Sauces simmering in small bright pans, pies cooling on the dessert table, fresh rosemary sprigs poking waftily out of the huge turkey in the oven, mashed potatoes being whipped with care and a good pound of sweet cream butter, sipping a sweet red to keep myself from eating everything in sight as I place the finishing touches to the long table… this is my favorite part of Thanksgiving. The excitement of starved anticipation and prolonged desire leading up to that first incredible bite – that first bite of savory stuffing and bittersweet cranberry and succulent turkey. Oh Em Gee.
Obviously, what makes Thanksgiving so much more special than just any big meal, is the preparation, and the attention to detail. The careful adherence to some traditions and the bold breaking of others. Knowing that many of you will be like me in wanting to surprise your guests with the details even as you please them with the reverent tributes to Thanksgivings past (such as lumpy mashed potatoes –Â Friends, anyone?!)… I researched some creative ways to put a spin on the Thanksgiving table – the one place the hostess is permitted guaranteed creative license on this Holiday, without fear of pushback from the emotionally-charged, nostalgic expectations of sundry dinner guests.
As far as centerpiece decor goes, a little can go a long way. Especially if you have a lot of guests – you want everyone to be able to make easy eye contact amid the raucous retelling of forgotten stories.
I loved Waiting on Martha‘s take on the Modern Southern Thanksgiving table…
In a word, impeccable.
Below, the mixing of gold touches with a rustic tablerunner keeps the decor from being pretentious or tacky:
I thought these hurricanes filled with acorns or sundry nuts were adorable:
This is also a really creative way to display the obligatory Thanksgiving candles:
And leave it to Martha to come up with a table decor idea that also protects said table from hot dishes:
As far as placecards and menus go, I personally think this is one tradition that must be kept. It serves a practical purpose if you have a large, boisterous family (certain members of which just do better from a distance)… and if you have more than one cook contributing to the meal, a menu is very useful in ensuring no dish is left behind.
I only wish I had the calligraphy skills.
There’s the Pottery Barn answer in these adorable placecard holders:
Or these super cheap, and totally adorable homemade ones:
Pear, slip of paper, gold pin. BAM.
If you’re feeling a little ambitious and cutesy, these place cards are made with Alphabet Pasta, and omg. So vintagey and cute!
And finally (this would be especially helpful with the menu part)… there are lots of printable packages for sale 0ver on Etsy – I found these two to be the best:
If you are providing a Kids Table, I adored this one:
… keep ’em occupied without uglying up the Dining Room. 😉
As far as the serving ware goes, I really hope you budgeted for adding an heirloom piece or two to your collection, cause these local Charlotte shops have some amazing modern-yet-classic-chic pieces!
So adorably rustic.
(Post and Gray’s Handpainted Dishware is also DISHWASHER SAFE. Phew! Amiright?! Cause – washing dishes by hand AFTER making meals from scratch? Ain’t nobody got time for that.)
There is nothing quite like the wow-factor of an antique:
Unless its the attention to detail in these Salt and Pepper shakers from Alexander Scott:
Also at Alexander Scott – how much do you love these table settings?!
I do believe I am having a love affair with acorns this year.
Finally, set out the perfect bar with pewter from Italy:
And… be sure to sit down and enjoy that first bite of your Thanksgiving meal with all your senses! You deserve it!
