Thanksgiving is right around the corner in the US, but where I live, it’s too cold and rainy for hosting Thanksgiving outside. In some places however, this is the perfect time to be out in the fresh air. My friend Janice, one of our wonderful fellow Mantel and Table readers, does an amazing job of hosting Thanksgiving outside! And not just out of doors, but far from home at a campground!
Janice lives in Canada, so she and our other Canadian readers have already celebrated Thanksgiving this year, but we in the US can still benefit from her great ideas. Wouldn’t it be amazing to come back to your campsite and sit down to one of these beautiful tables?
Breaking down the outdoor table
Janice sent me these pictures of two different camping tables. And, having camped myself a time or two, I was immediately struck by all the ways she’s made her tables gorgeous – and practical! So let’s break down her photos for tips on hosting Thanksgiving outside.
As we go through these tips, remember that the ideas behind most of them are applicable to any table – indoor, outdoor, Thanksgiving, or any other time.
Bench cushions
The first thing I noticed were these really soft-looking bench cushions. At Thanksgiving, you and your guests can be sitting for quite a while at the table. And while most indoor chairs are relatively comfy, outdoor seating can be, well, UNcomfortable!
These cushions look very comfortable, and they attach to the benches too to keep them from moving around. You can find some similar bench cushions at Amazon.
Plastic tablecloth cover for hosting Thanksgiving outside
I wouldn’t recommend this one unless you’re really out in the woods, just because plastic isn’t necessarily elegant, but in this case, it’s brilliant! The plastic tablecloth cover lets Janice keep her lovely table set during the camping trip, and keeps it clean.
(Or if you really want to use your grandma’s heirloom tablecloth and you know you’re going to have red wine and children, you might consider this too.)
Bungee cords
Ok, say you’ve put out your lovely tablecloth and covered it with some discreet plastic sheeting. You’ve set a lovely table, and are just sitting down, when the wind starts whipping up! Anyone who’s ever tried to eat outside has run across their tablecloth billowing and knocking things off the table. And especially if you’re hosting Thanksgiving outside, you definitely don’t want to deal with that.
That’s where bungee cords come in particularly handy! On this long picnic table, you barely notice the cords. They’ll keep your tablecloth secure. And if you have a striped or plaid tablecloth, you could even get some that match your colors!
Flameless candles
I love real candlelight! I go to extraordinary lengths to use real candles outside, but it’s always tricky, and sometimes, they just won’t stay lit no matter what you do. Flameless candles are the answer!
These days, you can get amazingly realistic flameless candles, and they’re perfect for hosting Thanksgiving outide. Beautiful and reliable ambiance!
Citronella torches
And speaking of ambiance, how about some citronella torches? Maybe this late in the year, mosquitos and other flying nusiances aren’t quite the big deal that they are in high summer, but they can still show up!
A couple citronella torches will not only help keep them away, but will add still more ambiance to your outdoor Thanksgiving table. You’d want to make sure, of course, that you place them safely, and well away from anything that might burn. But even at home in your backyard, torches can add a festive atmosphere to your celebration.
Extra tips for hosting Thanksgiving outside
I could go on and on about all the reasons why these tables are so wonderful. But I’ll just briefly touch on a couple more things that make these tables so perfectly suited to the outdoors.
Woodsy decor
I love how Janice’s centerpieces use leaves and other items from nature. She’s made these table look like they could have just sprung from the woods. Leaves, pumpkins, pine cones, corn, wood circles, burlap – all of them remind you that you’re outside, and that it’s harvest time. Here’s a ready-made fall garland if you don’t have any outdoor scavenging place handy.
I love how she has the potted faux cattails too!
Rustic flatware and chargers
The antler flatware is so evocative of the outdoors, especially in the fall. You can find a similar set here. And both sets of chargers keep up the outdoor theme. I love the fall leaves on the one set.
And the lovely dark texture of the other. I coudn’t find any that were exactly like Janice’s lovely ones, but here’s one if you want to go more textured, and one if you want to go more rustic and streamlined.
Pin the Outdoor Thanksgiving post for later
What do you think of hosting Thanksgiving outside?
Thanks so much to Janice for sharing her fabulous tables with us! Drop a comment below and let us know what you think of hosting Thanksgiving outside!
And PS: Here’s a slightly different example of an outdoor tablescape that you could use for Thanksgiving if you wanted to!
I have actually never heard of or seen a ‘camping’ version of a Thanksgiving table. This table is beautiful, and looks as well attired as any I have seen! What really caught my eye was a beautiful, ornate candlebra at the far end of the table – it gave off a great, historical feel to the table! And here’s to battery-operated-on-timers-flameless candles. Where would life be without them? Don’t ask me-I have them everywhere! Thank you for sharing this unique approach to Thanksgiving!
I know – isn’t that candelabra the best?! Especially with the flameless candles. We love the ones on timers too, at our house. It’s so nice to come home to flickering candlelight! Hope you’re having a great evening Kristine. Thanks so much for popping over!
Oh my goodness Barbara – this is just so much fun!! I’ve set tables on camping trips before but always in the summer and never anything as elegant as Janice’s tables. Wow! I don’t know where Janice is but how lovely that she can set a table outside for Thanksgiving in Canada! The tables are both beautiful and i love the natural centerpieces. Being a (former) Canadian camper, I totally get the wind issue and bungee cords to the rescue. Kudos to Janice and thank you for sharing this!
Hi Kim – you’re right – these are so much fun! I feel like we should have an M&T progressive camping dinner where we all set the table in our camp space and spend the evening moving from table to table! I could make the entree of camp-fire-foil-packet-dinner like we used to in Girl Scouts! 🤣 So glad you stopped over. Hope you’re having a lovely weekend!
Great tips! Thanksgiving outside would be incredible. Hugs to you.
Thanks Renae! Hugs back to you my friend!
Oh my! I am definitely not a camper, but if I did, I would be taking advantage of her table and your tips to set a beautiful table!! As a fellow Canadian, I do enjoy that our Thanksgiving can sometimes be enjoyed outside, weather permitting, but also that we have a much bigger break between Thanksgiving and Christmas to regroup between the holidays!
Here in Texas, it’s often mild weather for Thanksgiving. I like to start with appetizers and an adult beverage on the patio overlooking the pool’s waterfalls and sprays. Then we move inside to gather in the dining room with a more formal setting.
That sounds like a great flow for the evening Carol – it’s so nice to have options. Plus, I’m totally IN for your appetizers and adult beverages! 🍸
Hi Maureen! I haven’t camped in years either, but next time I do go, I’m definitely following Janice’s lead! And yes, that early Thanksgiving is yet another great thing about Canada!
Great tips and ideas Barbara, what fun!!
Hi Jenna – I thought it was so fun too! It’s great to have readers who share their own tables. I always learn so much! Hope you have a lovely week my friend!