A Traditional Thanksgiving Tablescape

 

In addition to my previous table inspired by what I thought was the only Thanksgiving song: “Over the River and Through the Woods” (As it turns out, there are several others, though a bit more obscure: “We Gather Together”—a 17th-century Dutch hymn now a U.S. staple; “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”—a classic harvest hymn; “For the Beauty of the Earth”— a hymn of gratitude; and even the playful children’s tune “Turkey in the Straw”), I now offer you a more traditional Thanksgiving table because Thanksgiving is hands-down my favorite holiday. I adore the crisp weather, the crackling fire in the fireplace, the promise of delicious food and great company, all without the pressure of gift-giving.

 

This year’s table shines with newly acquired treasures—starting with my absolute favorite: turkey-shaped appetizer plates by Warren Kimble. I’m obsessed! 

 

They’re layered over Amelie Versailles salad plates and my beloved Johnson Brothers “His Majesty” turkey dinner plates, which I’ve been collecting for nearly 30 years.

 

For a touch of sparkle, gold chargers sit atop round rattan placemats.

  

Gold flatware—inherited from my mother—pairs perfectly with new pumpkin-colored cappuccino cups (already a year-round obsession; orange pairs beautifully with summer greens, turquoises, and blues).

  

Amber water glasses complement battery-operated tea lights in amber votives, while unique autumn-toned wine glasses add warmth.

 The lovely multicolored wine glasses, new this year, add lots of color.

 

A checkered farmhouse tablecloth is softened by a champagne cheesecloth runner. 

 

I couldn’t choose between gold and rust napkins (both from World Market), so I used both! 

 

The centerpiece features a rustic woven turkey with a metal beak atop a Pottery Barn charcuterie board, flanked by pinecone candles ($10 for the pair at Walmart—grab them!).

 

The adorable salt and pepper shakers are by Spode.

The Arthur Court Thanksgiving butter dish with turkey knob can be

 found here.

  

My iron candlesticks, bought 15+ years ago from a now-closed local shop, hold court alongside faux pumpkins, gourds, and tucked autumn leaves.

 

Thanksgiving magic, served.

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This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday

Sultry Summer Nights Tablescape

 

This tablescape came about with the discovery of the centerpiece. Centerpieces always seem to be the bane of my existence. I can easily build a table, but coming up with something for the center often perplexes me. When I ran across this pineapple hurricane in the belly of the beast, I had to get it out, clean it up, and put it immediately into service.

 This hurricane has quite a storied past. I bought it about 35 years  ago when I was still married to my first husband, back in the days when American country and Williamsburg-style decor were at their peaks. I loved it not only just to look at, but for the beautiful glow it gave off when the candle was burning. It went with me to a new house and a new husband, spent a good bit of time out on the back porch, and was one of the few survivors of the tornado that ripped through our yard in April 2011. It ended up getting packed away, when we moved out to the house I live in now, and I had forgotten all about it until I recently found it in the bottom of a box. 

It was like seeing an old friend. Number two son, who came by and spotted the pineapple, remembered it being on the back porch; it’s just special. The pineapple is also the symbol for hospitality, and this is a table that is most hospitable. 

 I wanted to go with something a little more masculine and subtle, so I went with largely neutral colors, and those that reflected the coloration of the pineapple. I chose Water Hyacinth placemats topped with gold chargers because I wanted to replicate the pineapple glow.

  I matched the chargers with gold flatware to continue that theme and add a bit of sparkle. Dinnerware (plates, dessert plates, and mugs) are by Tabletops Lifestyles in their “Bora Bora” pattern.

   

The pressed glass, crescent-shaped salad bowls have been with me forever, and always prove popular. It is a wonderful way to serve a salad on a table where space is limited. 

I wanted an additional touch of green, so I chose the salt and pepper shakers that used to be on the table in my parents’ kitchen. 

Napkins are by Pottery Barn; the glassware I inherited from my mother.

 

The black fans add a bit of drama, and are wonderful to use to fan oneself when overcome with the vapors.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday