​1) Set a long feasting table (outside, if weather permits) with a beautiful linen, fun china, flatware, and glassware.  Pull out the fine china, or better yet, rent from a local event company to give them some business (and then you don’t have to worry about doing all the dishes afterwards…)

2) Use LOTS of candles!  You can’t have too many.

3) With a smaller guest count than normal, pay attention to the little details.  Think cute place cards, handwritten notes to your guests telling them why you are thankful for them, or other personalized touches.

4) You don’t need to be a florist to make a beautiful centerpiece!  From your local supermarket, purchase some white (or light pink) pumpkins, brown pears, pomegranates, or other fruits to create a “garland” down the center of your table.  Fill it with dried flowers, dried wheat, or other textured elements to make it full and festive.

5) Set the space, not just the table.  The atmosphere around the table matters almost as much as the table itself. Put those twinkle lights up, candles around the space, etc.  

The team that made it all happen…
Photographer: Sarah Ellefson
Design/Florals: Tyler Speier
Linens: La Tavola Fine Linens
Rentals: The Tent Merchant
Calligraphy: Jessica Yee
​Venue: Private Estate in Santa Barbara, California