Dear Diva Readers,
top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 60px; line-height: 50px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>This time of year makes me think of warm sweaters, roaring fires in the hearth, mulled wine and dinners with all the trimmings shared with family and friends. With Thanksgiving only hours away, I want to share my tips on how to get a festive feel when it comes to setting your Thanksgiving table, and, of course, give you some ideas on how to incorporate antiques!
When setting the table I always start with the tablecloth. For my own dining table, which is an oval shape, I cheat and use simple king size bed sheets in a luxe high thread count silky finished Egyptian cotton as I love the way a large tablecloth drapes and falls nearly all the way to the ground around the table. The holidays however are a good time to add in rich colors and patterns. Paisley is always a good idea.
Next comes the centerpiece and nothing says autumn like natural materials. Begin with a unique container—maybe an antique silver trophy cup or a beautiful vintage champagne bucket. You can never go wrong with a clustering of gourds. Fill it with roses – all in one color – and mix in pheasant feathers or bits of evergreen. Combining these natural textures will certainly set the scene for a festive meal.
Of course no table is complete without candles—lots of them! Scatter a mixture of votives around the table and utilize the silver or brass taper holders for the center of the table. In my dining room I have two floor-standing candelabras on either side of the dining room that add a grand yet intimate feel. Floor-standing candelabras also allow you the luxury of candlelight even if you’re running short on table space!
Speaking of table space, I love to lay the table with antique china and serving pieces. Nothing says “holiday” like using fine tableware. And don’t worry if you don’t have a complete set of china or even flatware for that matter. Mix and match patterns—just make sure the colors coordinate. I may use one pattern of silverware for the salad forks and pair them with knives and dinner forks from a different set. Trust your eye and don’t be afraid to get creative!
By taking cues from formal tables of the past and mixing in pieces that reflect your tastes, you’ll be creating a highly personal atmosphere for you and your guests to enjoy. Remember, the holidays come but once a year so why not have fun and step outside your usual comfort zone. Be bold and have fun – and most importantly, make sure to invite friends and family around for the holidays.
From my house to yours Happy Holidays,
The Antiques Diva®
Really nice article and I love the way the table has been set! Fab pictures.
The chandeliers in the last picture are beautiful and we sell similar at Norfolk Decorative Antiques over in the UK. Visit us at http://www.antiquelightingandchandeliers.co.uk for info!
Jill – I remember coming to you when I was looking for lighting! You were one of my first spots I searched when I knew I needed a double pair of chandeliers!
Excellent inspiration.
Thanks so much!