Natural Table Decor Inspired by Bees
As the last flowers of the season, goldenrod and yellow aster represent nature's farewell before winter's rest, and they’re the perfect inspiration for my Thanksgiving table set in the open air. I imagined a table placed in a sunlit field (you can use your backyard), surrounded by the wild beauty of the countryside—an homage to the final blooms of yellow the bees visit before the frost.
For this table, handmade quilt table runners were stretched across an old table that was layered in fabric. Each runner, made from years of collected fabric scraps was a nod to traditional Southern craftsmanship and nostalgia. Vintage plates, with their delicate floral patterns, and mismatched flatware added a timeless, storied feel, inviting my guests to slow down and savor every moment.
Place cards were tied with a nosegay of freshly picked goldenrod and yellow aster. In place of grand centerpieces, I repurposed old tin mustard boxes and tin cans—weathered and rich with history—filling them to overflowing with the same stunning flowers. These pops of gold and soft yellow bring warmth and natural beauty to the setting, connecting my guests to the earth and to the bees who play a vital role in this seasonal cycle.
This Thanksgiving, celebrate with a table that not only honors tradition but also draws inspiration from the land, making it a gathering filled with gratitude for nature’s abundance and beauty, and the noble honey bees.
Make it a visual feast they will never forget.
WARNING: You may be asked to host Thanksgiving every year.
WARNING: You may be asked to host Thanksgiving every year.
By: Libbie Summers
Savannah Bee Company, CCO
happy bees. happy earth.
Published