If there is anything that I am “known” for on pinterest, it would be my Thanksgiving table settings — mostly ones with the box. As I plan this year’s table, I always like to look back on years past for inspiration.
Last year for the centerpiece, I used an old wood board with hydrangeas, cedar, white painted pumpkins and old silver, including my great grandfather’s Aladdin-style oil lamp.
I borrowed my mother’s collection of vintage Johnson Brothers “Friendly Village” dinnerware for the table, and I made place cards using a photo of a song from an old hymn book belonging to her family.
I was really excited when Country Living Magazine and House Beautiful used some of these photos on their websites.
This is where it all started several years ago–with the box:-)
I recently sold this particular box knowing we could always make another one.
Here, Mikasa “Italian Countryside” is paired with Churchill “Thanksgiving” salad plates, 1896 Wallace “Louvre” sterling flatware and Durand Cristal D’Arques “Longchamp” crystal. The rattan chargers were from Walmart, and I stained them with dark walnut stain.
I was honored when Country Living also used this photo for their Thanksgiving roundup.
I dropped the orange a couple years ago and started using Vanilla-strawberry hydrangeas in the box, and the Churchill plates worked just as well with these colors. I changed out the rattan chargers for silver-plated trays, which I use a lot.
Last year, I decided to try a budget version of my Thanksgiving table using the same centerpiece, and changed out the rest to everyday and thrifted items.
It might just be my favorite because of the simplicity.
I will probably go a similar direction this year. As I look back, the tables definitely get simpler every year.
We made a video last year showing how to set an elegant table on a budget you can check out here:
I always look forward to hosting Thanksgiving and love that my mom lets me cook the turkey, cornbread dressing, potatoes, and gravy. She does the rest…including the homemade candy roaster and apple pies. I’ll be sharing some of our recipes throughout this month as well.
Do you have your Thanksgiving table planned yet?
I’ll be joining:
Because of health issues in my family, our Thanksgiving is going to be pared down quite a bit this year. But you've certainly given me some wonderful ideas for dressing up our small table. I especially love the idea for staining the rattan placemats (of course, mine will be blue). Your talents never fail to amaze me!
I love your beautiful tablescapes! I really love how you have painted the walls in your dining room, just gorgeous!
Such stunning tablescapes and I love the turkey plates! Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi Anita,
What a treat seeing you do a video, I absolutely loved it! Thank you for sharing your talents with us, such a beautiful tablescape.
I like how you layer your items, it really makes for a beautiful setting. 🙂
This is a gorgeous table scape!! Love all the dried florals.
Beautiful tables Anita…and I so loved your video…it is like meeting you for the first time and hearing your beautiful voice!!!…Love that you used the round silver trays for the chargers!.
Girl you rocked it in the video! I think you and hubby are quite a team! xxx…Brooke…. ps… the table ideas are STUNNING!
I love it all. You clearly have an eye for design, and THIS is a showstopper in every way. The entire room is gorgeous! XOXO
This is one of the most gorgeous tables I've seen. I like the one where you used the complete setting of utensils best. The box is a great touch of rustic fun that counters the formal pieces. So nice.
Hip, hip, hooray for you, Anita!!! Great video tutorial! ANd the music is your own creation??!?!??!!! Hey now, girl! Go on with your bad self!!! 🙂
Glad you reminded folks which side the knives and forks go on and to turn the blade side in on the knife. That's a great tip for the novice homemaker. Also great that you used a mix of thrift, vintage, and heirloom pieces to complete the table. It really is reflective of how most tables probably come together and, again, let's the novice tablescaper know it's not necessary to run out and buy all new, expensive stuff.
Excellent job, little lady! Have a great Wednesday!
Hi Anita! Oh, your tables are always gorgeous! Your box looks so awesome and I love all the different ways you've decorated it. Love the one with the pine cones and candles! You do it up right, sweetie! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Hi Anita!
I love all your gorgeous tables! The one for 2014 is stunning…dishes and fabulous box centerpiece.
FABBY
Stunning! Everything plays nicely off the warm wood tones.
Lovely…love all the ways that you have done your box centerpiece. All of these tables are gorgeous!
These are beautiful. Thank you for sharing inspiration!
That's lovely!!!