Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas

Posted November 14, 2012 by Heather Vreeland | Entertaining & Holidays, Holiday Parties | 7 Comments

Today’s post is a beauty and the perfect thing to get you in the Thanksgiving spirit. I first spotted Mandy Rye of Waiting on Martha at an Amy Atlas book signing here in Atlanta. There she was dressed so stylishly and incredibly friendly. Since then we’ve worked with her on a print project, this fabulous Thanksgiving table setting and in the future, so much more. I have a feeling you’ll be seeing her regularly on our site! Not to mention the work of Rustic White Photography who shot today’s feature. Another talented duo. I’ll let Mandy take it away from here and give you all the inside details to recreate this table setting yourself.

There is nothing I enjoy more than the holidays. Scratch that, there is nothing I enjoy more than eating during the holidays. And whether I’m cooking a feast for the whole fam or just having a few friends over to celebrate, next to the food and drinks, the table is the most important part. And while it’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to create just the right table setting I have a few MUSTS that carry me seamlessly table to table, season to season.

White Plates. Rather than buy different and expensive place settings for every holiday and occasion simply invest in one set of large round white plates and switch out the salad plates with something more festive like the gorgeous gourd ones you see here.

Colored Glassware. In an ideal world I’d own glassware in every color of the rainbow, but if I had to pick just two it would be green and blue. Green is perfect for the fall and winter holidays, blue for the spring and summer holidays. And I promise it’s MUCH more affordable then you would think. I scored mine at Homegoods and World Market.

Gold Stemware. There is no better way to add a touch of glam to your table with gold stemware. My personal set came from a One Kings Lane sale, but you can find a similar set at West Elm. And don’t worry, even though they look expensive they’re not!

Candlelight. Candlelight makes everything better. Just make sure you use unscented candles. There’s nothing worse than trying to enjoy a meal and all you can smell is honey-vanilla-lavender candle.

Linen Linens. Everyone should own linen table linens. They’re the perfect neutral. They can be dressed up or down. And they’re easier to get stains out. I’m personally obsessed with Ice Milk Aprons new Heirloom collection.

Specialty Drink. Try this Waiting on Martha (super easy) Toast cidar to warm up your guests! Ingredients included are: Cinnamon Sticks, Apple Cider Concentrate (I prefer Williams Sonoma Five Apple Cider), Mulling Spices (also Williams Sonoma), and Bourbon. Bring apple cider concentrate, mulling spices, and water to a boil. Reduce heat and add ½ – 1 cup of bourbon to mixture and allow to simmer for approximately 30 minutes. Remove your mulling spices, and enjoy.