I love styling Thanksgiving tables, especially in colors that delight and surprise my guests. For an event at my friend Phoebe Howard’s store in Charlotte, I updated traditional brown transferware plates with bright pink runners made from inexpensive fabric from Jo-Ann’s. For our first Thanksgiving table at our old farmhouse in upstate New York, I paired a purple tartan blanket from the Goodwill with antique lusterware plates I found at a flea market. A year later, I used Imari porcleain plates on a geometric linen from Quadrille and even dyed antique monogrammed napkins to match! Like most of my work, this year’s table for Design*Sponge mixes high and low, new and old in a vibrant color palette, combining traditional golds with a brilliant blue inspired by an antique rug-turned-table-covering I picked up at Brimfield.
For a fresh, more modern take on a traditional harvest centerpiece, I filled a woven cornucopia with fall fruits, chestnuts and gilded leaves. I scored the hammered brass chargers at the Southampton Hospital Thrift Shop last summer ($20 for 10!), while the Paris Porcelain china I found at an estate liquidator in Brimfield. As soon as I saw that matte peach band, accented with rust and gold, I couldn't wait for Thanksgiving!
For the place cards, I took old bookbinding paper with a pretty marbleized pattern from Argosy Books, cut out two pieces to size, glued them back to back, and then adhered a smaller place card from Caspari. Chestnuts with tiny slits cut with a razor blade hold the cards perfectly in place. Just make sure the chestnuts are nice and flat on the bottom, so they stand up straight.
The stemware is hand-blown from the 20s with gilded edges in near-perfect condition. I paid $60 for a set of 24 at the same thrift shop in Southampton where I found the chargers. The carafe is from the 70s with a great, modern shape and a stylish cork stopper. I found it at the Goodwill for a buck.
The candlesticks are by Andrea Sadek, probably from the 80s, while the sawtooth salt cellars are Irish crystal from the 30s.
The napkins are made from my friend Steve McKenzie's beautiful new line of fabrics in his signature orange colorway, while the flatware is a mix of gold bamboo and bone with a gorgeous, old scrimshaw monogram.
The buffet, too, mixes new and old serving pieces from disparate time periods atop a rug-turn-table-covering from Brimfield.
Thanksigiving is my favorite holiday of the year, and now that my table is set, I'm ready to entertain in style!
Enjoy the holiday everyone, and thank you, as always, for your readership, your loyalty and, above all, your friendship. Happy Thanksgiving!
Perfect 10/10. I’m impressed too.. You know what’s your eye catching stuff which you have used for decorating?? –Yes, your “Brilliant Blue”, gives regal look to your dine table.
Posted by: Daisy Holmes | November 28, 2012 at 01:52 AM
sooo gorgeous! loving all the little details!
Posted by: maureen | November 26, 2012 at 09:43 AM
the table setting is really pretty=)
Posted by: faye | November 26, 2012 at 06:05 AM
You are by far the most amazing stylist! I make sure to check every magazine you are in and your home in country living is amazing. I have a few questions. Do you ever get to the Seattle area for seminars, because I would certainly would be there. Your mantle, how do you know how to mix metals like that, how to find the balance and can I do the same with wood pillars and brass? Thank you for your inspiration. You teach how to find your own style, not just copy and do it with a budget in mind. Have an amazing Holiday season. Gina Theodor
Posted by: Gina Theodor | November 24, 2012 at 06:34 PM
Another beautiful holiday celebration, Eddie! Hope your Thanksgiving in California was time well spent with loved ones. Enjoy the holiday season!!
Posted by: Pam | November 23, 2012 at 01:25 PM
Perfection as always Mr. Ross. ~Be well
Posted by: Carl Barnett | November 23, 2012 at 01:24 PM
What a terrific post, Eddie. The table looks fantastic! Reggie
Posted by: Reggie Darling | November 23, 2012 at 12:20 AM
Wow Eddie! So beautifully done.You are the master of table-setting. What amazing deals you found, looks so elegant. Happy Thanksgiving to you & J, my American friends! XO.
Posted by: Cindy@DesignLove | November 22, 2012 at 04:07 PM
speaking of 'out of the blue', they you are!
lovely table eddie
wonderful to 'see' you back. there has been a huge hole in the bloggersphere without your influence
happy thanksgiving
debra
Posted by: debra@5th and state | November 22, 2012 at 10:51 AM
Eddie - What an absolutely stunning tablescape (as always)!
I hope you ave a wonderful Thanksgiving.
(P. S. I've missed your posts! so glad to see you're back.)
Posted by: HeidiAnn | November 22, 2012 at 10:11 AM
Oh, that pink china....
Posted by: Kristin S | November 22, 2012 at 10:02 AM
The turquoise brings a bold, modern note to the table that plays beautifully off the traditional china--its absolutely beautiful! Wishing you a fabulous Thanksgiving! Cheers, Barbara
Posted by: Hampton Hostess | November 22, 2012 at 07:48 AM
Eddie,
What an honor to be seated at your exquisite table. I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving and I am grateful for all you inspire.
Many blessings to you and all your endeavors.
pve
Posted by: pve | November 22, 2012 at 04:58 AM