Wednesday, November 24, 2010

A Traditional Thanksgiving Table


At Thanksgiving time, I find myself longing for tradition and a feeling of home and sense of place. It is truly my favorite holiday. I look forward to our grown children and grandchildren coming home and I want them to have warm, happy memories like I do.
So for Thanksgiving, I wanted the table to be very traditional, but with a hint of the unexpected.

I had originally planned to use the new grain sack table runner with the caramel stripe, but it just wasn't working for me. I really wanted a richer palette for the table...

Last night, after realizing the runner was a no go, I panicked for five minutes, then poured myself a glass of wine and started pulling linens out of drawers!
I found this paisley tablecloth from Pottery Barn, purchased two years ago. The right side of it is quite red, so I flipped it over and found the wrong side to be perfect with the muddy taupes and autumnal reds.

Suddenly, everything started falling into place. The colors of the tablecloth worked great with the plates and centerpiece.



I ended up mixing the old Johnson Brothers Windsor Ware plates with the new Johnson Brothers turkey plates as many of you suggested. They actually work quite well together.
The chargers are brown leather with a fleur de lys pattern. The table was beginning to come together the way I had always envisioned it to be!

Deer horn knives mix nicely with my wedding and vintage silver plate.


I made the centerpiece this morning with leftover sunflowers from our dinner party last weekend and a few bunches of mums and greens from the grocery store. The smell of the eucalyptus is wonderful!

The inspiration for the table's color palette was the Japanese Maple outside the dining room window. It's ablaze in autumn reds!
My goal all along was to create a traditional Thanksgiving table of warmth and abundance with all the colors of the season, evoking a feeling of comfort and love. I had a "Norman Rockwell" picture in my head!

Playing Peeping Tom again, looking through the same window from the outside; I love how the colors of the tree are reflected.
Dexter is wondering what in the world I'm doing!

Back inside, the morning light is making for some great photo opportunities.




At first, I was a little disappointed the caramel stripe runner didn't work, but this wool paisley tablecloth provided the look I was going for all along.

It looks better in the kitchen, don't you think?

I'm joining Susan's tablescape party at Between Naps On The Porch.
Tablescape Thursday should be amazing this week with all the Thanksgiving tables.
Be sure to check it out in between cooking and cleaning in the next couple of days!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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54 comments:

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

Absolutely magnificant!!!

Blondie's Journal said...

Just beautiful, Delores!

XO,
Jane

The Charm of Home said...

Delores, That is beautiful! I love the mixed plates, the tablecloth is stunning! I think we have the same oak leaf garland down the center of our tables. I really like the garland. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Sherry

Ames said...

Beautiful! See! Mixing the dinner plates worked and looks perfect together. I would never have thought to flip the table cloth. What a great idea. Everything is earthy. I love the look. Happy Thanksgiving!~Ames

desde my ventana said...

FAbulous tablescape Delores.Happy thanksgiving!!!
Hugs,
Cecilia

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Beautiful, Delores. I love all the color and those glasses are gorgeous. Photos look like a magazine spread. Enjoy!

Tammy said...

Your table looks beautiful! I love the mix of the plates with the beautiful tablecloth. I am glad it came out just the way you wanted ~ Happy Thanksgiving! Tammy

Bonnie said...

Just beautiful. I had no doubt it would not be. Tablecloth was perfect and the purple cut crystal wine glasses are especially elegant. Fresh flowers are always perfect.

What is on your menu?

Rose H (UK) said...

Your table looks fabulous - so inviting!
Happy Thanksgiving.

Needles Everywhere said...

I agree with you about Thanksgiving. I think it could be my favorite and the food and football are only part of it.

Your table is wonderful. So elegant and inviting. I'm truly inspired.

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Delores,

These tablecloths work far better than the burlap runner!
The morning sun makes it look picture perfect! You must have gotten the very same napkins as I have from Neiman Marcus... They always blend in with many settings.

Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving with your family!

Mariette's Back to Basics

NanaDiana said...

It looks beautiful~ Absolutely gorgeous...and although I like your runner I think this tablecloth (albeit turned inside out;>) is perfect for this setting. And, I love how you used the mixed and matched platers...it is perfect indeed! Hugs-Diana

Kathysue said...

Delores, Oh sweetie you out did yourself this year. Your instincts are always spot on!!! It is luscious, warm and inviting it is truly Deloresesque!!! Love you style, but you already know that. You are one of my many blessings this year. I am so glad to have met you and I felt an instant bond. You are as warm and lovely as your beautiful home.

That shot through the window is amaaaaazing. Your shots look like something in a magazine, Have a wonderful family day, I am sending you a great big hug, Kathysue

It's a Wannabe Decorator's Life said...

Wow! You must have a beautiful stash of linens!!! The table is amazing!

kara@elements-interiors.net said...

Hi Delores! Im your newest follower! I am CRAAAAAAAAAAAAZY about your blog! Its BEAUTIFUL! I love the Tablescape! I have an interior design business and blog...I would love for you to visit my 14 days of xmas trees and decor :) a GIVEAWAY too!

*ENTER CUSTOM FLORAL Give-Away Here *

xoxokara

a quiet life said...

your table is gorgeous, love the rich autumnal colors... inside out was brilliant. i am especially wowed by your jap maple, exquisite picture... fall just drives me wild, the colors, the lighting, be still my heart~

the runner looks fabulous in the kitchen.

wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday :)

Deserae said...

Your tablescape is absolutely gorgeous as always! You have the most divine collection of china and linens :o) Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!
~Des

Jocelyn said...

Your table service is gorgeous. Happy Thanksgiving.

Nancy DF said...

Beautiful! Love the revised plan. Happy Day to you and yours!

Marigene said...

Beautiful table, Delores. I like that you alternated the plates, then used mix/match silver.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Anonymous said...

The Paisley is much more seemly than the runner, which will feel happier in the kitchen!

Great table Delores~

xinex said...

This is just outstanding, Delores. So pretty! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!...Christine

Glenda/MidSouth said...

What a pretty table setting!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Hi Delores, Your table covering adds to the rich, warm feeling of your thanksgiving table and I think it was the right choice! The other runner is great in the kitchen, too. I really like the Windsor Ware plates and your centerpiece is beautiful. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Linda

The Tablescaper said...

Such a beautiful table. I love your mix of plates, whatever the reason. How creative of you to turn the tablecloth over to get the perfect color.

Have a very happy Thanksgiving.

- The Tablescaper

All The Pretty Dishes said...

Just a beautiful tablescape. It looks like something that belongs on the cover of a magazine.

The Southern Belle said...

I love that you changed things at the last minute. And look at the results you produced. Your table is rich with color and texture. And you figured it out by trial and error, which is encouraging to those of us who want our tables to look like yours, but who don't get it right the first time, either! Happy Thanksgiving!

Donna D said...

Another beautiful table - you always inspire! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Donna

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Your table is gorgous my friend, I wish I hadn't taken more time to add to the centerpiece, as always was in such a hurry to get it together.. lol
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. hugs ~lynne~

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Well, yes. An excellent choice. You have hit a wonderfully elegant homey note. Such a wonderful gathering of beauty for your table in that beautiful room. Hope you have a great day! Jacqueline

Terry @ La Bella Vie said...

OK girl, you had me at "I poured myself a glass of wine"...I am right there with you girl! But I will say this; your tablescape is just lovely!
Blessings to you this holiday season,
Terry

Sarah said...

Delores, you made the right decision. The richness of that paisley cloth is perfect. I like the mix of plates and the use of the horn handled knives. It's all gorgeous. I wish I had sunlight streaming into our dining room. Your photos are beautiful.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! ~ Sarah

Jacqueline said...

Delores, I agree, the rich color of the tablecloth is a much better choice. I think one of the highlights are the beautiful goblets that echo the reds. What a lovely table. I think the plates are gorgeous together and really are highlighted by the chargers. Have a wonderful and beautiful Thanksgiving meal.

Komali Nunna said...

What a lovely table, Delores. I have the same table cloth that I bought from Pottery barn. I thought of using it, but it didn't work with my dishes.I just love those plates. Have a fabulous Thanksgiving with your family.

Rettabug said...

Delores, your idea to turn the tablecloth OVER was brilliant...the muted shades are just perfect with your beautiful Johnson Brothers collections.
I head over heels in love with your stemware....just spectacular!

"Norman Rockwell" would be jealous of this entire scene.

Happy Thanksgiving to you & yours,
fondly,
Rett

Blooming Rose Musings said...

Exquisite! Absolutely gorgeous table setting. I love the depth of your color palette and the table absolutely speaks of Thanksgiving. Brilliant.
Your photos are wonderful and so inviting. I especially like the one from the outside looking in. I imagine Dexter was saying "Oh, there she goes again"!
I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.

French-Kissed said...

Your table setting is GORGEOUS and so warm and welcoming...and the flipped table cloth pulls it all together...I truly think the best design comes from a giving heart in a pinch for that "perfect" look. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

~jermaine

On Crooked Creek said...

Delores,
I agree. . .that muddy taupe and autumnal red paisley tablecloth just set the stage for your dinnerware and accessories! I love how you mixed, not only the dinner plates, but the dining chairs as well! Exquisite, elegant and inviting! Enjoy your time with family! Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Fondly,
Pat

the gardener's cottage said...

breathtaking. so, so beautiful.

happy thanksgiving to you and your family.

~janet

La Dolfina said...

Your table takes my breath away Delores!! It's beyond gorgeous. So warm and inviting and elegant and traditional. It's right out of a magazine spread. You are really really talented my friend, I should know... I can find the treasures but I can't do what you can do with bringing it all together. Unbelievable. And isn't it funny how what we think will be perfect in one place actually finds itself a better spot. Your new runner is perfect in the kitchen!!!
I can see you and your beautiful family toasting to you right now!!
Wishing you a wonderful feast with family!!
God Bless,
Terri
XO

RoseMillsOhio said...

All splendid choices! Happy Thanksgiving!

Table Escapes said...

Delores,
JUST BEAUTIFUL...I don't think it gets any better than this...You have to know what an inspiration you are to me..You are sooo creative and you make it look easy.
Happy Thanksgiving with your family. Sharon

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

What a beautiful tablescape, Delores! I hope you are having a great Thanksgiving!...hugs...Debbie

Gayla said...

This was breathtakingly beautiful... I would be so proud!!! Happy Thanksgiving...

FRENCH LAUNDRY said...

Oh my goodness, that table is fabulous! I think you knocked it out of the park. I am so happy to have discovered you!

Take care,
Judy

Burlap Luxe said...

Absolutely Fabulous! Delores
I just love that you went with our suggestions of mixing up the dinner ware! Most of all I adore what you did with the alternating the dinning chairs...PERFECTLY BEAUTIFUL!

A beautiful vineyard villa holiday!
xx
Dore
PS...Thank you for your visit.

Sonia said...

What an amazing table you set! Love the alternating plates and chairs. Your last minute tablecloth is just perfect in color and style. Johnson Brothers plates are so wonderful. The centerpiece is just beautiful with all the natural elements and happy sunflowers! gorgeous!!

Miss Bloomers

Unknown said...

Delores You have once again created a breathtaking table! Your dishes, glasses are just absolutely beautiful!! You made the right choice for your runner! Gorgeous!!

Entertaining Women said...

The more that I read your blog, the more I become convinced that you and I are truly birds of a feather. I could feel your choices as you were making them. I can't tell you how many times I use the 'wrong side' of linens and fabric. The AJKA wine goblets look great. I think that I see several patterns on the table. I have sets of the AJKA Arabella in the 4 assorted colors. Wish that I had at least 12 sets of four, so I could set a good size table with just one of the colors...someday. The mix of plates is glorious...keeps the eye moving around the table. Of course, your work of art, the Japanese Maple, is the crowning glory...bringing the outside in and the inside out...so well done! Thank you for sharing your beautiful design. Cherry Kay

Sevenbeads said...

Everyone said it pretty well but i have to add my repeat 2 cents ... the tablecloth worked out beautifully. Your centerpiece is lovely. Great colors.

Alycia Nichols said...

What a beautifully set table! You did a wonderful job with the centerpiece!!! I'm astounded that you were able to keep the sunflowers looking so good for almost a week! The seeded eucalyptus is wonderful, too. I did arrangements using an abundance of it this year. It just flows so nicely! Your table has such a rich look and feel. I hope your Thanksgiving was great. I KNOW your guests marveled at the table you set for them!

Carol@6WilsonBlog.com said...

How utterly beautiful. Your Thanksgiving must have been just as lovely -- how could it not be?

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

A magazine worthy Thanksgiving tablescape! Beautiful Delores. laurie

Anonymous said...

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