An Amber-Hued Thanksgiving

In our city apartment, silver ruled the roost. There were antique trophies, toast racks and teapots. Hotel silver for days. But up here, honeyed floors and dark wood beams sparked an altogether different obsession—brass. I'm not talking about the impossibly yellow, factory-polished finish of handrails across America circa 1982, but rather the timeworn patina of candlesticks burnished with age. In this house, amber hues—honey, brass, copper and gold—cast a warm, soothing glow, and for Thanksgiving especially, it just feels right.

This table began with a pair of spiral brass candlesticks I found antiquing in Los Angeles for a Weekend Shopper years ago, together with amber glassware collected over time. It's a monochromatic palette mixing tones and textures in a way that I think is modern but at the same time classic. As a magazine editor, whenever I was assigned a Thanksgiving story and had to style the table, there was always the delicate balance between what's fresh and familiar. Picking pretty things was important, yes, but more than that, I wanted people to relate. Here, for example, maybe you don't love the particular shade of yellow tapers (honeysuckle to be precise) as much as I do but are inspired to step outside the ivory zone and bring color to your candles! Maybe you don't care for mums, or even copper, but like the idea of simply removing a plant from its plastic vessel, placing it in something pretty and finishing it with moss. It's an inexpensive, no-fail centerpiece that lasts. Finally, I love gold Pickard—I think it's super chic in the right settings—so I placed a votive candle in a leaf dish surrounded by whole almonds. It's such an easy way of dressing up a simple votive, whatever dish (teacup, soup bowl, butter pat) you use.       

The Art Deco china Jaithan and I found antiquing in Trenton for our very first blog post. Their leaf and urn pattern, octagonal shape, and unusual black and amber color palette are a rare combination. We only have six plates, and I wish I could find more! The place card idea is super fast, especially when you're in a crunch. Simply iron a napkin, roll it up, then tie twine around it. Cut thin strips of paper, write or print your guests' names, then curl the edges with a pencil in opposite directions. It's quick, easy and inexpensive!!       

In my experience, memorable tables are in the details—the little things that often make the biggest impact. Consider, for a moment, salt and pepper. In a Top Chef world, our food is seasoned to perfection, but the reality is that everybody's palettes are different. We like what we like, and so do your guests. So why not bring beauty to the table with salt cellars and pepper shakers in surprising combinations? The vintage Pickard salt cellars I picked up at a thrift shop in Kansas City, while the pepper shakers I found at an antique mall in Maine. Together, they sit on a porcelain leaf dish Jaithan found just last week here in upstate New York. But even if you prefer glass salt cellars over gold, silver over porcelain, it's the details that make all the difference.

Now that our copper is back, I thought I'd use this pierced compote, lined with a linen napkin, for Parker House rolls. The hinged tongs, probably from the 20s, I found at the New York City flea market years ago. In my mind, mixing metals is eclectic and unexpected. High-end jewelry designers do it all the time—in bracelets, necklaces, and timepieces—so why not bring that kind of luxury to the table?

For the flatware, I opted for French Ivory dinner knives and Gorham silverplate spoons, together with honey Bakelite butter knives. Their pale yellow hues bring a modern, matte contrast to the sparkling amber of the glassware. The wine glasses are 1970s, while the water goblets are from the 40s. I love the clear swirl stems of the newer glasses, together with the amber bowls of the vintage goblets. Glassware for water and wine are the perfect opportunities to mix traditional and modern shapes in surprising ways. Finally, layering textures—the tablecloth slubby, the runner more refined—adds subtle depth without overpowering the palette.    

For all of you hosts and hostesses out there, Thanksgiving, I know, can be stressful. My advice? Set the table two, three days in advance. Work it out early! That way, you have time to experiment and actually enjoy the creative process without worrying about a bird in the oven, sides to prepare and whether Uncle Lewis has already had enough to drink! 

To everyone of you, following us faithfully on this journey, from the bottom of our hearts—thank you. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!   

 

Comments

[Cartier love]

This blog is perfect for anyone who want to know about this subject. Who knows how much its almost hard to argue with you. We are expecting the same best efforts from you later on as well.

[Cartier Love Ring]

A refreshing color scheme! Fabulous tip to set up days in advance! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving

[A Super Dilletante]

A perfection (whatever you do). It's like the whole table is dripping with gold!

[southernbell]

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND ALL YOUR FAMILY

[Victoria Zlotkowski]

Such lovely table, set just right, I almost smell the beeswax candles!
I agree, the details make all the difference!
We are out this Thanksgiving, celebrating at a friends house, can't wait to see their table!
And you Eddie, with your honey colored cord jacket and your armful of mums and orange pumpkins, you fit right in with the color scheme... Such delight to see all!

XOXO to you and Jaithan!
Happy Thanksgiving!

XX
V.

[Deborah Milne]

So much to admire and to love. Angela's so right, refreshing indeed. Doesn't everyone have an "Uncle Lewis"?!!

A blessed Thanksgiving to you and yours x

[Cococozy]

Lovely table. Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for the inspiration!

Cococozy
http://www.cococozy.com

[Karena]

Lovely theme for Thanksgiving or any dinner party in the fall. You are the best Eddie and Jaithan!

[Jennifer @ Fiddle Dee Dee]

Such a beautiful table setting. You guys inspire me so much and make me want to work twice as hard to create a home to be proud of.
Wishing you both a fabulously warm and beautiful Thanksgiving.

xo, Jennifer

[Liz]

I am so happy I found you!! I am obsessed with everything you do and please know, you are an inspiration to me!

Liz at Shorely Chic

[honey living]

i don't even know what to say. i totally adore everything you said in this post. i SO agree with you about mixing and matching and am finding my way with that very process. i have posted a few times on the emerson resort, where i was married and return to each year, and how their boldness with mixing and matching has inspired me.

and i also totally agree with the idea that even if you don't take specific things from magazine spreads or designer showhouses, etc. it's the concepts you can alter and personalize for your own life. inspiration is everywhere!

i would love for you and your readers to join my discussion this morning of what we're thankful for at www.honeyliving.blogspot.com. i know you probably have some great things to share.

[Shannon at Old World Charm]

Absolutely fabulous, Eddie! Whether using humble items or luxurious objects, you never cease to amaze! :-)

Shannon

[Evelyn Weiss]

Another pretty table for the country! Nice mix.

Thank you, Eddie and Jaithan, for everything. There's so much to be grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving!

xoxo
Evy

[Renae]

Eddie,

I would just love to follow you around and just absorb. I really like the very simple but elegant tablescape in the first picture. Thanks for all of the great ideas and inspiration.

Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving!

[Kris Connell]

Jaithan and Eddie,
Happy Thanksgiving! It was such a pleasure meeting you both this year...many thanks for all the inspiration and kindness you've offered.

All the best,
Kris Connell

www.myfabulous40thbirthday.blogspot.com

[Jacquelyn]

Eddie and Jaithan, Thank you for inspiring me with each post. Lovely, lovely, table. Love the color of the tapers.
Wishing you both a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

[Kathy :)]

Oh the same to you both !!!

Eddie I am so going to copy your votive candle idea, LOVE IT...I am going to use walnuts, just bought some :)

Thanks so much for your pretty blog....

Warm wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving....
Kathy :)

[Danielle]

I love these ideas, especially the details. Am going to post about this because I can't resist!

[missy jordan]

Dear Eddie,
You were a painter in another life!!! Such
an incredible eye for color and shape and design.....Thank you so much for sharing your 'EYE'....been said over and over but is just the truth....What an INSPIRATION!!
Missy from the bayou

[LindsB]

I cant wait to get to my parents house and help set the table. I'm going to use this as inspiration, so beautiful.

Congrats on the House Beautiful feature as well, it was just perfect!

[Barbara]

Just buttery lovely... Happy Thanksgiving to you guys too! All best.

[Pamela Gray]

Love the salt cellar and the way you put it together with the pepper on the little plate!

[cassandra @ coco+kelley]

lovely and warm while still being quite fresh... love it eddie!

[Lisa]

I'm glad you suggested setting the table days in advance. One year we were going to be out of town for the week before Thanskgiving, not arriving back home until Wed. and then hosting dinner for 15. I set the table before we left and then draped a freshly washed sheet over the entire table to keep dust off of the glassware and plates. Was such a relief to have that piece done in advance!

[sheil]

T hanks for your inspirations
H elping me to be more creative
A style icon for sure
N o one does styling better
K eep on sharing your ideas
S tay as sweet and personable always!

[linda@LimeintheCoconut]

And a wonderful thanksgiving back to you two! Your blog has been a joy and great source of inspiration...

Your table setting mirrors that. Beautiful!

[brandeye]

that looks simp0ly stunning!

[Maryam in Marrakech]

Eddie, I always love all your stemware! We have slim pickings here in Marrakech. Dreaming of pretty goblets!

[Laura]

Happy Thanksgiving! As a silver smith I usually prefer silver to decorate over the other metal options but I have to say that this table is a refreshing look into what Im missing out on. Beautiful!

[Frances Jackson]

How lovely! Once again you combine such different pieces and make such a gorgeous ensemble. I love it all... Happy Thanksgiving to you both!

[Kathy]

Gorgeous table setting! I hope you and yours have a wonderful, safe Thanksgiving!

[Ruth]

I love seeing how you mix items together. I learn so much from your blogs.

[Emily @ Peach & Pearl]

I love all of the bakelite you use -- so pretty! And I'm also loving the nubbly fabric you're using on this table.

[Jen Crossley]

How stunning is your table tootally awesome so beautiful

[Julie Neill]

This is such a great inspiration and a beautiful post. I love the warmth that the honey tones bring to your Thanksgiving table.
Best wishes to you and Jaithan for a very enjoyable holiday.

[Loren]

How wonderful, I love the way it plays off the wood tones! Happy Holidayss!

[c'estsuzanne]

Eddie and Jaithan...Happy Thanksgiving in your new home.

[ABCOroville]

AS USUAL ANOTHER WINNING TABLE SETTING. THE SPOONS LOOK GREAT. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

[Pinky]

Another stunning table, Eddie! You have so many beautiful things, I love seeing every table you do! Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

[Janet Doherty]

It just amazes me that you have just the right elements at your disposal for all of this. You are an unbelievable collector and creator of collections.
I am envious...
Happy Thanksgiving to the both of you.
Janet Doherty

[Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality]

Eddie and Jaithan, hope you 2 have a wonderful Thanksgiving yourself! You've set a beautiful table, once again.

[Visual Vamp]

Just beautiful! Love the mellow patina of the old brass. And the amber glass is so pretty. The twine on the napkin is genius.
Alberto and I wish you and Jaithan a very Happy Thanksgiving.
xox o

[Shawn]

I am not familiar with gold Pickard or any Pickard for that matter. I'm always learning something from you guys! Thanks! Hope you have a restful Thanksgiving.

[Ellen]

I love your Thanksgiving table - the colors fit your new/old house perfectly. That Art Deco china is to die for beautiful! Hope the two of you have a wonderful Holiday!

[Troy Rash]

Absolutely gorgeous, Eddie!

I too use those colors in my glassware at Thanksgiving centered around a collection of Stangl pottery dinnerware in the Star flower pattern.

troy

[Kary Gonyer]

Eddie and Jaithan....that was just lovely...love the little details...picture perfect Thanksgiving table....

I have enjoyed following you since last summer.You have enriched my life,given me more laughs,more great ideas....simply...more pleasure..and I thank you.

I wish you and Jaithan a peaceful and beautiful Thanksgiving together. You are THE BEST !

Fondly,
Kary from My Farmhouse Kitchen

[Pamela]

You have created the perfect canvas on which to paint a most enjoyable Thanksgiving. Lovely colour. And you're so right...always set the table early!

Wishing you both a happy, healthy holiday! Thanks for the light you bring to the blogworld!

[debra phillips]

and from 'the bottom of my heart" THANK YOU!
for non-stop inspiration..........

individually the components used for this table may not catch my eye but your composition is flawless and simply elegant! love the honeysuckle tapers and the bakelite knives in particular, but amassed, breathtaking...
happy thanksgiving to you both
xxo
debra

[cj]

Wow, In between turkey basting (yes, I believe in basting) I checked out your thanksgiving table and it was really helpful, so thank you! My family is so large (I'm blessed) that we celebrate Thanksgiving twice and today is the first one. However, I am now glaring at my beautiful pewter candle sticks and wishing they were brass. Also I forgot a plate for the rolls and now realize that I don't have individual butter knives, woe is me.

[carlee]

You two have done it again. I love this setting and it is nice to see brass on the table...I definitely typcially see a lot of silver. I also adore the name cards and even the little candle with the hazelnuts? surrounding. Cracking up at that last line...

Happy Thanksgiving!

[Linda in AZ *]

*** This time "YOU'VE REALLY GONE & DONE IT" it, E & J! Usually nowadays, (and hopefully!), everywhere we go/look, we've all had fun seeing (n' loving n' enjoying!) varieties of glorious, happy, super-fine, formal, casual & in-between "everyday" tables... in all variations of color and (ack!forgive my USE of the word "themes"!) but yes, themes, too....

BUT THIS is truly "something else", in its HONEST, STRAIGHTFORWARD, UNPRETENTIOUS, OH-SO-CHARMING & CREATIVE APPROACH to " beautiful reality" (and in the "country", no less!).

PERSONALLY, as a big-time-lover of setting tables & enjoying dining w/ friends & the little bit of family we have, the SIMPLICITY of it all is "SIMPLY STUNNING"... No "oooohs" here... just "ahhhhhs", as in: "I just want to sit down here w/ my wonderful, loving friends, who went to the trouble of doing ALL THIS, just to make me/us know they're happy we're here & we are welcomed to their wonderful home". I've ALWAYS considered that an honor & a beautiful GIFT!

It doesn't GET any better than that, does it? THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Warmest wishes,
Linda in AZ *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net

[kathysue]

Eddie and Jaithan, Happy Tday to you both! I am sitting here smiling after reading and absorbing all the elements of your lovely Tday table. I love your description and your thought process, it always makes me think twice about what I am going to do and helps me see it from a different perspective. Your table is lovely and warm and inviting. Have a wonderful Holiday! Hugs to you both,Kathysue

[Angela]

A refreshing color scheme! Fabulous tip to set up days in advance! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving ~ Angela