Thanksgiving is one of those American holidays with its own set of tropes and regalia – the gravy boat, the gigantic platter, the ‘good’ china and, of course, a cornucopia. But holiday entertaining can present a conundrum for those whose aesthetic inclinations slant more Rothko than Rockwell (read: all of us at Wallpaper*). How do you create a holiday spread that feels elevated, yet festive and celebratory? There’s no one-size-fits all approach for creating modern Thanksgiving table decor (our very own design editor recently swore off tablescaping), but there are a few places to start.
'A refined holiday table should exude quiet abundance, warmth, and generosity without leaning into the classic clichés,' says Bryony Sheridan, buying director at the luxury e-commerce site Abask. Lean into sculptural centrepieces, subtle glassware and grounding, earthy materials such as linen, hammered metal and ceramics, elements that 'create warmth without clutter,' per Sheridan. 'Minimalism and festivity work beautifully together when the focus is on intentional design rather than solely decoration,' she adds.
'Minimalism and festivity work beautifully together when the focus is on intentional design rather than solely decoration.'
Bryony Sheridan, buying director, Abask
But don’t overdo it – no one wants to have an over-the-top flower arrangement blocking their dinner conversation. 'The golden rule with any table is to edit once before guests arrive because removing the one unnecessary element always elevates the whole table,' Sheridan adds.
Here are a few tabletop pieces we love to get you started. And remember: no matter what’s on your table, the most important thing is the people who surround it.
The star of Thanksgiving is the food you serve, but we think, with this plate set (a favourite of designers everywhere), your feast will shine even more.
No one does silver quite like the French house Puiforcat. This beautiful silver pitcher is based on a 1930s design that once graced the first-class tables of the ocean liner, the SS Normandie. Likewise, this piece is sure to grace your dining room for decades to come.
Drinks, we'd argue, are just as integral to a Thanksgiving spread as the stuffing and gravy. With this colourful set from Prada, you'll be well-equipped for libations of all kinds.
Placemats can feel stuffy, but not when they've been curated by Roman and Williams. This linen one, with its airy fabric and pretty embroidery, will be an all-seasons staple. (Check out the matching napkins and tablecloth too!)
Celebrate the harvest with this whimsical cabbage dinnerware set from Portuguese favourite, Bordallo Pinheiro. It's maximalist without being too much, and is versatile enough to be used year-round (Easter, anyone?).
Nothing says 'festive' like a glass of bubbly. And these delicate coupes from Viennese crystal maker Lobmeyr will make sure you're in good cheer for years to come.
Raise a glass to this gorgeous wineglass designed by Kelly Wearstler. It's made from three thin layers of glass, giving its amber colouring an ethereal feel (or maybe that's just the wine talking).
At last: a tablecloth that doesn't feel fussy, while creating an effortless backdrop for your Thanksgiving spread.
You can never go wrong with a pared-back arrangement of branches or blooms. This footed vase from Paris workshop Astier de Villatte makes for an elegant supporting character.
Safe to say we're nuts for this set of four brass place-card holders. They lean into the autumnal season while maintaining an elevated feel.
What's a place-card holder without the actual place-cards? We love this discreet set from Smythson, which features just the lightest Midas touch.
What could be more timeless than a set of silver candlesticks? These, by Studio Boum are minimal enough to feel contemporary, and diminutive enough to make sure they're not impeding cross-table conversations.
In lieu of ordinary tapers, why not treat yourself to this luxurious set from Trudon? Fun fact: these beauties were used to illuminate the Madeleine church in Paris and we bet they will make your table similarly divine.
Haven't you heard? Diptyque isn't just for lusciously-scented home fragrances. We think this swirling vase would be a chic centrepiece for any holiday spread (and will add a Baies candle to our cart while we're at it).
There are centrepieces and then there are statements. This brutalist-inflected piece was hand-crafted in India and was inspired by the intricate metalwork of the ancient civilisations that inhabited the Indus Valley.
Fortuny, the Venetian textile house, has signified luxury for more than a century. The company recently collaborated with L'Objet on a Midas-touched collection that will bring a glimmer of opulence to your celebration.
Earthy and humble, this simple stoneware bowl exudes the spirit of the season. Pair with the rest of Jenni Kayne's Pacific collection for the full look.
Even your green salad deserves an upgrade. Understated and balanced, these salad servers are crafted in Japan from cherry wood and finished with layers of traditional fuki-urushi lacquer, a time-honoured technique. Use these serving spoons to give your world-famous sides the spotlight they deserve.
These impossibly-thin glass tumblers are hand-blown in Italy and the perfect vessel for water and libations alike.
Le Creuset remains a chef's favourite for a reason; its cast-iron, made-in-France construction allows it stew and braise virtually anything to perfection. Why not add something fun to your collection this Thanksgiving? If black isn't your thing, get it in white or orange.
Inject a dash of pattern and colour into your dinner table decor with this set of colourful napkins from British artist Yinka Ilori. We see this as a nice seasonal host gift, too.
You can never go wrong with a classic like Danish brand Georg Jensen. This flatware set, so named for its sinuous form, adds the perfect twist.
Like a good outfit, a tabletop can always benefit from some jewellery — and this elegant Viennese napkin rings is so striking, we'd gladly wear it ourselves.
If you must incorporate something cheeky, make it this rattan Tom the Turkey. Surround him with matching rattan placemats and you'll have a centrepiece that will make your guests smile.
Turkeys get all the attention during Thanksgiving, but we're crying 'fowl' with this charming duck-foot egg cup. Move over Thanksgiving dinner, because Thanksgiving brunch just became a thing.
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