Autumnal Harvest: Thanksgiving Table Ideas That Celebrate the Season
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Yes, Christmas is amazing as well, but Thanksgiving is all about the food…especially the turkey! This year, I bought a 26 lb. turkey and have a house full of guests coming. There is nothing better than gathering around the table sharing a fantastic meal, celebrating friends and family, and making memories.
I designed this tablescape to have a casual feel but added some elegant pieces to create a more festive and sophisticated look. I think a Thanksgiving table should represent what the holiday means to you personally. I love casual paired with elegance when dining with close friends and family.
I started my design with these pheasant salad plates in mind which I purchased from William Sonoma. The colors have warm hues of brown, yellow, orange, and green that you find in Autumn. I then added some of my favorite neutral pieces like cream-colored chargers and plates to give this place setting a more layered look. Layering your place settings create a bit more formality to your design.
Once I had that completed, I designed my centerpiece using some of the same colors found in the plates.
I chose roses and tulips and filled the rest of the centerpiec with varied shapes, colors, and sizes using chrysanthemums and seasonal colored gerbera daisies. I also had a few smaller bud vases filled with a roses that I put in different locations in the center of the table.
“Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.”
DESIGN TIP: Pick a few colors from a stylish object and carry those colors in different shades throughout your tablescape. This creates a more cohesive design.
““Be faithful to your own taste, because nothing you really like is ever out of style.” ”
These velvet pumpkins, pinecones and other outdoor elements added to the color scheme of my table.
I placed assorted sizes and colors of velvet hot skwash pumpkins to my table to add texture. I also added a small Waterford crystal bowl with decorative items to help fill in the center of the table. It also adds interest to the table and keeps the eye moving throughout the design.
Bringing natural elements from nature to your table is always a great idea. Look at what you have outside that feels festive to you and place them on your tablescape. I added some pinecones here and there.
Nature’s Autumn Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving table design is a nod toward our beautiful New England foliage and the many game birds found in this region of the U.S. During this time of the year, you see different hues of orange, yellow, and green just to name a few. We also witness the migration of different types of birds flying south for the winter. It is a splash of colors and sounds that fill all the senses and is a constant reminder that fall is in the air. I wanted to take those sentiments and design around them keeping with the colors of nature that surround us here in the Northeast. That became the theme of my tablescape.
I know that so many are using a mixture of patterns for their tablecloth, but I love simple white and cream linen. It has a little formality that I like, and it feels a bit like you are eating at a high-end restaurant. It feels special to me.
“Two sounds of autumn are unmistakable...the hurrying rustle of crisp leaves blown along the street...by a gusty wind, and the gabble of a flock of migrating geese.
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There are many different ways to present a turkey on Thanksgiving. Some people prefer to roast the turkey whole, while others prefer to smoke it or grill it. The turkey can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole.
The presentation of the turkey is also important. The turkey should be placed on a platter or serving dish that is large enough to accommodate it. The turkey can be garnished with fresh herbs, vegetables, or flowers. If desired, the turkey can also be carved and served on individual plates.
The presentation of the turkey on Thanksgiving is more than just a matter of aesthetics. It is also a way to show your appreciation for your guests and family members. The time and effort that you put into preparing and presenting the turkey shows that you care about them and that you are grateful for their presence.
I served a nice mulling cider before our meal. Rum is added for those who want a spiked beverage. To find my recipe for as mulling cider click on the picture.
When entertaining, guest use all five senses when entering your home. I love to use mulling spices during thanksgiving to capture the essence of the holiday. Warm spices such as cinnamon, clove, anise and others fill the house with an amazing aroma. It brings feelings of well-being. I want my home to feel like a warm welcome, a place where people can feel comfortable. This is my way of adding just another layer of comfort to my guests experience.
Thyme Popovers Recipe
These popovers were delicious and easy to make. The thyme is a lovely flavor for the holidays.
These lovely linen napkins were exactly what I was looking for to finish off my design. The color, pattern, and texture added to the overall design aesthetics and centered each place setting perfectly.
The thing is…designing a Thanksgiving table is really all about the people you invite to your table. Be faithful to your own taste and remember, nothing is really ever out of style. Enjoy the process of creating a beautiful space where you can share your table with others. When entertaining, always try to incorporate something for all the senses to take in. Lighting, music and seasonal flavors and aromas all add to the overall experience.
Pheasant Salad Plate by William Sonoma
As with everything I post on my blogs, if you have any comments or questions, please leave them here or email me through my contact page. I would love to hear from you and welcome you anytime!
“May your home be a place where friends meet, family gathers, and love grows. ”
Design with your heart™️
Happy entertaining my friends!
Mary
