How to Decorate Tables for a Wild Game Meal

Cover the tables with plain tablecloths in natural fabrics such as cotton, linen or hemp in natural oatmeal colors. Use plain white crockery that will not detract from the table decorations. Roll a linen, cotton, or hemp napkin and tie it with a plaid ribbon. Lay it across each plate setting.

Make a centerpiece for each table. Use a pewter vase, or place a plain vase or can inside an old wooden box. Place a piece of floral foam inside it and use tape to hold it in position. Fill it with natural greenery such as ivy, eucalyptus and laurel. Add several long feathers such as pheasant feathers; look for ones with rich colors.

Finish the centerpiece with wild flowers, or cultivated versions of wild flowers such as full-blown roses, poppies or peonies. Add wild berries in bright russets and reds. Stalks of wheat work well at Thanksgiving.

Arrange natural items on the table around the centerpiece. Eggs in delicate colors, such as quail or duck eggs, look attractive. Lay some feathers alongside the eggs. Other items to consider include gourds, Indian corn, pine cones, acorns, wild nuts, wild berries and apples. Create a beautiful display of nature's bounty and simple country fare.

Place rich russet-colored pillar candles on simple dishes either side of the centerpiece. Wrap them with floral wire and attach berries and small feathers around the base.