10 Tips for Creating an Unforgettable Thanksgiving Table

It’s November 7th, 2024, 1:00 AM, and I can’t sleep. As I gaze out my window at the twinkling lights of Manhattan, I feel inspired to help you create a table setting that will shine as brightly as this magnificent cityscape and fill your guests with wonder.

Topics We’ll Cover:

1. Lighting
2. Chairs
3. Table dressing
4. Center piece
5. Plates
6. Cutlery
7. Cutlery rests
8. Table napkins
9. Personalized place cards
10. Flowers and fruits

Understanding Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a significant holiday celebrated primarily in North America. It originated in autumn 1621, when the Plymouth colony celebrated their first successful harvest. Native Americans were invited to share a three-day feast, including wild turkeys, in gratitude for their assistance. This historical event explains why turkey remains the centerpiece dish today, and why families and friends gather around beautifully decorated tables.

Tip 1: Lighting

There’s nothing worse than bad lighting to start an evening. A light that’s too white gives a sickly appearance and light that’s too bright isn’t welcoming. Instead, opt for warm tones and scatter lights throughout the room and on the table. Be careful with the central chandelier above the table. Its downward lighting accentuates dark circles and creates shadows on faces.

Tip 2 : Chairs

We often focus on the table and sometimes forget about the chairs. Yet a beautiful table with ugly chairs loses all its charm. So take advantage of Thanksgiving to change your chairs if you were planning to do so in the coming months. If you have many guests, you can also rent beautiful occasional chairs for the evening.

Tip 3 : Table dressing

When decorating a table, we often wonder whether to use a tablecloth, a table runner, or placemats. It actually depends on your table and the style of the evening. If the table is damaged or of average quality, cover it. Personally, I prefer white or ivory tablecloths which are elegant in all circumstances.

A table runner is ideal for long tables, but it can also be placed widthwise as an alternative to placemats, for example.

Tip 4 : The Centerpiece

I love centerpieces. Use a single one if the table is round and multiple pieces if it’s long. Personally, I prefer flowers. Whether it’s a large bouquet or small arrangements, fresh flowers are always elegant.

Tip 5 : The Plates

For a brilliantly shining Thanksgiving, I recommend choosing dinnerware with gold or silver trim or patterns. For special occasions, I prefer porcelain, particularly from the French brand Bernardaud. It’s a safe choice that will never disappoint.

Sol is a cheery, luminous collection in an unequivocally contemporary style.
https://www.bernardaud.com/en/us/collections/services-de-table/les-incontournables/sol

Pompadour reflects the simple elegance of a scalloped shape, enhanced by three fine gold lines. Designed to accentuate the scalloped edges, they make it a contemporary service of refine luxury.
https://www.bernardaud.com/en/us/collections/services-de-table/nouveautes-service-de-table/pompadour

Tip 6 : The Cutlery

Remember to coordinate the cutlery with the plates. Having a beautiful set that can be brought out for special occasions is always a good investment. You will find many designs in brands like https://www.villeroy-boch.com/

Tip 7 : Cutlery Rests

Don’t forget about cutlery rests. They beautifully decorate the table and prevent staining the tablecloth.

Tip 8 : Table Napkins

No paper napkins for special occasions, even if they’re pretty. Go all out with beautiful fabric napkins.

Tip 9 : Personalized Name Cards

A small touch that makes a big impact.

Tip 10 : Fruits

To complement the flowers arranged on the table, I also always like to have a beautiful decorative fruit basket. In addition to being appetizing, it brings color. You can enhance it with nuts and marzipan of different shapes.

I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving celebration.