There's no shortage of fantastic formal dining room inspiration for a Thanksgiving table, but sometimes you want to go more casual.  We bought patio furniture during the end of summer clearance season, and instead of moving it outside we've turned it into our temporary kitchen table and chairs.  That open, casual feel of patio furniture inspired the rest of my Thanksgiving setting.  I went straight for my backyard to pair together trimmings from bushes and some of the last blooms from my knock out roses and zinnias that were still braving the last few days without freezing overnight temperatures here in NC.

I know pink isn't the most likely color for Thanksgiving, but I like the idea of bringing your own yard and garden inside. It makes the table feel like a natural expression of your home, relaxed and truly personal.

I mixed a few red chinoiserie pieces with my Johnson Brothers Willow Blue china to pick up on some of the reds, pinks, and oranges in most of the backyard blooms.  These little pumpkins are hanging on for dear life from Halloween, but I think they can make it just a few more days for Thanksgiving.

You can always count on bush trimmings as vase fillers year round.  Tree branches and pieces of evergreen are also great options that you can find around your yard.

Nothing says fall like a little pumpkin infused warm drinks and home made caramels.

How are you using fresh flowers for your tablescape this year?  We're partering with BloomNation  this week and we want to see your creativity by posting your link below.  You can also tag #BloomNation on instagram to enter in their contest-- they are featuring their favorite use of fresh floral arrangements on social media through Turkey Day.