A Modern Take on a Traditional Pattern for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a holiday where the table really takes center place. Tradition often guides the selection of table linens, dishes and glassware as well as the recipes that are made and loved year after year. I'd like to show you a way of using traditional tableware as a starting point for a lovely table with modern touches that is both welcoming and festive.

  

I'm happy to be joining a group of stylists who have wonderful ideas to set special Thanksgiving tables! Our blog hop was organized by Rita of Panoply and you'll find links to all the creative tables at the end of this post.

   

I started with china, crystal and silverware that we received as wedding gifts. The patterns are timeless. The china has a rim of mottled blue edged with a band of golden leaves. The silverware has graceful lines with few embellishments. The crystal, shown in photos below, is cut with similarly graceful lines and rimmed in gold. The plates are set upon gold chargers that have swirls of color that mimic brush strokes and raised beads along the edge.

The runner that spans the length of the table is new; it's a textile interpretation of wallpaper designed by William Morris in the 1890's, a perfect choice for a table based in tradition.

   

Napkins in shades of blue are doubled, and clasped with gold napkin rings in a leaf design. I bought these when Greg and I hosted our very first dinner. Unfortunately I've only got six left.

   

Joining the crystal are glass goblets in a green that reminds me of the leaves in my garden — and repeats the greens in the runner.

On the runner I gathered a collection of pumpkins in velvet, joined by tiny glittered pumpkins that brought bright color to the center for a modern touch. Also in seasonal colors are faux berries in the centerpiece and in warm amber votives that I used on the table last week in Setting the Table with Art.

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I added an antique salt cellar with lion heads and feet that's fitted with its original cobalt blue glass insert. For a while I collected salt cellars that add bygone elegance to the table (and show off the pretty colors of artisanal salts). Finding very small spoons that will stay within the salt cellars without tipping over has proven to be an unexpected challenge. I could of course just lay the spoons on the side, but what's the fun in that?

   

In the fall and winter I find candlelight (and candle holders) irresistible. We'll have an afternoon dinner, so it may be dark enough to be able to enjoy the candles. In any case I've used two pairs of contemporary crystal candlesticks and one pair that's ceramic. Staggering candle holders down the table is a very modern way to style them, compared to using traditional candelabra with multiple arms. The ceramic candlesticks are new production using the historical mold that was originally designed in 1920 by Rookwood Pottery. They were a wonderful gift from my sister!

I love the deep oranges, reds and rusts against the cool blues and greens. I think that contrast helps to make the tablescape dynamic.

   

On the buffet pumpkins, berries and flowers in fall colors are arranged on a silver tray, shown in more detail in An Autumn Tray. Be sure to visit that post to see the special additions!

 

   

The profusion of fall's icons down the center speaks to the abundance of the harvest.

I was blessed by beautiful morning sunlight for the photos, something I don't always get in my east-facing dining room.

   

There's a lot going on in the center, but most items are low so as not to impede easy conversation across the table. The candle holders are tall but don't block the view.

   

I'm sure you will be intrigued by the tablescapes listed below and will find the perfect inspiration for your Thanksgiving table!

                Panoply - Harvest of Thanks

                Everyday Living - Gathering With Grateful Hearts

                Hyacinths for the Soul - A Tribute to Tom Turkey

                Home is Where the Boat Is - Giving Thanks Table with Indian Corn Arrangement

                My Thrift Store Addiction - Friendsgiving Charcuterie and Wine Buffet

                Me and My Captain - Thankful, Grateful

                The Painted Apron - Eat, Drink & Be Thankful

                Life and Linda - Autumn Leaves & Pumpkins Please

                The Cat's Whiskerz - Giving Thanks Wherever You Are

                Belle Bleu Interiors - Gather with a Grateful Heart

                From My Carolina Home - Turkey Time Tablescape

                Karins Kottage - Harvest Elegance: Crafting a Thanksgiving Tablescape

                Dinner at Eight - A Modern Take on a Traditional Pattern for Thanksgiving  you are here!

                Corner of Plaid and Paisley - Oh, So Thankful

                Red Cottage Chronicles - Almost Effortless Thanksgiving Tablescape

                The Bookish Dilettante - Thanksgiving Tablescape with Vintage Linens

                The Little Yellow Corner Store - A Simple Fruit and Greenery Tablescape

 

 

Thanks so much for joining me today! I hope you've been inspired to set a traditional table with modern touches.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

Table details

Plates | Mikasa 'Imperial Lapis'

Crystal wineglasses | Waterford Marquis 'Hanover Gold'    

Silverware | Reed & Barton 'Eighteenth Century'

Table runner | Williams-Sonoma 'Golden Lilly'

Candlesticks | Rookwood 'Glen Canyon'