A simple Thanksgiving Table using what you have
A simple Thanksgiving table using what you have on hand and still making it lovely and unique. Every year I start thinking about our Thanksgiving table as soon as the air turns colder and the leaves start changing. I like to use a combination of what I already own and maybe even some foraged finds from a walk in the woods, the beach, or our own backyard.
Since it’s Thanksgiving, I’ll press the napkins, but it will still be very casual
Our simple Thanksgiving table is always casual and a bit rustic. I may press the napkins since after all, it is a special occasion, but other than that, you can bet it’s very simple. Last year I used spools of velvet ribbon with Eucalyptus and apples down the middle of the table. I loved it and thought about repeating it, but then I wouldn’t have much to talk about! You can see that simple Thanksgiving table right here!
Decide on a color scheme or theme early and let everything fall into place
The first thing I do is think of a theme or color scheme. For this table, I decided on neutrals along with the amber bottles. Once I decided on the amber bottles, the rest just sort of fell into place. Start with one thing and then take it from there!
Here’s what I used this year for our simple Thanksgiving Table using mostly what I have
- Amber bottles in different sizes
- Our farmhouse plank – We made it for less than $20, you can read the post here.
- Dried flowers/grasses
- Unscented candles and votives
- A collection of table linens all in shades of tan and creamy whites (Checked linen napkins, a table runner from Pottery Barn)
- Vintage Bread and butter plates with silver butter knives.
- Gold short glasses from Ikea and Cayman glassware from Serena & Lily
- A simple golden yellow leaf with names of each guests written in a gold Sharpie paint pen
- Pastry tins to hold votives and a tray for candles in gold to bring in mixed metals
- Stoneware dishes from Garnet Hill – I use these dishes often. They mix well with my Apilco soup bowls and small vintage plates.
Pumpkin Soup with Savory Granola
Just a small bowl
This year, like most years we will start with a small bowl of pumpkin soup. I will add a little savory granola to each bowl. The combination of the velvety soup and the crunchy granola is the perfect way to start any autumn meal. Last night we had a small bowl with a salad and a slice of homemade pizza with leftover dough from the weekend. The pizza had potatoes, shallots, and rosemary. All the flavors of a rustic fall dinner.
I’ve been making this pumpkin soup for over 30 years! This year I added Savory Granola!
We use this pumpkin soup recipe that I’ve been making for at least 30 years! Wow, I cannot even believe I just typed that! I’ve tried others, but this is the one I keep coming back to over and over again! There was a restaurant in Scottsdale, AZ and I remember having the soup and thinking it was maybe the best thing I had ever tasted. I was far less traveled back then, but still to this day, when I make it the same way as the French chef that was so kind to write out the recipe for me, I still think it’s delicious! You could make it with olive oil instead of butter, but heck, who am I to change the recipe from a French chef that took the time to share this amazing soup recipe with me?
PrintSavory Granola
This granola is a great addition for creamy soups.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup buckwheat groats
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- 1/2 cup shelled raw pistachios
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon maldon salt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/4 olive oil
- 1 large egg white beaten
Instructions
Mix everything together in a large bowl and spread evenly on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment. Scrunch it together if you want clusters and bake for 25-30 minutes. Turn once halfway through.
Make sure to pop over and visit these blogs for tablescape inspiration and maybe a recipe or two for your thanksgiving table
ciao newport beach
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Annie, I just love each and every thing about your table. The amber bottles, caning and vintage touches are so perfect for Thanksgiving. I must give pumpkin soup a try. This sounds delicious. I usually go for Butternut Squash soup in the fall, but pumpkins is such the obvious choice!
Annie you are brilliant! I love the idea of adding the savory granola! I can’t wait to try it. Your tablescape is so simple and charming. When you sent your pic for the graphic I knew it was going to be wonderful. I want to come to Thanksgiving at your house! Or wait how about the dinner you had with the pizza! Absolutely loved this!
The pumpkin soup looks so yummy! I’m definitely putting this recipe on file. And what a lovely Thanksgiving table especially the centerpiece!
Wow…that soup looks amazing and so clever to add the granola….love it!! Your table is so casually elegant! Just like you, Annie.
LOOKS LOVELY ANNIE!
I TOO MAKE A BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP which I ADORE!
Mine is a bit simpler just celery root and parsley and one onion I believe…….time to pull it out!
I saw back eat had some snow……………New Hampshire I think!
Elizabeth! No snow here! Not yet, thank goodness! I am certain your soup is delicious! I’ve been enjoying your recent “entertaining with The Italian” posts! So. Much. Fun!
I agree Annie, I’ve enjoyed them too!
Ok first, leftover pizza? I’ve never had any pizza leftover at my house(its my favorite meal) I guess I could make an extra one to have with this scrumptious soup. As for savory granola, this looks fabulous! I am going to be making this and gifting it for Christmas, I will report back on how the recipients liked it.
Your table looks beautiful. IT is funny but for some reason people feel like at the holidays everything has to be new, you’ve just proven that you can make a beautiful table using everything you already have. I like to do the same.
Thank you for sharing!
Hi Annie,
Your table is very inviting! I agree that it’s best to keep things simple but pretty!
That pumpkin soup reminds me of the butternut squash soup I make. Velvety and delicious! Except I use a banana to thicken it ( secret ingredient!), it adds flavor without all the calories, and also makes the soup dairy free!
Hope your week is going well. I enjoyed your post!
Xo Heidi
Heidi, banana? That is a secret ingredient, but I can see that it would flavor and make it even healthier!
I must be missing something. Do you bake the granol?
Annie,
Simple is best, especially at Thanksgiving. The day is often a little busy and the simplicity reminds us of the reason we’re all gathered around the table.
Karen
That’s so true Karen! The day can get away from us and really it’s about gathering together! I do love to do as much ahead as possible.
xx
a