes #simplelegance #weddingideas #wineryweddings
Elizabeth Messina

Pared Down Place Setting Simplicity

Simple serene holiday placesetting with white Rae Dunn plates and farm table - Hello Lovely Studio. #placesetting #holidaytable #holidaydinner #farmhousechristmas
Hello Lovely Studio…Gentle Calm Thanksgiving + Holiday Tablescapes as well as Decor Inspiration.

Serene Color Palette

Vintage china in an elegant placesetting at a rustic farm table - rich and elegant tablescape inspiration - photo by Elizabeth Messina. #placesetting #romantictablescape #vintagestyle
Photo: Elizabeth Messina
Soft and lovely neutrals and pinks for a Thanksgiving tablescape by Katrina Scott. #holidaydecor #pinkchristmas #neutralholidaydecor #tablescapes
Katrina Scott…certainly a breathtaking dusky pastel tablescape indeed.

Natural, Neutral & White Holiday Decor

Country French farmhouse Christmas table with striped napkins - Shades of Blue Interiors. #christmastable #tablescapes #holidaydecor #frenchcountry
Shades of Blue Interiors…certainly a charming holiday idea indeed.
Tranquil and Hushed Thanksgiving Mood. Hello Lovely Studio. Neutral holiday decor and white Christmas decorating featuring a mix of vintage, new, and handmade.
Hello Lovely Studio…Gentle Calm Thanksgiving + Holiday Tablescapes as well as Decor Inspiration.
Beautiful natural and rustic country French farmhouse Christmas tablescape. #holidaytable #frenchcountry #frenchchristmas #christmasdecor
Boxwood Avenue…certainly a lovely farmhouse tablescape indeed.
Fresh mini tabletop Christmas trees for a farmhouse or Scandinavian Christmas - A Hundred Affections. #christmasdecor #frenchcountry #frenchchristmas #Swedishchristmas
A Hundred Affections...certainly a charming pair of sweet tabletop trees.
Lovely neutral Christmas tablescape with pinecone and brown transferware - Isabellas. #countryfrench #frenchcountry #holidaydecor #holidaytable #tablescape #placesetting
Isabellas…certainly a lovely nostalgic place setting indeed.
Tranquil and Hushed Thanksgiving Mood. Hello Lovely Studio. Neutral holiday decor and white Christmas decorating featuring a mix of vintage, new, and handmade.
Hello Lovely Studio…Gentle Calm Thanksgiving + Holiday Tablescapes as well as Decor Inspiration.
Beautiful and simple Christmas tablescape and place setting with favor. #christmasdecor #tablescape #simplechristmas #placesetting #farmhousechristmas
Cedar Hill Farmhouse…certainly a charming French country Christmas table.
Simple and spare farmhouse Christmas table by Love Grows Wild. #tablescape #farmhousechristmas #holidaydecor #simplechristmas
Love Grows Wild…certainly a charming and simple farmhouse Christmas table.

Serene & Gentle Christmas Decorating

Tranquil and Hushed Thanksgiving Mood. Hello Lovely Studio. Neutral holiday decor and white Christmas decorating featuring a mix of vintage, new, and handmade.
Hello Lovely Studio…Gentle Calm Thanksgiving + Holiday Tablescapes as well as Decor Inspiration.
Tranquil and Hushed Thanksgiving Mood. Hello Lovely Studio. Neutral holiday decor and white Christmas decorating featuring a mix of vintage, new, and handmade.
Photo: Hello Lovely Studio…Gentle Calm Thanksgiving + Holiday Tablescapes as well as Decor Inspiration.
Tranquil and Hushed Thanksgiving Mood. Hello Lovely Studio. Neutral holiday decor and white Christmas decorating featuring a mix of vintage, new, and handmade.
Hello Lovely Studio…Gentle Calm Thanksgiving + Holiday Tablescapes as well as Decor Inspiration.
Simple red and white napkins tied with twine and greenery for a holiday tablescape - Ikea. #holidaytable #tablescapes #christmasdecor
Ikea…in case you need a super simple holiday place setting idea.
Tranquil and Hushed Thanksgiving Mood. Hello Lovely Studio. Neutral holiday decor and white Christmas decorating featuring a mix of vintage, new, and handmade.
Hello Lovely Studio…Quiet, soft and neutral as well as natural white Christmas decorating ideas.
Quiet and lovely Christmas table with country French farmhouse charm by Dreamy Whites. #christmasdecor #tablescape #farmhousechristmas #dreamywhites #shabbychic
Dreamy Whites…certainly a simple French farmhouse Christmas moment indeed.
Tranquil and Hushed Thanksgiving Mood. Hello Lovely Studio. Neutral holiday decor and white Christmas decorating featuring a mix of vintage, new, and handmade.
Hello Lovely Studio…Quiet, soft and neutral as well as natural white Christmas decorating ideas.
Rustic farmhouse Christmas decor idea with a linen wrapped gift with fresh evergreens - Clem Around the Corner. #christmasdecor #simplechristmas #farmhousechristmas #giftwrap
Clem Around the Corner…certainly a sweet holiday gift wrap idea.

I independently selected products below—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Gentle Decor Touches

Woodrose Dusty Pink linen napkin set of 2. Handmade stone image 0
Dusty Pink Linen Napkins – MagicLinen on etsy
Light Gray linen napkin set of 2. Handmade stone washed linen image 0
Light Grey Linen Napkins – MagicLinen on etsy
Linen tablecloth in various colors. Round square rectangular Natural linen colour
Tablecloth – MagicLinen on etsy
Faux Sheepskin Pillow Covers
Pottery Barn Sheepskin Pillow Covers

Quiet Reflections: All is Calm

I’m thinking of you as you navigate a most unusual Holiday Season of 2020 which may bring a flurry of mixed feelings. Do you have intentional practices in place to help preserve the sacred in them?

For me, it can be as simple as finding a quiet pocket of stillness and solitude to become centered, breathe, and turn my attention inward.

Wooly pom pom wreath on a wee pink chair in the snow by Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio…Quiet, soft, and neutral as well as natural white Christmas decorating ideas.

The space between ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ is so often magnified at Christmastime. So many folks are hurting this year as the virus rages on, as our country remains divided, as the economy punishes. Someone on my radar is anxious as her illness becomes a greater burden to bear. Another fights a descent into deep despair after losing a home, financial security, and personal dignity. Someone else grieves the loss of a child.

Wooly pom poms and a Diptyque Figuier candle. Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio…Quiet, soft, and neutral as well as natural white Christmas decorating ideas.

I consider the pain and fear of those souls suffering and how it must feel to awaken each morning with a heavy weight of sadness or fear.

Elegant and sophisticated Christmas placesetting with red and gold by Zeb Grant Design for Atlanta Home for the Holidays Showhouse.
Design: Zeb Grant Design

But I believe we are truly connected, each of us a cell in one unified yet complex system. And when I open my heartspace and commune with the Mystery, with the Source of all goodness and light, I am also entering this system to somehow become a healing balm within it.

Simple Christmas decor outside in the French inspired courtyard. Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio…Photos of lovely holiday decorated interiors in case you love spare white Christmas style.

Quiet Reflections: Kindness & Peace

What comfort will soothe such wounds? Expressions with language fall so short. I only know that sitting in the fire with a friend in the throes of pain may make a small difference.

Pom pom wreaths, pink ballet slippers, and candlelight. Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio…Photos of lovely holiday decorated interiors in case you love spare white Christmas style.

When I was younger, sometimes I felt like damaged goods for feeling things as deeply as the mystic me does. (And I know beautiful souls who beat themselves up for NOT feeling deeply enough!) But the midlife me sees a capacity for wholehearted sensitivity and compassion as strength.

Now I see how self-kindness (resting, seeking solitude, meditating, and granting myself acceptance and forgiveness) is not selfish. It is all part of a reciprocal flow of peace.

Pom pom wreaths, ballet slippers, and candlelight. Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio. Hello Lovely Studio…Photos of lovely holiday decorated interiors in case you love spare white Christmas style. Hello Lovely Studio.

Kindness toward others is always a gift of peace to myself.

White Christmas decor in my kitchen with window bench seat. Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio…Photos of lovely holiday decorated interiors in case you love spare white Christmas style.

Self-Care & Kindness

Kindness to self surely looks different for each of us. It may be saying ‘no’ more often. Or it may involve less self-protection. For me personally, it involves giving my YES to God. Giving my yes to surrender. To messy love. And to others who seek grace and hunger for beauty.

White and neutral decor on a window seat bench in a cozy kitchen with candlelight. Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio…Photos of lovely holiday decorated interiors in case you love spare white Christmas style.

Today, my YES is also for you.

You are lovelier than you even know, blessed with an infinitely precious soul which keeps growing in wisdom and love.

White farmhouse tablescape with ironstone, blush roses, and candlelight. Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio…Photos of lovely holiday decorated interiors in case you love spare white Christmas style.

My hope for you is that your heart will flicker with a mysterious calm no matter what cares the days ahead bring. I pray you will have the courage to open yourself to the lifegiving transformation of YES.

Wishes for You

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours…

may this season of gratitude find you open to new joy,

Colorful Christmas ornament bulbs with fresh greenery in a simple white bowl for an elegant vignette at Atlanta Home for the Holidays Showhouse.
Home for the Holidays Showhouse in Atlanta

new sources of wonder,

and fresh hope.

p.s. For more visions of calm holiday beauty, also see:

White French Country Christmas Inspo

Naturally Elegant Coastal Christmas

Nordic and Nurturing Holiday

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
Subscribe to Hello Lovely!
Follow:

15 Comments

  1. Connie
    November 28, 2019 / 9:48 am

    What can I say but….. It is all beyond lovely indeed! The images speak to my heart as do all the lovely words of yours and others.

    Blessings to you and yours this holiday season 🙂

    • Michele
      Author
      November 28, 2019 / 10:31 pm

      Hugs to you this lovely holiday, Connie. 🙂

  2. Joanna
    November 28, 2019 / 10:35 am

    Another lovely post, Michele. I’m off and running but I stopped to wish you & yours a Happy Thanksgiving!

    Blessings,
    ~Joanna

    • Michele
      Author
      November 28, 2019 / 10:30 pm

      Thanks so much for stopping on this holiday – Happy Thanksgiving, Joanna! 🙂

  3. Elizabeth
    November 22, 2020 / 6:23 am

    Where do you find the white wreaths?

    • Michele
      Author
      November 22, 2020 / 8:26 pm

      Hi there. I made mine and used to sell them in an etsy shop. There is a post which gives ideas for making them (if you type ‘pom pom wreath’ in search box).

  4. Mumbai
    November 22, 2020 / 9:24 am

    we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in Europe but I think it is a wonderful and also necessary rite to bring people
    to gratitude and more. Yesterday , by chance I stumpled over an article about the richest people in the world and
    I only felt mercy for these humans and recognized again ….The happiest people do not have everything,
    they just make the best of everything. I lit the candles and opened my heart. Enjoy your prep week in calm and hope dear friend.

    • Michele
      Author
      November 22, 2020 / 7:52 pm

      Ahhhhh, your words are honey. My head is nodding yes. True joy often comes to me in times of immense suffering because everything important becomes crystal clear – I can see my blessings which have nothing to do with wealth or achievements. I can see how life is truly a gift. There are those who say ‘if you don’t have your health, you have nothing.’ But that couldn’t be further from the truth for me. Joy is not about feeling symptom free, it’s about BEING FREE. xox

  5. Judy Mearing
    November 22, 2020 / 9:47 am

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. May Almighty God give his blessing to all .Judy

    • Michele
      Author
      November 22, 2020 / 7:40 pm

      AMEN. Thank you for the blessing, lovely Judy. xox

  6. November 22, 2020 / 1:11 pm

    Michele.
    How are you? I got your message on IG that your health is causing you to take time from social media and I could immediately relate. That’s how I live now. And I do think that taking breaks is a part of the self care that you write about so beautifully here. There are so many places when I was reading your post when I felt a kinship with your words. The idea of being a cell in part of a unified field reminds me of the oneness that I see humanity. And it’s so refreshing to hear you acknowledge the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ during this time of the year. By the way–I love every single image here too, especially your own table.

    • Michele
      Author
      November 22, 2020 / 7:39 pm

      Always so wonderful to hear from you, Leslie. I hope your health is strong like your writing these days – you’re so gifted. I seem to have a rare pancreatic disorder which has subtypes, and mine is not the one where surgery helps – it often makes things much worse. I had an attack for the books on Wednesday which persisted the whole day. But today I’m feeling well. I do wish the gym was safe and open so I could swim and work out. Bill continues to be my cheerleader and takes good care of me. Thank you for joining me always in my joy and sorrow. I am able to schedule/batch my social media channel stuff so I actually don’t hang out on it or read blogs as I used to. I conserve my energy instead for baking bread, housework, spiritual practice and songwriting. Contemplation and centering prayer help me get centered; help me to allow reality to be reality in emotional sobriety. To stay wide awake demands so much courage. Since I have the best followers, the blog is a business which gets organic traffic and is a pleasure to maintain. I’m so thankful. Peace to you, beautiful.

  7. Amy
    November 23, 2020 / 9:28 am

    I always appreciate so much your awareness around the holidays that they are not necessarily happy days for all. Suffering comes to us all and is that part of life that truly does remind us “ crystal clear” what is most important. I, like you, find my daily comfort centered around my life in Christ & the awesome privilege of prayer we have with Him. So sorry about your recent attack on Wed. I do keep you in my prayers. Would appreciate your prayers for my daughter who is having digestive issues (which made me think of you) and has a follow up appt with her dr today trying to figure out the problem.

    • Michele
      Author
      November 23, 2020 / 11:30 am

      Oh, Amy, keep me posted as I would love to help in any capacity. Digestion has been a limitation in my life my whole life through so I can at least offer my compassion. Wishing you a pleasant and healthy week of Thanksgiving, friend.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing