As Thanksgiving approaches, I've been researching inspiration for my tablescape, and I'm thinking I might try something new. I've been a trenchant maximalist for years, outfitting my table in a range of colors, bright flowers, and bold placecards. Dolly Parton's setup has me reconsidering.
The "9 to 5" singer took to Instagram to share a heartwarming snap, enjoying last year's Thanksgiving meal with her sister, and it's full of fall table decor ideas. Dolly's table taps into traditional, Americana aesthetics with a warm modern twist.
It features brown china plates, rattan placemats, and brown linen napkins. Dolly serves her stuffing and turkey in pretty white dishware. A tiny gourd and orange flowers add a hint of seasonal flair. One glance and maximalist tableware is the last thing on my mind.
How does Dolly make her fall table decor so alluring that it completely changed my worldview? For one, she chose a beautifully coordinated color scheme. Rather than working to contrast the natural wood of her dining table as I'd been taught to do, Dolly leans into the predetermined shade. She selected brown plates, brown napkins, and brown glasses in different shades to create a rich, layered feel. Varied textures keep it interesting.
Better yet, this design eliminates the need for a tablecloth.
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Minimalist dining table decor is a great option because you only need to choose a few pieces to make your 'scape feel complete. Here are a few of my favorites for emulating Dolly's timeless style.
I love a plate that has something extra to it, something that elevates my admittedly pretty average cooking into a display that guests will be impressed by. Have a collection of nice plates and that's a lot of the hard work done for you. These plates come in white and blue too, which I will be coming back for in the summer.
Nothing feels more stylish to me than amber-colored glassware. These red wine glasses were designed to look like pieces found in a French antique store, and they are so chic. I love the unique shape of the base, which instantly adds interest to any tablescape.
A solid color napkin allows the patterned tablecloth to shine. The decorative stitching hem adds texture to the soft napkin, elevating a dining set with subtle sophistication that Dolly would surely love. The stitched detail feels extra luxe.
I love the way Dolly integrates subtle seasonal accents in a way that feels elevated rather than kitschy. For instance, decorating with pumpkins can sometimes look a bit gimmicky, but Dolly's choice of a single white gourd alludes to the holiday without forcing it. Her bouquet of fall-leaf-colored flowers has a similar effect.
This season, throw your preconceptions of what 'your style' is out the window. Instead, rely on inspiration that strikes you in the moment, causing you to consider new ideas and approaches. That's what Dolly's tablescape represents to me.
