Last summer, while shopping the Goodwill in San Francisco for the Headless Horseman's clothes, I spotted this fantastic wool blanket from the 20s. I'm always on the lookout for color inspiration, and here was a palette so unusual and pretty, particularly for a tartan plaid, I quickly imagined a Thanksgiving table setting that's unexpected, fresh, and fun!
Flash forward a few months, and I'm downstairs in our prop house searching for an early Wedgwood set of china in purple lusterware I thought would be perfect with the blanket. Lusterware, by the way, has such a nice sheen to it that's achieved by applying a metallic solution to the porcelain surface before the final firing. It comes in all sorts of colors, but purple and pink are my favorites. (Shocking, isn't it?) A pair of these, a set of those—oh, wouldn't they be perfect?—and here's what I came up with.
It's a little bit of rustic and a lot of refined. Modern but cozy. The colors I'm obsessed with, especially for Thanksgiving. I love a harvest palette, but why not mix it up? After all, when it comes to setting the table, rules are meant to be broken. It's your table anyway, so do what makes you happy. For me, it was hand-dipped tapers from this fantastic source, together with a centerpiece of cranberries, walnuts and white pumpkins, assembled in an ironstone leaf compote I picked up at the DC Flea. How easy is that?
The china is a total mix of periods, but I kept the soup bowl and charger quiet so the lusterware sings. The markings too are works of art in themselves. The creamware soup bowls I found at Elephant's Trunk in New Milford. I think it was the ferns and forget-me-nots that hooked me. The Wedgwood lusterware I found at the New York City flea market, while the charger is the more modern Edme pattern we use everyday. Remember the tea set from way back when?
With so much color and pattern in the tablecloth, I wanted to keep the flatware simple. It's a German set that's hand-engraved with an "MS" monogram. I found a complete set of 10 at the Annex Garage in the city years ago. I'm not sure whose it was, but they're part of my family now.
My surefire way to modernize a table is stemware. The wine glasses are handblown crystal from our Etsy shop, yours for the taking, while the cranberry glass goblets I found at Stormville last summer.
Jaithan and I must have dug through five boxes of newspaper before unearthing a full set of 10. Check it out!
In my experience, memorable tables are all in the details. The set of six Heisey footed dishes I used for votives with a ring of cranberries to pick up the colors of the cloth. For a no-fail centerpiece, place a pillar candle on a platter surrounded by cranberries and walnuts. It's natural, colorful and quick! The pewter salt cellar is part of a pair I found antiquing in Hyde Park with "R" monogrammed spoons I found at a thrift shop in Millerton.
The way I see it, there are no hard and fast rules for setting a table, even for Thanksgiving. While I don't recommend reinventing the wheel completely, put your own spin on it—use unconventional elements, think outside the box, mix up the palette. Speaking of, what colors are you planning for your Thanksgiving table?
Bryn just sent me over- this tablescape is Gorgeous!!!
Love,
A Charleston, SC fan.
Posted by: Chassity Evans | October 12, 2010 at 10:52 AM
How do I get on your email notices for your blog? this is the 2nd great decorating blog I've found in a week--the other is the inspired room....Absolutely love your table; need to go read more....
Posted by: Gilda | January 18, 2010 at 12:16 PM
EVERYTHING looks absolutely LOVELY and your choice of colors is inspired (as always) and to die for. I have to say my FAVE FAVE FAVE are those fade pink glasses that had been cozied up in the newspaper! AWESOME!
Posted by: robyn | December 01, 2009 at 01:04 PM
I die for the plaid blanket, GORG! Well done what a beautiful tablescape.
Posted by: TWA | November 25, 2009 at 07:55 PM
LOVE!!!!!!!
Posted by: carlee | November 20, 2009 at 04:34 PM
Hi Eddie!
Wow your table setting is very charming and attractive. I like the colors and choice of china. Nice! Being of Scotish decent I especially love the Tartan table coth! Thanks for sharing. Ciao
Posted by: ralphie | November 20, 2009 at 02:23 PM
Fabulous!
I love to use plaid wool blankets on the table in the winter -- and for a larger table I just place them on the diagonal over a homespun-type cloth.
Your colors are awesome! Boxes and boxes of props...yeah! I drooled when I saw. You amaze.
xoxo
Evy
Posted by: Evelyn Weiss | November 20, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Well, I'm very impressed that you already have your table set for Thanksgiving!
Lovely color scheme idea!
Posted by: Jamie | November 20, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Gorgeous!
Rusty orange, pink, cream, lilac, all with lusterware flame-lit bronze!
YUM! That site is more delicious than the dinner!
Thank you so much for this gift of a Thanksgiving color scheme!
Posted by: Cecelia | November 20, 2009 at 09:31 AM
Love this! I have a tartan wool blanket that I picked up while antiquing because I loved the colors but it doesn't really "go" with my house. Now I know what to do with it...tablecloth!
Thanks for the inspiration...
Posted by: Christine | November 20, 2009 at 07:54 AM
I love how you've used the Edme! I know it's versatile-- I use mine daily to dish up morning oatmeal and serve weeknight dinners--but thank you for reminding me of what fun I can have with it on special occasions. The Tartan table covering is so charming!
Posted by: Charlotte E. | November 19, 2009 at 11:00 PM
This is gorgeous in every way. I just adore the tablecloth itself... now I'm in search of plaid fabric for a tablecloth. Thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Kim | November 19, 2009 at 10:51 PM
perfect. plain perfect
Posted by: thomas | November 19, 2009 at 10:07 PM
You come up with the most incredible and inspiring ideas. WONDERFUL!
Posted by: Cathy Boone | November 19, 2009 at 09:21 PM
Love the color combo! you two are brilliant!
Posted by: Laura Casey Interiors | November 19, 2009 at 08:25 PM
Gloriously out of the box!! If I see another turkey I may need a straight jacket. HGTV, FLN attentiion!!! This is talent you need to sign on the dotted line.
I must say your Goddwill luck far outweighs mine. I've never been that fortunate with finds.
Posted by: Alicia | November 19, 2009 at 08:21 PM
Is there anything more exciting than seeing those Goodwill price tags?? The things I have found there and other thrift stores . . and years later I can tell you where I found my treasures and what I paid for them:)
And Tartan . . . sigh . . I ADORE Tartan. I have been drawn to it since I was a child - it makes me happy and it comforts me. And this unique table setting is inspirational, rich and charming!
You boys have a wonderful and warm Thanksgiving!
Karen
Posted by: Karen | November 19, 2009 at 08:13 PM
Well done, you are so gifted, it looks appropriate and fresh!
Posted by: jaime | November 19, 2009 at 07:59 PM
Pink & purple for a Thanksgiving table? No way! Add in, that they're on a wool Tartan throw? Couldn't work . . . unless, that is, it's an Eddie's Ross idea.
You never cease to amaze and delight me, Mr. Ross! Many thanks for another lesson in Decorating The Eddie Ross Way.
You really need your own tv show. HGTV . . . are you listening?!?
Posted by: Lynn Rounds | November 19, 2009 at 07:42 PM
This tablescape SO speaks to me!!! I'm gaga for the goblets! Happy Thanksgiving, you two!!! xoxo, Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth | November 19, 2009 at 07:32 PM
this is so pretty....where did you get that imagination?:)....
THANK YOU!!!!!
Posted by: nina v | November 19, 2009 at 07:27 PM
The pink-y tartan and pink goblets with hand dipped tapers are fabulous!! Great post and a lot of fun!
Posted by: Barbara | November 19, 2009 at 05:36 PM
SO PRETTY!!!!
Posted by: Jennifer | November 19, 2009 at 03:58 PM
I love that color palette! What a bonus that you scored such a deal.
Posted by: Kasey at Thrifty Little Blog | November 19, 2009 at 03:51 PM
Gorgeous and unexpected. I think it's one of my E&J favorites!
Posted by: laura @ the shorehouse | November 19, 2009 at 03:37 PM
Those colors pop! And what a nice contrast for Thanksgiving. I'm excited, I just found 4 vintage mother of pearl plates like you wrote about on your blog a while back. Now i have to search your blog so I can see how it was that you used them! Thank you for many inspirations!
Posted by: Trinity | November 19, 2009 at 02:47 PM
It's a gorgeous table, so vibrant and festive. And everything comes together so beautifully. Happy Thanksgiving!! ; ) Trina
Posted by: Trina | November 19, 2009 at 12:47 PM
I was just packing up props to bring to the Berkshires for Thanksgiving. Ironstone compotes get in the crate!
Are you going to be around?
Posted by: abby jenkins | November 19, 2009 at 12:44 PM
oh my goodness it's gorgeous!!! ok, you are really starting to make me like tartan!!! how in the world?!!! it's beautiful!!! (you and Jennifer from Newlywed Diaries- her guest bedroom has a beautiful tartan blanket.) Anyway, huge hug- hope you're staying rested & thanks for the super-sweet comment on our bedroom!!! miss yas!!
xoxoxo
Posted by: Lauren Liess | November 19, 2009 at 12:38 PM
ditto the above...what more can I say?
Posted by: carol | November 19, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Love it! What time is dinner?
Posted by: Sue | November 19, 2009 at 12:23 PM
perfection. the blanket/tablecloth is brilliant and what a steal!
xo,
cristin
Posted by: cristin @ simplified bee | November 19, 2009 at 11:58 AM
Such a stunning table! I love that its all around the one Goodwill find, so chic and cozy for a fun Thanksgiving table!!
Posted by: LindsB | November 19, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Holy smoke, that's gorgeous! You give us such great ideas! Thanks, Eddie!
Posted by: Anne | November 19, 2009 at 11:15 AM
I love it when I manage to find something that is just perfect and has the right price.
In my case, the price was free and the thing was a ironware turkey platter. We had just moved into our house and I opened the shelf above the refrigerator to find a large turkey platter.
We've used it for every holiday since. If it doesn't break, I've half a mind to leave it for the next family!
Posted by: suzq | November 19, 2009 at 11:10 AM
I really wish we were friends so I could come see this in person! You continue to blow me away.
Posted by: Sara Jane | November 19, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Gorgeous!!!
Posted by: Renovation Therapy | November 19, 2009 at 10:54 AM
I am again at the Sprint store as my Blackberry is not working so not in a good mood and I wanted something to brighten my day so first thing I checked out your blog. What a wonderful present to start the day. My grandmother has passed on and as the holidays approach I am missing her and this blanket would have made her squeal with delight. Even though the coloration is nostalgic for me, the presentation is so fresh and inviting. Thanks for the early holiday gift. Now I am rethinking my Thanksgiving table. Oh, and the candles are always a nice touch. Hope your holiday bounty is plentiful.
Posted by: pam from creative candles | November 19, 2009 at 10:30 AM
I am astounded. This is gorgeous. When I saw the pink tartan, I thought no way, but it totally works. Love, love the look. White pumpkins are a favorite and I will be mixing them with the berries and walnuts in the near future. Thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Cyndi Deal | November 19, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Love your site! Could you please give us a tour of your "prop house". I always wondered were you kept and how you organized all your treasures. What's a suburbanite supposed to do if we'd like to collect such stuff? Humm..I wonder if I could convince my husband to allow me to have a "prop house".
Posted by: Jessica Chandler | November 19, 2009 at 10:22 AM
I have my silver out for next week as I type this...I'm going for a black and white table this year. The set I have is from family; plain with no monogram. But we use it often. Your table is pretty and unique for Thanksgiving! Thanks for a great post!
Posted by: c'estsuzanne | November 19, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Beautiful...as always.
Posted by: Marla in Columbus | November 19, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Loving all your beautiful place settings and flatware and the like - it is making me desperately miss all my stuff that is in storage in CA. Need bigger place here is NYC to bring it all back.
Posted by: Caitlin | November 19, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Eddie, I love this tablescape. I am usually not drawn to purple or pink but I love the way the cream & pumpkins make the color scheme more vanilla, then the sparkle of the silver accents & the crystal really makes it all shine! Alas, we are going away for the holidays so no table scape here. my last Thanksgiving was a pewter, cream, & yellow color scheme.
My french table was lathered in crisp cream linen with hand thrown plates in a cream / yellowish Sara Lee color, my inheristed Fostoria crowned drinking glasses and water goblets and about 6 old pewter small julep cups ran down the length of the table with Texas yellow / orange colored rose boquets. It was not too fancy but had that sense of relaxation & fall.
Your idea will have me even more so thinking outside the box! Love the thrift stores by the way!!
Happy Holidays to you & Jaithan!
Leslie
Posted by: La Maison Fou blog | November 19, 2009 at 09:50 AM
We used to live in Marin County in the San Francisco Suburbs. The Goodwill store there is tiny but amazing! Great find!
Posted by: Dee | November 19, 2009 at 09:32 AM
Did you realize that these are also the colors of Advent? 3 purple candles and 1 pink make the traditional Advent wreath, and the first day of Advent is the Sunday following Thanksgiving.
This always throws me for a loop because my room doesn't go well with those colors. I'm thrilled to have some new inspiration.
Posted by: Meredith | November 19, 2009 at 09:29 AM
That's beautiful! Very unexpected with the eggplant color, but perfect!
Posted by: The Undomesticated Wife | November 19, 2009 at 09:29 AM
Nicely, nicely, nicely done!
Posted by: An Aesthete's Lament | November 19, 2009 at 09:27 AM
Eddie, I ADORE THIS TABLE!!!!!!!!!!! So unexpected for Thanksgiving but GORGEOUS!!!! Bravo! XO, Pinky
Posted by: Pinky | November 19, 2009 at 09:26 AM
I adore this table setting! I'm inspired now to introduce an unexpected color to the table I was planning with creamy whites and moss.
Thank you for your fabulous tips. I'd love to work for you someday!
julie - eab designs
Posted by: julie - eab designs | November 19, 2009 at 09:20 AM
E&J... What a beautiful table and such a twist on the usual fall colours. Brilliant!
Posted by: Pigtown-Design | November 19, 2009 at 09:20 AM
Love the colors! I did a Christmas tree in these colors last year. Here's a question for you, how do you make foggy flea market glasses clear and shiny again? Do you use a special cleaning solution? I'd love to hear your secrets on how to spruce up those finds that may be less than sparkling.
Posted by: Kari | November 19, 2009 at 08:41 AM
Absolutely stunning! Love the color combination in the tartan also! Wow!
Posted by: Melissa Irvin | November 19, 2009 at 08:36 AM
What a delightful Thanksgiving table! I like that you mixed it up and didn't use traditional fall colors. I love the natural elements you used as well. Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Tammy518 | November 19, 2009 at 08:33 AM
I love the tablescape! The blanket is just gorgeous, and perfect for a cozy Thanksgiving table!
Posted by: Design Esquire | November 19, 2009 at 08:07 AM
the most stunning thanksgiving table i have ever seen! that blanket as tablecloth is so clever and so beautiful - i would never have thought of that. and i truly love the monogram flatware and the salt cellar, so gorgeous.
i love it all.
thank you for the beauty and inspiration.
Posted by: the lazy peacock | November 19, 2009 at 08:02 AM
Oh, how lovely!
pve
Posted by: pve | November 19, 2009 at 08:00 AM
This is wonderful!!! Thanks for all of this inspiration, I love it. As always, you have a perfect eye. And I have just decided that I will be calling the shelves that hold my rather extensive collections of dinnerware etc. my prop room, it seems so much better that way!
Posted by: Kathi @ allthingswhite.etsy | November 19, 2009 at 07:56 AM
i just LOVE this!! i'm not really a big fan of the traditional harvest palette, so this is the perfect twist for me.
Posted by: Belle on Heels | November 19, 2009 at 07:30 AM
I love the simplicity of the centerpieces and the color palette is heavenly. I'm always inspired by your work.
Posted by: Karen Evans | November 19, 2009 at 07:30 AM
Thanksgiving is always at my parents place. She has used the same Blue Willow china since I was a little girl. I don't think it would be Thanksgiving without it! I do your love your color scheme. It is gorgeous and honestly just perfect for Thanksgiving!
Thank you for the inspiration!
xo
Posted by: Jennifer @ Fiddle Dee Dee | November 19, 2009 at 06:54 AM
Gorgeous! I love that you stepped out of the traditional Jewel Tones for this holiday dinner. Wonderful. Gosh, I think I am inspired to set my table so NON TRADITIONAL this year. Simply exciting. Funny, a gorgeous table can make the meal taste so much better!
Posted by: Kimberly | November 19, 2009 at 06:37 AM
Wow! I'm not usually a fan of those colors, but it looks beautiful. Thank you for all the inspiration!!
Posted by: Leigh | November 19, 2009 at 06:33 AM
Your prettiest table setting EVER...
Just lovely. :)
Posted by: Lori | November 19, 2009 at 06:17 AM
Love that...simply beautiful! Every little detail. The colors are bar none...
And you didn't give the stunning MS monogramed silverware to Martha?? That's a good thing.
Posted by: linda@LimeintheCoconut | November 19, 2009 at 04:57 AM
Stunning! LOVE the color palette! The candles really make a statement too. :)
Posted by: Dagny @ Beautiful Living | November 19, 2009 at 03:36 AM
All of that from a $5 blanket? Oh how I wish I could spend a day in your head! That table is A. Maz. Ing. Love the cranberries and how you lightened up the table with the white pumpkins and silver. So beautiful.
Posted by: Allyson | November 19, 2009 at 02:40 AM
i want it all!!! the colors are gorgeous. and the best part is that you can cozy up with the blanket by the fire afterwards. haha.
Posted by: grace | November 19, 2009 at 01:45 AM
Oddly enough, I have those same Heisey salt cellars and use them the same way and I always use walnuts & cranberries for the big day. A little strange...! I generally use a palette of purple, aqua, white and a hint of orange (little pumpkins)on an antique quilt. I have a set of Mason's Fruit Basket in an aqua colorway that was reproduced in the 70s by Franciscan - the only time Mason's has ever done that. We also have a set of 8 purple Heisey wine glasses that I combine with Waterford (my "wedding" crystal)and my mother's silver. The mantlepiece is piled high with gourds, pumpkins, orange paper lanterns (the flower, not the lanterns themselves) and dried hydrangea from my gardens and 12" tapers in more family silver and purple hand-blown votives. And the walls are almost magenta - I love the purple and orange with the magenta. Not at all your typical harvest scheme.
Please let everyone know about your trip to Richmond so I can embellish just a little bit. You two were too much!!
SuSu
Posted by: SuSu | November 19, 2009 at 01:42 AM
Your unconventional Thanksgiving color palette reminds me of a trip to Switzerland in December a few years back. So many of the Christmas decorations I saw were in persimmon & green instead of the traditional red. There was something so luscious about the unexpected -- just like your tablescape is luscious (as, I'm sure, will be the food!)
Posted by: Sharon in Chicago | November 19, 2009 at 01:30 AM
LOVE the color scheme!! That blanket is simply fantastic - I love when inspiration strikes at the Goodwill! The tapers are fantastic. And the placecards! Those little turkeys are too cute and blend right in.
I'm thinking of doing a very pale pinks/cream/gold with a touch of dramatic black... feathers? Hmmm... still brainstorming!
Posted by: cassandra @ coco+kelley | November 19, 2009 at 01:08 AM
Eddie, I love this table for Thanksgiving, very artistic, the colors are unique and so luscious!
Posted by: Karena | November 19, 2009 at 01:03 AM
Love the table and the colors--lovely!
Posted by: Estelle | November 19, 2009 at 12:48 AM
Every time I see your Goodwill finds, I recommit to scouring thrift stores for similiar finds. This time is no different. How lovely. All of the berry tones are so autumnal. I want everything on this table. Stat.
Posted by: The Broke Socialite | November 19, 2009 at 12:44 AM
OH Eddie, I LOVE this table. The pink and purple tartan are a wonderful combination of color and texture. As always you think outside the box. You always keep me inspired what a beautiful Thanksgiving table. I hope you and Jaithan have a wonderful Holiday dinner with family and friends. Looking forward to Dec 6th, xoxo Kathysue
Posted by: kathysue | November 19, 2009 at 12:30 AM