HOW TO SET A FALL HARVEST THANKSGIVING TABLE
It’s almost Thanksgiving, which happens to be my very favorite holiday of the year, so when my friends at The Inspired Home asked me to share my ideas on setting a Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving table, I was all about it. Whether you’re hosting a casual Friendsgiving or a formal Thanksgiving affair for the family, the table ingredients are fairly simple, but it’s time to get started because the big day will be here before you know it.
I love the mix of black, white and gold on the table. I think it’s a good balance between sophisticated and casual, so this trio mixed with mini white pumpkins, pears and walnuts will be the theme for this year’s table. The combo just feels so fresh, fall, and festive and says “let’s celebrate” in so many ways.
Down the middle of the table, I started with a white linen table runner, topped it with layers of lemon leaf, and scattered heirloom pumpkins, bosc pears, walnuts and silver painted antlers. I kept the florals simple with fresh (and crisp) white hydrangeas and spider mums, added white pillar candles, along with my silver candlesticks and white tapers.
Taking the lead in dinnerware shown here, is a new line of disposable pretty paper for your table from Italy (I know, hard to believe!). Just introduced in the U.S, Sophistiplate is designed to mix + match and perfect for those who love easy entertaining. For each placesetting, I used The French Chef Rattan Round Placemats by Lenox and layered it with the black, white and gold Bellezza Collection from Sophistiplate. To get the look, I used a Petalo Pearly White Charger Plate, topped with a Solid Gold Righe Dinner Plate, an Opaque Black Righe Salad Plate and tucked a simple White Napkin underneath the charger. To add a bit of sophistication to the paper, I paired it with my Lenox Eternal Gold Stemware, Marchesa Imperial Gold Caviar Flatware and added Zodax Gold Stemless Champagne Glasses, for a little extra holiday sparkle. I'm especially excited about the new Bellezza Collection, because I designed it and it's my very first collection.
I topped each salad plate with alternating pears and mini-white pumpkins, adding "i am thankful" placecards that I printed, cut and tied to each stem with medium weight twine, for a personal touch and lots of pretty. Another idea is to add greenery or herbs to double as napkin rings.
I believe a guest should be greeted with a glass of champagne or a favorite cocktail as they walk through the door. After that, it's fun to set up a self-service bar for everyone to help themselves and keep the hosts free to enjoy their party or event. We love a signature cocktail because they're easy to manage and we always have something sparkling on ice, along with red and white wine ready to pour. This year's signature drink is Apple Cider & Champagne Sangria. Sound great? It is, and all you party people are going to love it!
My advice for this upcoming “thankful dinner” table is take check with this simple list: Dinnerware, chargers, flatware, tablecloth, table runner, placemats, napkins, serve ware, festive turkey platters, fall décor, napkin rings, placecards and lots of candles. And, last but not least, the perfect glasses for a holiday toast.
Remember to take a moment to give thanks for all your blessings and your family and friends around you. From our table to yours, we wish you an unforgettable and Happy Thanksgiving!
xx, Deborah
Apple Cider Champagne Sangria
Ingredients:
3 Crisp red apples, thinly sliced
1 Cup pomegranate seeds 1/2 cup cognac
2 cups apple cider
750ml bottle cava (or other dry sparkling wine), chilled
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
3 cups Garnish: 1 bottle dry sparkling wine, chilled
Directions: Mix all ingredients in a tall pitcher, hold the champagne! Refrigerate overnight.
When ready to serve, pour Sangria into a pretty glasses (be sure each glass gets some fruit!), top with chilled champagne and add a cinnamon stick for garnish.
Sounds easy, right? It is. What we love is, you can make it ahead!
Photography: Stefanie Schoen, The Style Safari