A Guide to Setting the Perfect Thanksgiving Table

Step 1: The Thanksgiving Tablecloth

A beautiful tablecloth is a must-have, as it is the foundation of your table setting. So we advise choosing something that will make you and your guests want to sit together around the table for hours. At S&B, our stunning range of linens is varied enough to ensure you can pick and choose a collection to match your style - ranging from traditional and timeless to modern and sophisticated Thanksgiving charm.

Tips for Selecting the Thanksgiving Tablecloth:

For a Traditional Thanksgiving Look: A tablecloth adorned with autumnal colours is the perfect way to create a festive and cozy atmosphere. Start with a table linen that features warm, earthy tones like burnt orange, deep burgundy, or grape purple. These colour combinations will provide a nostalgic nod to a traditional Thanksgiving and make your guests feel warm and welcome. 

• For a Touch of Vintage and Bohemian Style: Opt for a Thanksgiving tablecloth with whimsical motifs that evoke a feeling of warmth and nostalgia – think intricate lace patterns or forest greenery designs. This unique style choice will help your guests recall Thanksgiving memories, sparking delightful conversation starters. Additionally, the detailed patterns and rich colours will enhance the visual appeal and evoke a sense of tradition and celebration that will boost your guests' festive mood.
• For a Modern Thanksgiving Twist: Opt for a bold palette of orange, rose pink, or avocado green to create a chic and contemporary festive look. These vibrant colours not only capture the essence of the occasion but also seamlessly transition into different seasons. 

Step 2: The Thanksgiving Napkins

Napkins add another layer of creativity and beauty to your table. Also, they are the tableware item that your guests interact with the most, so beautiful napkins are a perfect opportunity to interact with your guests! Choose napkins with fall colours or patterns, such as rich oranges, deep reds, and warm yellows, or ones adorned with fall foliage. You can also fold them into creative shapes to add an extra touch of holiday spirit. Don't forget to pair them with stylish napkin rings to complete the look.

Tips for Selecting the Thanksgiving Napkins:

• Complete the Look: Each Summerill & Bishop tablecloth has a matching napkin to pair. Complete your S&B look by adding napkins that match the design of your tablecloth. This will keep your style cohesive and add an extra layer of elegance.
• Mix and Match: Create different combinations by mixing and matching napkin designs. For instance, the S&B 'Sunset Rainbow’ tablecloth pairs wonderfully with the S&B ‘Stripe’ napkins. Remember, the main thing is to have fun with it and make it personal to you. It’s your table, your mealtime and your loved ones – do what feels right to you and you can’t go wrong.
• Add Napkin Rings: Once at the table, the first thing your guests will do prior to eating is taking off the napkin ring from their napkin. Therefore, this is a time to have their full attention and shine! Choose beautiful glass, ceramic, or woven napkin rings to tie your look together. 

Step 3: The Thanksgiving Dinnerware

Your dinnerware choice says a lot about the occasion. Will you choose classic white plates? Or do you dare to choose striking sets that make your dinnerware stand out? You may consider fun-shaped plates for a unique look - think the 'Etoile', 'Daisy', or ‘Josephine’ collections to show off your creative side. 

Tips for Selecting the Thanksgiving Dinnerware:

• For a Formal Look: Stick to similar designs that create a cohesive look.
• Mix and Match and Have Fun: Don’t be afraid to combine different sets to create a unique look. Incorporate mismatched china, for instance, combining ‘Daisy’ and ‘Cresus’ plates, or ‘Cambridge’ and our scalloped dinner plates. 

Step 4: The Thanksgiving Serveware

One of the main events of the night is of course, the Thanksgiving meal. To make your menu shine, opt for statement pieces that are functional, stylish and enhance the serving experience. Consider using a beautiful turkey platter as the centerpiece, paired with elegant gravy boats and serving bowls for side dishes like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. 

Tips for Selecting the Thanksgiving Serveware:

• Layer the Heights: Use platters and stands with different heights to add various dimensions to your tablescape. This will keep your arrangement from looking ‘flat’.
• Mix and Match: There are no rules for choosing your serveware. Get creative, mix and match, and allow yourself to explore different combinations of styles. Choose unique pieces, like the ceramic serving bowls, or small ceramic bowls scattered around the table to ensure everyone has easy access to the gravy!

Step 5: The Thanksgiving Glassware

Glassware is an essential part of your Thanksgiving table design; otherwise, how would you make a toast to gratitude and togetherness? Opt for smooth, crystal-clear glasses to showcase the color and effervescence of your homemade cocktails, such as spiced apple cider or cranberry spritzers. For a playful touch, add pops of color with vibrant water tumblers, perhaps in autumnal shades like amber, deep red, or burnt orange. 

Tips for Selecting the Thanksgiving Glassware:

• Planning Ahead: Ensure you have enough glassware for each course, including water glasses and additional wine glasses & champagne coups, after all, we are celebrating.
• Functional and Stylish: Choose glasses that are not only beautiful but also practical for your planned drinks menu. If you’re celebrating somewhere sunny or al fresco, you may want to opt for a heavier option like ourfaceted glassware, to ensure it doesn’t get blown off your table.
• Show Off Your Uniqueness: Choose from our hand-painted glassware collections (each slightly different from the rest) to show your guests the uniqueness of your table setting. 

Step 6: The Cutlery

Another essential part of your Thanksgiving tablescape is your cutlery. Whether you prefer a classic look with a classic silver-plated set, or want to add a rustic vibe with a silver and boxwood set, Summerill & Bishop has a variety of cutlery designs to help you find the perfect one for your table.

Tips for Selecting the Cutlery:

• Planning Ahead: Set aside some time to polish your silver before the party. You'll thank yourself later - no last-minute scrambling to shine dozens of cutlery sets!
• Explore New Styles: You don't have to stick to the classic silverware, consider fun sets that include different materials and elements, like ourSilver and Boxwood set, or our Silver and Resin sets.

Step 7: Candles and Candlesticks

Illuminate your table with candles and candlesticks. Place candles in glass holders or use elegant glass candelabras for a dramatic effect. Their gentle light will create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, enhancing the sense of togetherness and celebration around your table.

Tips for Selecting the Candles and Candlesticks:

• The Scent: Choose a variety of candles that create a festive scent.
• Layer the Heights: Consider having a variety of short and tall candlesticks to create different types of lighting. This will also help you create a sense of depth on the table.

Step 8: Thanksgiving Centerpieces

A simple, yet elegant way to elevate your Thanksgiving tablescape is by adding a centerpiece. Flowers and foliage, for instance, will bring a touch of nature indoors, filling spaces with their fresh scents and vibrant colours. Some ways to incorporate greenery on your table is by adding a statement centerpiece that’s bursting with traditional Thanksgiving greenery like evergreens and pine, or a series of smaller bud vases with seasonal blooms scattered happily down the middle of the table, this way, your view of the person seated opposite you isn’t obstructed and vice versa. 

Tips for the Flowers and Foliage:

• Forage in Your Local Forest: A thoughtful touch to your table is using beautiful dried leaves from your local forest or park to use as place setting cards. Use a gold pen or marker to write personalized messages for each guest and further elevate the look.
• Seasonal Blooms: Choose flowers that are in season to ensure they are fresh, vibrant, and ideal for the occasion. To match seasonal blooms, you can explore our floral collections to ensure your table is always matching with nature.
• Mix and Match the Styles: Use a mix of large centerpieces and smaller vases for a dynamic look.

Step 9: Personal Touches for Your Thanksgiving Tablescape

Thanksgiving is all about making your loved ones feel special and letting them know how much they mean to you, so don't miss out on the opportunity to add personal touches that make your guests feel extra special. Consider using alphabet napkins, handwritten place cards, or custom menu cards to show your guests how much you care. 

Souviens-toi de Vivre

The essence of Thanksgiving lies in these simple yet profound connections, and while the table should be beautiful, it’s not necessarily about a big, stylized event, but rather about focusing on the moment and creating special memories. It's these shared experiences and heartfelt conversations that will linger in the minds and hearts of your friends and family for years to come.

Happy Thanksgiving!

S&B x