November 15, 2018

Elegance and Candlelight for Thanksgiving

If your house is like ours, Thanksgiving dinner is not quite like any other dinner. Family and friends are contacted in October (or September if an overnight -- or weekend -- stay is included!) for a festive gathering. The menu is set years in advance and food shopping and preparation is a group effort. 


Thanksgiving has been my favorite holiday since I can remember, partly because of all the anticipation! I love to set the table with crystal and silver that will gleam in candlelight.

Unlike the menu, the look of our table changes each year. I love to add special touches that underline the joy of family and friends joining us to be mindful of all the good things in our lives.

I've used the dinnerware we received as wedding gifts, some from the very folks who will be gathering this holiday.

I was excited to use a patterned linen tablecloth and napkins I bought several months ago. I have always had a soft spot for beautiful table linens! These impart a cozy, bountiful feel for the table.

Glass pumpkins and oversized acorns continue the feeling of bounty in the center, supported here and there with magnolia leaves from the front yard.

Votive candle holders in warm amber and tiny glittered pumpkins add sparkle to the center. To catch the light I also used glass table scatter in tones of green, gold, orange and brown.

Glittery bronze balls that are actually ornaments add interest.

I set the table on a sunny morning and was enchanted with the play of light.

I like to decorate the buffet to coordinate with the table. Here I've used elements from the centerpiece and faux chrysanthemums that you may remember from Blue and Copper for Effortless Style.

Setting an elegant table can be easily done — after all it's no more difficult to place a cherished bone china plate on the table than it is to use one that doesn't mean anything to you.

The silver tea and coffee set was one of the first antiques that Greg and I bought together after we were married.

Finally I could light the candles! 

There is something special about a dinner lit by candles.






Thank you for joining us this Thanksgiving!

Table Resources
China | Mikasa 'Imperial Lapis'
Stemware | Marquis by Waterford 'Hanover Gold'
Flatware | Reed & Barton 'Eighteenth Century'



 
  
 
 
 
  
    

20 comments:

  1. Beautiful table and buffet! I know your guests will love sitting down at your table and enjoying it's elegance.

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    1. Thanks, Judy, for your lovely comments! I think special days call for elegance, don't you?

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  2. Your table is exquisite,really fabulous!What a precious time with family and friends...Such blessing!Happy Thanksgiving!Great party!

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    1. Thanks so much! Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday to me -- good people, good food! Happy Thanksgiving

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  3. This is such an elegant tablescape and dinner by candle light is just so romantic. What a wonderful time it will be.

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    1. Thank you, Theresa! I think candle light draws people together. Can't wait!

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  4. You've created such a lovely tablescape. Your place settings and linens are gorgeous and you have so many interesting and beautiful glass pumpkins and table ornaments. I hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. Thanks so much for your lovely comments. I was quite pleased with the way this turned out and I'm delighted you enjoy it. I hope you'll visit again. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  5. Sandra, your elegant tablescape is indeed beautiful and I am especially loving your tea and coffee set that you have on your buffet. How special that you and G bought them shortly after you married. How sweet!
    Thank you for sharing your link with us at Celebrate Your Story, Be sure to check out the posts we will be featuring on our Monday reveal!!! And be sure to add additional links for us to review for the following week.
    Kari @ Me and My Captain

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    1. Thank you, Kari! We have loved and used the tea and coffee set ever since! Love coming to the party and wouldn't miss it.

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  6. Stunning and classic Thanksgiving dining-room fit for a queen.
    Happy fall,
    Kippi

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    1. Thanks, Kippi! I think everyone should be feted for Thanksgiving! And made to feel special

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  7. Such a pretty Thanksgiving tablescape, Sandra! Love how you've decorated it for your family and friends who will be coming over this year!! Happy to feature your post this week at Share Your Style #232. <3 Love the little glass pumpkins and I know there is a Cinderella story in there somewhere...

    Happy fall hugs to you,
    Barb :)

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    1. Thank you, Barb! I'm so excited you liked my tablescape and featured it. As a season of bounty, I figure I've got a green light to go all out! I find glass pumpkins irresistible.

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  8. This is lovely Sandra! Your plate stack is stunning! Thanks for all the great Thanksgiving inspiration!

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    1. Thanks, Barbara! I still love my wedding china - after all these years I'm still excited to set the table with it.

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  9. Sandra, your china is just stunning and I love the way you put together the runner. So pretty! The candlelight shots are gorgeous. Hope you have an awesome Thanksgiving, however it turns out to be (ours was definitely pared down this year).

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    1. Thanks so much, Kim! We love to entertain and have used our wedding china lots over the years. I like that it is versatile for all seasons and all occasions. I've been experimenting with candlelight shots - I think I'm getting better at them!

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  10. By looking at this beautiful table, your Thanksgiving will certainly be wonderful. Your buffet looks great too.
    Have a lovely and thankful day.
    Blessings,
    Fabby

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    1. Thanks so much, Fabby! I love to create a Thanksgiving table that everyone will enjoy, no matter the number of guests. I love the quiet emphasis on family, friends, gratitude -- and food! Take care

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