One of my most popular posts ever was a holiday post about decorating with old familiar things. For our Thanksgiving table I am going back to that idea and using most everything that we already have, but in a fresh way. I did add napkins that I bought on sale last summer at Serena & Lily and four copper candle holders from Terrain. Everything else we either made (the birch tree place card holders that I wrote about here) or have had for many years. I’ve been collecting old silver trays, but have never used them as chargers. Smaller ones work perfectly with salad size plates for kids. The more traditional size silver trays work well with a regular size dinner plate.
My mom just sent me the glassware. I grew up with it on our table and she mentioned she was getting rid of things….I was happy to take them off her hands. The silver soup spoons are all different. I love to look for them at flea markets and tag sales. Going to flea markets with friends and finding silver soup spoons is like a memento that reminds me of the day for years to come.
I’m hoping we have a nice warm Thanksgiving day…When we lived in California and Arizona we always enjoyed our Thanksgiving on the patio. Living in Connecticut, it’s not likely, but you never know!
I have been inspired by Janet of the Gardener’s Cottage to use simple things and fresh herbs for a Thanksgiving centerpiece. I filled my copper vessel with fresh herbs from our garden like rosemary and sage. To make the place cards I used watercolors inspired by the copper color napkins and candle holders.
Watercolor paper is a good weight for place cards and a paper trimmer helps get a clean edge. You could have your kids paint and you could cut them using this paper trimmer. We painted both sides of the paper so that it looks nice on the table from all angles.
So there you go…now we just have to get the menu in order. Our sweet friend is bringing pies from Flour Bakery in Boston. The rest of the menu will be a combination of old recipes and a new one from our new favorite cookbook, Small Victories by Julia Turshen.
So what are your Thanksgiving table and menu plans? Or will you be traveling?
wow annie i adore the unexpected mix of colors. what a great idea to use silver trays as chargers. i used to have so many of those but i think i only have 2 now. i guess i know what i’ll be looking for while scrounging! i hope you have a warm day to have your dinner outside, it’s my favorite too! xoxo janet
As usual, you have inspired me since I am hosting Thanksgiving this year. I love the fresh herbs, color of napkins and homemade place cards (I’ll have Kate & Olivia make them) and the copper. Another Annie hit – so simply and beautiful! ?❤️
P.S. LOVE the blankets too! Perfect color and cozy addition.
So fresh and pretty, Annie. The blankets are the best!
This looks so pretty, Annie. Love the amber glasses. Hope you get a warm day! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. xo