Thanksgiving is approaching quickly – but not so quickly that you don’t have time to make a few easy updates with these easy home projects! Our ideas won’t take a lot of hours but will create a lot of impact. Your guests are sure to be impressed with the results. Read on for inspiration…

1. Monogram napkins. Set your Thanksgiving table with personalized napkins for each guest. Just their initial will do. If you know how to embroider (it’s easier than you think), a basic chain link stitch works well– templates are easy to find online or in store. If you don’t embroider, there are some great iron-on monograms. The trick is to choose a thick, high quality white linen napkin and be sure to place the monogram in the left corner for maximum visibility.
2. Buy a bench. Whether you use it for extra seating in your living room or for a quick seat in the foyer, guests will appreciate the classic beauty and functionality. HINT: If the height is right, a bench can also be used as a dining room chair to hold several people.
3. Create a one-of-a-kind mum display at your front door. This is so easy and cute. Discard the top and carve out two large pumpkins and use them as planters for your mums. Put one on either side of your front door. Bright yellow mums look especially lovely against the orange pumpkin.
4. Paint an accent wall. Maybe behind the server/hutch wall in your dining room, or behind the fireplace/TV wall in your living room or maybe in your hallway. Either way, choose a wall that’s focal and a darker, richer paint colour for fall. Saturated blues are very on trend, or a timeless mid-toned grey or perhaps even a muted russet/red. Choose something that complements your existing décor, but don’t be afraid to go bold.
5. Hang a chic mirror. Let your guests adjust their hair and make-up in a statement mirror, ideal for the foyer or powder room.
6. Wallpaper the powder room. The powder room is ideal for experimentation – and because of its size, you can go luxury and lavish. Wallpaper is so on trend now. Choose textured or something with metallic accents or a bold graphic/geometric. Want to really add impact? Consider a wallpaper mural if the room’s dimensions allow it. There are gorgeous patterns available.
7. Update your linens. This is a tried and true way to welcome the new season. Go a little darker and heavier for fall. Add a couple of throws (plaid or tartan is in), buy some new throw pillows in cozy chunky knits, spice up your dining table with a new runner and perhaps add a new rug to your entranceway. Don’t stick to basic colours in your accents. Rich royal purple, blues and teal are stylish and warm.
8. Paint your front door. Greet your Thanksgiving guests in style! I love traditional gloss black or red, but depending on your décor style, you may prefer something edgier. Orange, yellow and lime green are becoming popular – as is a more conservative dark blue or teal.
9. Add a baker’s rack. Thanksgiving is one of the many times you’ll be glad you added one of these classic pieces to your kitchen. It provides great extra storage but also an opportunity to showcase some of your dishware – or to grow some herbs.
10. Install a chalkboard in your kitchen. These are cropping up everywhere with unique frames that make them as much artful as practical. I love the idea of writing your Thanksgiving menu on the board for guests to see when they arrive.

 

Tags: decor, design tips, Holidays, how to