The holidays are upon us, and it’s time to break out those folding tables for all the guests you’re about to welcome into your home. Perhaps Thanksgiving is the one holiday you’re in charge of hosting, and it can be a lot when it comes to preparing your home for all your family and friends. In this blog, I’ll explain all the top tips for decorating an ordinary folding table and making it the table of your dreams. 

How to Decorate a Small Folding Table

Many people have small folding tables that they pull out of their garages for these occasions. If your table is multipurpose, it may need a little sprucing up to make it appropriate for Thanksgiving. I recommend dressing it up with a tablecloth or placemats to make it suitable for your guests. This also makes cleanup especially easy. If any food is spilled during the meal, then you’ll only need to throw these items in the wash instead of scrubbing the table or floor.

Next is the fun part…accessorizing! Invest in a table runner, flowers, bowls filled with fall fruit, plastic decorative pumpkins, or candlesticks. These are great centerpieces that you can play around with until you’re satisfied with the décor. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to leave room for your food unless you’ve decided to create a buffet elsewhere.

How to Paint a Plastic Folding Table

Do you have an old plastic folding table that you want to create something beautiful out of? If you’re feeling artsy, you may think a mural belongs on the top of your Thanksgiving table. Think of how much your guests would love that!

Unfortunately, painting on plastic is often difficult if you don’t have the right materials. To paint your plastic folding table, you’ll need to first prep your item with a sponge, dish soap, rubbing alcohol, and a clean towel. Next, set your table on a drop cloth in a well-ventilated area. Then, use fine-grit sandpaper to remove any and all shiny surfaces from your item. Finally, paint your item using plastic-specific paint or spray paint (be sure to follow the directions). Allow your item to dry completely before displaying or using.

How to Make a Folding Table Topper

Have you had the same plastic folding table sitting in your playroom or garage for years? Some people throw a tablecloth over it and call it a day. Others like to get a bit more creative. This year, try painting your plastic folding table with spray paint and attaching pinewood planks to the top. You’ll end up with a gorgeous table topper that you hardly even recognize! Here’s a full Folding Table Makeover tutorial from BuzzFeed Nifty. 

Final Thoughts

Use our Thanksgiving décor and design tips to reinvent your table this year! Getting creative with what you already have is a great way to save both money, time, and stress. And once you’re done with Thanksgiving, enjoy some of my Christmas blogs. I recommend learning this Easy Do-It-Yourself Retro Christmas Wreath for another fun DIY. 

Visit Redesigned Classics for more tips and tricks.