Tuesday, November 9, 2021

A Seasonal Table for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and has always been so! Gathering together to give thanks for the good things in life. Sharing food, traditions and memories with family and friends. I can't think of a more wonderful way to spend the day — or the weekend!


Setting a lovely table adds another layer to the scents and sounds of Thanksgiving and lets my guests know I'm thrilled to have them. Today I'm joining a group of stylists for a blog hop hosted by Rita of Panoply to share a variety of approaches to designing Thanksgiving tablescapes. If you've come from one of my fellow bloggers, welcome! You'll find all the links to their tables listed at the bottom of this post.

  
I designed my table using seasonal colors and items to have the feeling of abundance. The dominant colors are greens and oranges in their muted shades with a liberal sprinkling of neutrals. A beautiful jacquard runner and placemats depicting oak leaves and acorns bring rich color to the warm tones of the wood table. They contrast with the green of the chargers.

 
I placed white dinner plates on the chargers, the better to emphasize the dramatic black salad plates patterned with a variety of pumpkins and fall fruits. There are four different salad plate designs, each of which reminds me of Dutch still lives from the 1600s. I added matching salt and pepper shakers.

  
For a centerpiece I arranged vibrantly colored silk flowers in a vintage glass vase I found last weekend at the annual glass show. I took lots of photos at the show and plan to share them all with you soon in a series of posts. I liked the vase's generous size and its flared shape. Though produced from 1933 - 1938 it has a very contemporary feel!

  
On either side of the flowers are crystal candlesticks with candles in a dark shade of copper. The candles first graced a table in Easing Into Fall. They're joined by figural bowls decorated with fall vegetables, fruits and flowers. One bowl is round, the other is oval. They were generously given to me by my mother-in-law to go with similar pieces I had.
 
 
When I set a table in the dining room, I usually like to decorate the buffet as well. I added a coordinating turkey nested in a bowl and a small platter.

   
The turkey is more of a covered vegetable bowl than a tureen. The turkey and platter sit between two botanically detailed candlelabra, one of which played a supporting role in Autumn Tones for a Tray.

  
You might have noticed that each end of the table had solid pumpkin napkins rather than the jacquard ones. I wanted to vary the look of the place settings.
 
 
I still love the classic pattern of the flatware we received as wedding gifts and never tire of using it!

  
For glassware I chose vintage green water/wine goblets and mid-century champagne glasses. The latter belonged to my husband's mother. 

  
In keeping with the richness of fall colors, I mixed metals — the warmth of copper napkin rings, the soft glow of sterling silver flatware, and the sparkle of gold on the edge of the salad plates.



  
I hope my interpretation of fall's bounty has given you ideas to style your Thanksgiving table!

  
   

Happy Thanksgiving!




I would like to thank Rita from Panoply for organizing this Thanksgiving tablescape celebration. I hope that you'll visit each of my fellow stylists — you are sure to be inspired!
 

Everyday Living - WeGather Together
Home is Where the Boat Is - The Softer Side of Thanksgiving
Panoply - Thankful
Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One - Home for the Thanksgiving Holiday 2021
Pandora's Box - Leopards and Checks
My Thrift Store Addiction - Vintage Thanksgiving Breakfast Table
The Little Yellow Corner Store - Celebrating Thanksgiving a Little Differently
Me and My Captain - Football AND Thanksgiving
The Painted Apron - Pumpkins and Pickups
Corner of Plaid and Paisley - Thanksgiving 2021 - A Bit Boho
Living With Thanksgiving - Blessings at Thanksgiving
Belle Bleu Interiors - A Heart Full of Thanksgiving
Dinner at Eight - A Seasonal Table for Thanksgiving (you're here!)
The Bookish Dilettante - We Gather Together
 

 
Table details 
Jacquard table linens | Williams-Sonoma 
Chargers, dinner plates | Villeroy & Boch   
Salad plates, salt/pepper shakers | Williams-Sonoma 'Harvest Pumpkin' 
Figural bowls, platter, tureen | Fitz and Floyd   
Flatware | Reed & Barton 'Eighteenth Century'   
Vase | Fostoria 'Lafayette'  
Champagne glasses | Libbey Glass Company 'Windswept' 
    
 
 

   
    

48 comments:

  1. Good morning! Yes, indeed it DOES give me a great idea of your style for Thanksgiving, and I like the way you think! Lots of color, texture, and pieces that are close to your heart. I think EVERY Thanksgiving table should include something of sentimental value as we gather to celebrate family and friendship. Your beautiful flatware and the bowls from your mother-in-law fill that bill. Great find on the vase, too! It DOES have a contemporary vibe! Produced in the 1930s? One would never guess! It's pretty cool, and I love the color mixed in to break up the orange. Very nice! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

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    1. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments, Alycia! I cannot imagine an autumn table without color and texture. And I frankly love color! I love to buy dishes and linens for my tables, but I really cherish all the wonderful things I've received over the years from family and friends and can't wait to bring them out for celebrations high and low. I've become entranced with the glassware produced from mid-20s to late-60s. So many beautifully crafted pieces from inspired artisans!

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  2. Sandra your table setting is beautiful and I like the change of napkins for the ends of your table. I like to "mix-it-up a bit too. Your classic flatware is lovely, I understand why you like to use it. How thoughtful of your MIL to gift you with the vegetable bowls, they are a match for your buffet items. Thank you for your Fall's Bounty table and for joining the blog hop. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
    Kari @ Me and my Captain

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    1. Thank you, Kari! It was such fun to be part of the blog hop! I think it's interesting to mix things, particularly in ways I haven't tried before. And I can depend on my flatware to go with just about anything. I hope you have a very happy Thanksgiving!

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  3. Your dining room looks beautiful Sandra! I love the colors you chose, so inviting and happy. The black pumpkin plates on the white dinner plates and green chargers look wonderful! I'm crazy about the turkey and platter on your sideboard too, so pretty! The touches of copper, silver and gold are warm and elegant. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
    Jenna

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    1. Thanks so much, Jenna, for your lovely comments! I thought the pumpkin plates were so striking that I really wanted to emphasize them! I'm somewhat obsessed with Fitz and Floyd figural pieces! Have a very happy Thanksgiving!

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  4. Sandra, your table is beautiful, warm, and inviting. The Jacquard runner and placemats are the perfect foundation for the centerpiece and plate stack. I always love a mix of metals for extra warmth and interest. I have the WS salad plates and love their still life images. It is a pleasure to hop with you and wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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    1. Thank you, Pam! I have really enjoyed being a part of the blog hop, such a great group! The salad plates are so striking in person aren't they? I have a soft spot for table linens and was lucky to find these! Have a very happy Thanksgiving!

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  5. Beautiful table! I love the runner and placemats, and the green chargers show up well on them. Happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. Thanks, Joy! I wish the photos could convey the lovely texture of the runner and placemats. I like to touch them as much as look at them, lol. I was pleased with the play of orange and green. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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  6. A few things that really caught my eye were the covered Turkey Bowl and the napkin rings - beautiful! Your table has the rich elements and color of the season and I would certainly enjoy a seat at this table! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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    1. Thank you, Patti! I enjoy collecting (and using!) interesting autumn decor. Fall colors are a must! I like to emulate mother nature when I can. I hope you enjoy a very happy Thanksgiving!

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  7. Oh. My. Goodness! I adore that covered vegetable and platter on your sideboard. And wow, oh wow those fabulous candelabras! All heirloom worthy. You lucky girl Sandra! Such a bright and lovely tablescape with those wonderful shades of orange and green throughout. The black plates really add a dramatic punch. A stylish and festive setting for the holiday feast.

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    1. Thanks so much, Debbee! You can't go wrong with vibrant fall colors -- they bring the drama! Though it helps to be a dishaholic and a linens fan, lol. Not to mention having some actual heirlooms to use. Have a very happy Thanksgiving!

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  8. You have such a pretty dining room: I love the blue paint, and all the autumn colors look pretty in there. Also, your Thanksgiving serving pieces are so pretty!!! I love how elegant your dining room is, and all your pieces on your table work so well together. My favorite, though, are your jacquard table linens. I love the fall colors in them!!! :D

    Happy Thanksgiving!
    Ricki Jill

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    1. Thanks, Ricki! I like to live with color and I fell for the table linens the moment I saw them. I think they'll be used lots! I'm glad you like my dining room - the blue works for all seasons and goes with every color I use on the table. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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  9. What a beautiful room to set a special table in, Sandra. Every single item, from the color of the walls, your side board with the turkey tureen/veggie dish and all the items on the table are outstanding. What a treat it must be to be invited to your home for the holidays!
    Happy Thanksgiving to you,
    RR

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    1. Thank you for the lovely comments, Rachelle! I always enjoy celebrating with guests and it's a special treat to decorate for holidays. Thanksgiving with its theme of bountiful goodness is the perfect inspiration! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  10. Sandra, I love the mix or orange and greens on your table. The pumpkin plates are perfect for a Thanksgiving table. The green stemware is lovely. The bright colors of your flower arrangement bring everything together.

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    1. Thanks, Carol! Orange and greens seem such a natural choice for fall. These particular shades of the colors really went well together. I'm crazy for the pumpkin plates! Have a wonderful fall weekend!

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  11. Sandra, this is all beautiful, as is your dining room. Love the blue of the walls! Your turkey tureen and dish are wonderful pieces. How fun! Love the vibrant colors of your table and the beautiful textiles. Happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. Thank you, Sarah! I was inspired by the beautiful colors that nature has painted my garden. I really love Fitz and Floyd figural pieces - they're so detailed. Hope you enjoy a wonderful fall weekend!

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  12. Sandra, I noticed that my link here needs an update. Thanks!

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  13. Sandra, you had me with the salad plates. Those Old World masters replicated on the black background are so dramatic, I just love them. Your dining room is striking with its deep blue against the oranges of your table setting. You've really elevated the entire mood for a rightful celebration of this holiday with your fine linens and flatware. It speaks volumes that you are still as enchanted with its pattern now as you were when you chose it. I love traditions like that, as well as your inherited champagnes. A beautiful table, and just as beautiful sideboard buffet. Thank you for joining the cadre of stylists!

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    1. Thanks so much, Rita! I fell head over heels for the salad plates - they're even more striking in real life. I think if ever there's a reason to use beautiful things for the table, it's a holiday. It doesn't take any more time or effort but the effect is greater than the sum of its parts. I'm glad that my daughter admires and enjoys using fine china, linens and flatware (and that she rolls her eyes at her cousins who don't!). Thanks again for the invitation!

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  14. I love the striking contrast of your blue walls and your orange table linens, complementary colors on the color wheel! I am a fan of those Harvest Pumpkin plates from WS and couldn’t resist them either. So bold and such pretty colors. They really pop paired with the green of your chargers and green stemware. As always it’s treat to join you at the table and hop with you. Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. Thank you, Mary! I thought that shade of orange really worked well. Of course just about any color works with blue! I've enjoyed using the glass chargers and find they're a multiple season choice, pairing nicely with the salad plates. It has been such fun to participate in the hops with you and the other talented stylists. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  15. A beautiful table Sandra. I have always adored those black pumpkin plates. I love seeing the whole room. The blue is dramatic. The table looks fabulous with your wood showing through. Such a pretty chandelier. The runner and placemats are so striking. Great plate stack. The buffet is beautiful with your treasured piece. Always a pleasure to hop with you. Have a lovely Thanksgiving.

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    1. Linda, thank you for your lovely comments! The pumpkin plates are really pretty special -- I'm really glad I got them. I'm sure they'll be on many a fall table along with the table linens. I loved their soft shade of orange. We really love using our dining room, it makes a wonderful backdrop for dinners. I love setting tables with items I've been given or inherited. It's been such fun participating in the hop and getting the chance to work with you and seeing all the unique approaches. Have a great weekend!

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  16. Sandra, I love your jacquard linens. They caught my eye immediately. They are perfect to accent your attractive WS pumpkin plates. Your plate stack and vintage glassware also worked very well with your linens. It is special to have some family dishes passed to you.
    Your commentary was written very well. I enjoyed your descriptions and why you chose to use certain things. I like alternating the solid and patterned napkins. It gives variety and interest.
    Wishing you and your family a lovely Thanksgiving.

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    1. Thank you, Bonnie! I wish you could see the linens in person -- their texture and pattern is really lovely. I love to use family pieces that come with memories or great stories. It ties the holiday to the past and to the future. Thanks for telling me you liked the way I wrote the post; it's great to get that kind of feedback. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  17. Hi Sandra! Your Thanksgiving table is just lovely, and I adore those pumpkin plates! Happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. Thank you, Cecilia! The plates are really beautiful in person. Hope you have a great weekend and a happy Thanksgiving!

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  18. The warm tones of the items on your table are striking against your wooden table. the green chargers and beautiful salad plate are a great pairing. Mr. Turkey is one stuffed bird and quite the gatekeeper for this setting. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

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    1. Thanks so much, Sandra! I was really pleased how harmoniously everything came together. The turkey is pretty special -- I love his colors and details. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  19. Sandra - oh my! This is such a pretty table with all its soft fall colors. The chargers are beautiful, as are the salad plates, and the flower centerpiece is gorgeous! I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving with friends and family, and can't wait to see the pics of the glass show!

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    1. Thank you, Kim! I wanted the table to complement the fall colors I can see in my garden. The glass show was amazing and I took more photos than I expected to. Have a great weekend!

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  20. Sandra, your table is gorgeous! I love the traditional fall colors combined with the pretty pumpkin plates. Your dining room with the blue walls and lovely fall decor is absolutely beautiful! What a wonderful room to gather with loved ones for a Thanksgiving dinner. I hope that you and your family have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

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    1. Thank you, Shannon! I love autumn and love to set fall tables that capture the season's colors. The dining room is perfect for setting holiday dinners since the blues go with everything. I'm really looking forward to having a larger group this year. Have a great weekend and a happy Thanksgiving!

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  21. My favorite as well! Your table is spectacular!

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    1. Thanks very much, Michele! I'm so glad you dropped by. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  22. Your covered turkey vegetable bowl is stunning! I think I would put him on display in September and leave him out through Thanksgiving! Those plates look like works of art. I would be hesitant to even put food on them! Lovely! Have a happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. Thank you, Chloe! I think I should bring the turkey out earlier in the fall. (Note to self...lol) The salad plates are even more gorgeous in real life. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  23. Beautiful! Hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving. Thanks for linking up and sharing. #HomeMattersParty

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    1. Thanks, Donna! Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  24. Sandra, I love the rich fall color palette you chose for your table setting. The pumpkin plates are lovely and really pop against the green chargers. I also love the jacquard runner and placemats. Very well done! I'm sorry it took me so long to comment. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Rebecca (Zucchini Sisters)

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    1. Thank you, Rebecca! I really enjoy designing with the colors of fall. We had a lovely Thanksgiving and I hope you did as well!

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