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'