Thanksgiving Tablescape: Lush and Dramatic
I’m so excited about my Thanksgiving tablescape this year! It’s a bit of a departure for me in a couple ways, and I’m dying to hear what you think!
I wanted to do something different for my family celebration, and I’ve been so inspired by my fellow table setters. So I took a few leaves out of several books, and ended up with this lush and slightly dramatic look.
A Tablecloth With a Pattern
Up until recently, I only had one patterned tablecloth to my name! But as I say, I’ve been inspired, so I’ve been branching out. The foundation so to speak, of my Thanksgiving tablescape this year, is a patterned tablecloth.
As you can see, it’s a lovely neutral, with oatmeal, rusts, and greys – gentle fall hues. From the doorway it reads almost solid. But the pattern develops as you get closer, until its full subtlety is revealed when you sit down.
It washes really nicely too. I was so happy to be able to just take it out of the dryer and put it on the table. No ironing required!
Flowers & Fruit Centerpiece
I almost always have flowers in my centerpiece, and this Thanksgiving tablescape is no exception. Along with dark rust and russet mums for fall, I included some deep red roses for elegance. And I found some really interesting grasses for extra seasonal punch.
Another inspiration is fruit in the centerpiece. I love the look whenever I see it, and the colors are perfect for this table.
How about those lovely russet pears? And I love the drama of those black grapes. They speak of fall harvest and wine making to me. I should have taken a picture when the wine glasses were filled – the deep red looked great on the table!
Some of the grasses were very dark as well, tying in with the grapes, and pulling the whole look together.
I used real fruit and flowers in my Thanksgiving tablescape. But as you can imagine, it didn’t last very long! I’ve sourced some exceptional faux and dried varieties at the end of this post, if you’d like your table to last longer.
The Place Setting
I didn’t stray too far from my usual table setting style with this year’s Thanksgiving tablescape, though. I use these gold chargers and flatware VERY often. For instance, HERE and HERE. The gold is so rich, and also goes with just about anything! Isn’t it fun how you can get such different looks with a lot of the same pieces?
Here I used plates from one of our favorite china sets, Olympia from Royal Doulton. They’re beautiful, heavy, smooth ivory, with a lovely Greek key design. They also read as neutral in most situations, with just a little band of interest around the edge.
And of course, I love my crystal! The more sparkle, the better, and these glasses grace most of my tables.
Place Card Holders
I think place cards and holders are a lovely touch for a festive occasion – for instance, our Thanksgiving tablescape. I got these little vintage frames several years ago, and haven’t been able to find anything like them since.
But I’ve linked some other darling little gold pumpkin place card holders below. They would have been perfect on this table, and I almost wish I’d seen them before I set it. I’m definitely going to get them for next year!
Candles & More Candles
And of course, no Thanksgiving tablescape would be complete without candles!
We didn’t really mean to collect brass candlesticks – it just sort of happened! One day we were reorganizing all our candle paraphernalia, and realized we had a TON of brass candlesticks!
I might have only used half a ton for this table, but they sure did glow at dinner time! (We had to test out the tablescape before Thanksgiving of course! So I’ll reset it for the real thing in a couple weeks!)
Thanksgiving Tablescape in Candlelight
And here they are, lighted. To my mind, there’s just nothing as wonderful as candlelight flickering off crystal.
And when the sun starts to go down, it’s even prettier.
So here’s to a lush and dramatic Thanksgiving tablescape! And gratitude that we can all sit down and celebrate our many, many blessings!
One of my many blessings is readers like you! Thank you for sharing Mantel and Table with me. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
———- Shop the Thanksgiving Tablescape Post ———-
Click on the pictures below for links to pieces I used for this table. If the exact item isn’t available any more, I chose a similar option.
This Post Shared With
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Hi Barbara: Your tablescape is breathtaking. Love the table cloth and even more so that you don’t have to iron it. I like the idea of placing pears (or fresh fruit) on the table amongst the flowers which are so beautiful. Also, I like that you layered two napkins which the one really picks up the colours in the flowers. Since our Thanksgiving is past for this year, I am seriously thinking about Christmas and this setting is a keeper for sure. Thank you for sharing this.
Hi! Isn’t that fun with the two napkins? ???? I can’t wait to see what you do for Christmas – your tables are always so lovely! Thanks for stopping by and hope you have a great weekend!
What a gorgeous table Barbara. Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving!
Kim! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving too! ???? Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend!
Oh how lovely Barbara!
Those candlesticks, the winding florals — it’s all so beautiful.
Oh thank you Diane! I’m so glad you like it! 🙂 Happy Monday over there!
The color combination for this tablescape was just beautiful, Barbara. Loved the brass candlesticks that added so much depth at night. Lovely job.
Lynne
Thanks so much Lynne! Isn’t brass fun? And I know you share my love of candlelight! 🙂 So nice of you to stop by – hope you have a lovely week.
OMG Barbara. The garland centerpiece is absolutely gorgeous – love all those flowers with the candles, and pears, and dark, moody grapes. And I agree, the more sparkle, the better – there is no such thing as too much sparkle lol. You must have people knocking at the door to join you for dinner. What a lovely table and thanks for sharing!
Haha – I’m so glad you’re one of the sparkle people! 🙂 See you next time my friend!
That centerpiece is amazing – at first I thought it was one long garland, but then I noticed it was several small arrangements set down the center of the table and the little individual containers just added to the beauty. I’m with you on crystal in candlelight – just gorgeous! Absolutely beautiful table!
Thank you so much Janet! That small arrangement garland look was inspired by another blogger – isn’t it fun how these ideas get passed around? 🙂 I’m so glad you stopped by! Take care and Happy Saturday!
This is such good inspiration! It is hard to motivate when large gatherings are so unlikely for this holiday season, but I’m realizing that even a small gathering should get as much attention. Thanks for helping me have a different lens and for the push to think grand even with a small group size.
Hi! I know – it’s going to be such a weird holiday season this year. But that doesn’t mean our tables can’t be pretty, right?! 🙂 I sure miss seeing you! Maybe by the holidays things will be a little better. You’re so sweet to stop by. Say hi to everyone!
Lovely combination of elements. I think the patterned tablecloth adds depth to the base and ties everything together. I’m glad you used elegant, classic china! Love the candles and the candlelight. I have a hard time taking decent photos of tables lit with candles. A perfect table to replicate over and over.
Hi Sandra! I have trouble with the low light too, but my dining room is pretty dark anyway, so I’m getting used to it! 🙂 So glad you like the table. And the tablecloth – I love it too! So nice to see you here! Hope you have a lovely week!
Another amazing tablescape friend. Love the colors and always love the candle light! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Chas! I’m trying to think about starting to plan for the holidays! 🙂 But in any case, candles are always perfect, right?!
The colours and textures in your tablescape are so beautiful and that tablecloth is to die for – I love it!
Hi Jayne! I really had fun with that tablecloth – it was so different from what I usually use. So glad you love it too! 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping over!
WOW! AMAZING!!!
Oh I’m so glad you like it! This table was something new for me and I wasn’t sure how it would come out. But it worked for our celebration! 🙂
I love the low-profile centerpiece, Barb. And the colors are just lovely!
Thanks so much, Julie – I’m glad you like the brightness as much as I do! 🙂 Happy Day Before Thanksgiving! ????
Such a beautiful table. I just might have to order that table cloth ~ so French! Your guests will be thrilled but they may not want to leave!
Ha – that would be fun – as long as they cook breakfast! 🙂 I’ve used the tablecloth for a few other table settings and I love it more each time! ???? Thanks so much for stopping by Amanda – it’s great to see you!
Barbara, my first time to visit I believe, but it won’t be my last. Your lush and dramatic table is stunning. I love the softly hued patterned tablecloth and all of the lovely brass candleholders. Thank you for stopping in to visit with me and I am so happy to meet you. Happy Thanksgiving and I know your guests will feel honored to sit at your beautiful table!
Hi Pam – thank you so much – so glad you liked it! ???? I’ve been loving your blog posts too, and I’m so happy you stopped by. Feel free, any time! 🙂
Beautiful tablescape. You did a great job on it!
Oh thank you so much – I really appreciate you coming by! ????
This is just beautiful, Barbara. I love the color palette and your centerpiece is stunning. Nice job, lovely lady!! XO
Thanks so much Holly! I had a blast with it! ❤ So sweet of you to stop over – Happy Saturday!
Such a gorgeous tablescape!
Thank you so much, Chastity – I’m so glad you stopped by! ???? I just popped over to your blog, and I think you and I have an awful lot in common. I particularly want to read about your tablescapes – I think I have the same cut crystal goblets! 🙂 Thanks again for coming over!
Such a pretty table. Love all the colors and the fruit additions! Beautiful tablecloth too. Taking the next flight out///I’m on my way 🙂
Yaay! See you soon! ????????
Beautiful combination of patterns and designs, Barb! It’s so warm and inviting. I want to pull up a chair and join in!
Hi Helen! Thanks so much! Feel free to come on over – the more the merrier! 🙂 I’m so glad you stopped by – I love your beautiful blog, and your gorgeous decorating has already inspired one or two of my own tables! ???? Take care up there, and Happy End-of-Fall!
What a gorgeous holiday table Barbar! You’ve really outdone yourself! Love the patterned tablecloth and napkins and the addition of the fruit and grasses. I always say “more is more” at Thanksgiving! live the opulence you’ve created! Happy Thanksgiving friend!
Oh Terri – how sweet you are – thank you! ???? I love more is more sometimes too, and this table called for it! 🙂 Thank you so much for all your visits and comments – and Happy Thanksgiving to you too!
Your lush and dramatic tablescape is absolutely stunning! Your centerpiece of color rich florals, fruit, and candles is beautiful. How wonderful it would be to gather around this table for Thanksgiving Dinner!
Hi Shannon – Thanks so much my friend! ???? If you’re in Portland on Thanksgiving, feel free to drop over – we’ll set a place for you! 🙂