Here's another Thanksgiving table with plenty of lush, fall color. I've always thought pumpkins and other gourds traditionally associated with Halloween are so beautiful (and appropriate!) even for Thanksgiving. They still have that warm, fall harvest feel, especially grouped together in this antique urn I picked up at an estate sale in Greenwich years ago. Groupings, by the way, make such simple, elegant centerpieces. Other favorites of mine include fall fruits, like pears and apples, as well as whole nuts in all their many varieties.

1GourdTable

For the table setting, it's another play of mix and match, my favorite way to entertain, especially with all things vintage. Keep it simple, though, and it's bound to be beautiful! Here, I used a combination of creamware and ironstone plates. White, in all its infinite shades, makes for such an elegant (and easy!) canvas for a Thanksgiving meal, wouldn't you agree? For the napkin, I used an antique kitchen towel from a thrift store in Virginia, then dressed it up with ribbon tied in a simple bow. The burnt yellow band picks up the pop of color from the ochre linen tablecloth I made from fabric, simply by hemming the edges. The wooden bowls I found at Scott's in Atlanta, now repurposed as salt and pepper cellars, together with salt spoons crafted from bone. The candlesticks are turned wood, a favorite choice of mine this time of year for their warm, rustic feel.

2GourdTable

This set of four antique Spode plates I picked up for a dollar at the Knights of Columbus Flea Market in Greenwich. They're great for salad, dessert, or even butter. And for an elegant touch at your Thanksgiving table, try using a melon baller!

3GourdTable

For the flatware, I used the same bone handle knives I did the other day on a table set with pumpkin leaf place cards. I'll admit they're my favorites, especially this time of year, but to mix things up, I paired them with coin silver spoons from the Antiques Garage here in town… 

5GourdTable

and German silverplate forks with an exuberant monogram. It was a set of six I found digging through bins of tarnished flatware at the Hell's Kitchen flea market last spring.

4GourdTable

Finally, if you liked the ribbon and bow around the napkin, here are a few more simple ways to dress up your table settings this Thanksgiving. Twine, raffia, rope and a variety of other ribbons, including grosgrain, silk and velvet all make for pretty packages come dinner time.

6GourdTable

And what about you? Care to share plans for your Thanksgiving table or centerpiece? I'd love to hear about them.